Former President Barack Obama is getting involved in New Jersey’s tight race for governor, endorsing Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) in a 30-second ad released Friday morning.
The Sherrill campaign said his endorsement will be pushed in radio and digital ads. The campaign did not specify how much spending will back the respective ads.
“This November, we have an opportunity to chart a different path forward — to reject the chaos in Washington and lower costs in New Jersey — and I’m so grateful to have President Obama’s support and endorsement in this race,” Sherrill said in a release. “President Obama led historic efforts to lower healthcare costs and, now, Jack Ciattarelli is all in on Trump’s plans to raise premiums and kick hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans off their healthcare.”
Obama had previously assisted Sherrill’s campaign in a more private manner: In July, the New Jersey Globe reported that he joined the congresswoman at Gov. Phil Murphy’s home to raise $1.5 million for the DNC, which spent some of that money in the Garden State.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli. Trump, who has his own ties to New Jersey, is considering hosting tele-rallies for Ciattarelli, according to Axios.
On Thursday, the 44th president similarly endorsed former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for governor in Virginia. Obama holds the highest favorability rating among living presidents, according to polling.
Sherrill faces Ciattarelli in the Nov. 4 gubernatorial election. Mail-in voting has already started, and early, in-person voting starts Oct. 25.
Script:
“Hey, New Jersey. This is Barack Obama, and I want to talk to you about my friend, Mikie Sherrill.
Mikie is a mom who will drive down costs for New Jersey families. As a federal prosecutor and former Navy helicopter pilot, she worked to keep our communities safe. Mikie’s integrity, grit, and commitment to service are what we need right now in our leaders.
Mikie Sherrill is the right choice for your next governor. So go vote by November 4.”
