NORFOLK, Virginia — As the Democratic Party grapples with its future direction, former President Barack Obama has stepped into the spotlight, rallying support in pivotal gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. His appearances in Norfolk and Newark on Saturday underscore his ongoing influence and the party's reliance on his charisma in the absence of a clear new leader.

In Norfolk, home to the nation's largest Naval installation and two historically Black colleges, and later in Newark, New Jersey's most populous city, Obama's presence was strategic. The areas are key battlegrounds where Democratic nominees Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill are focusing their efforts to secure victories in the upcoming November 4 elections. Both candidates are leveraging Obama's appeal to galvanize voters, particularly in communities of color, which are crucial for their electoral success.

However, Obama's return to the campaign trail also highlights a broader issue within the Democratic Party — its current lack of a definitive leader following significant losses in 2024. These losses left the party without power at the federal level, heightening the stakes of the upcoming midterm elections.

During his speeches, Obama criticized the economic policies of Republicans, particularly those endorsed by President Donald Trump, who has made gains in both Virginia and New Jersey. Obama pointed out the failures in Trump's economic promises, which he argued worsened living costs and overall affordability. "Abigail’s opponent seems to care a lot about what Trump and his cronies are doing," Obama said, targeting the Republican tax law without directly naming Virginia’s Republican gubernatorial nominee, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.

Obama's engagement isn't limited to public appearances. He also held a private conversation with New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, emphasizing his role in steering an adrift Democratic Party. This involvement comes at a time when the party is urgently searching for a resonant message and cohesive leadership.

The former president's efforts to rally voters around economic issues come as thousands of federal workers face hardships due to a government shutdown and job cuts, issues that are particularly acute in Virginia. Both Spanberger and Sherrill have criticized their Republican opponents for their allegiance to Trump's policies, which they argue harm the state economies and citizens' well-being.

As the races heat up, Obama's presence is a double-edged sword. While it energizes the Democratic base, Republicans criticize it as an over-reliance on past figures instead of presenting new solutions and leaders. "Sherrill and Spanberger both lack a cohesive forward-looking agenda to improve the lives of voters in their states," said Courtney Alexander, communications director for the Republican Governors Association.

Despite the criticism, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin expressed confidence in Obama's involvement, emphasizing his pivotal role in reminding voters of the stakes at hand. As the elections draw near, Obama's continued appeal to voters remains a central strategy for the Democrats, even as they navigate the challenges of defining their future leadership.