Former President Barack Obama will headline rallies Saturday for Democrats running for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, corralling voters ahead of elections that may signal the national mood 10 months into Donald Trump’s second presidency and a year ahead of midterm elections that could reshape it.

The Democratic candidates' focus on affordability could provide a future road map for the party, even as they’ve danced around trans rights and immigration.

With President Trump making inroads with Black and Latino voters, the path to the governor’s office runs through regions Democrats can no longer take for granted.

Voter turnout has surged in New Jersey during the first few days of the early in-person voting period in this year’s closely watched gubernatorial election — and the early tallies likely show an advantage for Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill over her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli.

In the race for New Jersey governor, Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill is trying to reverse Donald Trump’s gains with Latino voters in the 2024 election while her Republican rival, Jack Ciattarelli, is seeking to build on them.