Mikie Sherrill, left, and Jack Ciattarelli, right, are facing off in the closely contested race to become New Jersey's next governor. Former President Barack Obama, center, is campaigning for Sherrill on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (Seth Wenig/AP; Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images; Frank Franklin II/AP)
Among those who say they are extremely enthusiastic about voting this year, Ciattarelli is ahead by five points – but among those either extremely or very enthusiastic, it’s Sherrill by four. That’s because more Republicans feel extremely enthusiastic (52%) than Democrats (40%).
Obama is expected in Norfolk, Virginia, earlier Saturday afternoon to campaign for Abigal Spanberger, a former House Democrat who is facing off against Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the governor’s race there.
The former president is then heading to Newark, New Jersey, for an event with Sherrill later Saturday. Obama has endorsed both candidates.
OBAMA THE ‘CAMPAIGN CLOSER’ FOR DEMOCRATS IN TOP 2025 ELECTIONS AS PARTY AIMS TO REBOUND
New Jersey Republican gubernatorial Jack Ciattarelli speaks with voters at a restaurant in Robbinsville, N.J., on Oct. 29, 2025. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News )
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"It’s not too much to ask to invest in workers. It's not too much to ask to get a good wage. And so I have to tell you, it's all on the line here. There are only two states in the nation with these races. New Jersey and Virginia," Sherrill said.
Fox News’ Dana Blanton contributed to this report.
Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sherrill-insists-nj-dem-stronghold-ahead-obama-visit-rejecting-gop-momentum-not-purple-state