DNC Allocates Additional Funds to Support Gubernatorial Candidates in Critical States

Democrat gubernatorial candidates Abigail Spanberger of Virginia and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey launched their campaigns with strong polling numbers suggesting inevitable success. But now, just a week away from Election Day, their leads have begun to shrink.  

On Wednesday, the two will join a virtual rally via Zoom organized by the Democratic National Committee. According to The New York Times, the purpose of the virtual rally is to energize the party and campaign volunteers. The event will also be livestreamed on YouTube for public viewership.  

The rally comes just a week after the DNC funneled $500,000 into these campaigns and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court elections. This is in addition to the $3 million it has already spent on each state’s Democrat coordinated campaign.  

DNC Chairman Ken Martin commented on the party’s involvement in the two states’ races in a press release: “With early voting in full swing, the DNC is leaving it all on the field to ensure Democrats up and down the ballot win in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey on November 4^th,” he stated. 

According to RealClearPolling, Sherrill held a 21-point lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in June. However, her lead has narrowed significantly, the current polling average showing her ahead by just 3.7 points. In contrast, Spanberger has maintained a steadier lead throughout the campaign, though the race has tightened. RealClearPolling shows her, on average, 7.1 points ahead of Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. 

Spanberger and Sherrill were both elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 and served three terms together until Spanberger announced she would not seek reelection in 2024, instead running for governor. Sherrill is still currently representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District and will have to step down if she wins. The two became close friends while serving in the House and were even roommates in Washington, D.C., during their first term.  

Other party leaders that are set to appear at the Zoom rally include Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Martin.