Last week’s ad from former President Barack Obama has conservatives questioning whether the endorsement signals doubt from Democrats about securing a win for the closely watched Virginia gubernatorial race.

The former president appears in two new digital ads released last week for Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger. Obama is expected to join the campaign alongside Spanberger in a Nov. 1 rally in Norfolk, Virginia. 

“Virginia’s elections are some of the most important in the country this year,” Obama said in an Oct. 17 ad. The ad was shared on the former president’s personal X account with the message, “Virginia, the stakes couldn’t be higher in this election. And Abigail @SpanbergerForVA is the best choice for Governor.”

Responding to news of Obama’s endorsement, conservative political commentator Katie Pavlich shared the story on X, writing, “Oh my, it must be way too close for Democrats’ comfort.” (RELATED: Virginia Law Enforcement Groups Demand Jay Jones Withdraw Over “Vile” Threats Against Republicans)

Pavlich seemed to imply that the closeness of the race in its final weeks brought on the former president’s involvement in the Virginia race. Both the ads and the anticipated appearance at the Norfolk rally come just two weeks before the election. Other voices on the right pointed to the timing of Obama’s involvement. The Republican Party of Virginia called it an “11th-hour [push] to save Abigail Spanberger’s flailing campaign.”

Spanberger will face Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the race to become Virginia’s next governor. The race has attracted widespread interest given the controversial handling of the scandal involving candidate for attorney general, Jay Jones.  

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