Former President Barack Obama has raised $13.6 million for Democratic candidates and committees since last year, including $3.6 million in a single fundraiser this week, as he intensifies his involvement in the 2024 midterm elections. Obama’s fundraising efforts are part of a broader push to support Democratic Senate and gubernatorial candidates in competitive races ahead of the November 3 elections.
Obama’s campaign activities and endorsements
Obama has recorded two dozen video endorsements for Democratic candidates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is seeking reelection, and Senate candidates in Georgia, Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin. He is scheduled to campaign in Michigan later this month for Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Obama’s digital ads for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) emphasize voter turnout and grassroots fundraising, with a six-figure ad buy across platforms. In the ads, Obama frames the election as a pivotal moment, urging Americans to “turn hope into action.”
Key battleground states and Democratic targets
Obama highlighted several states where Democratic candidates are competitive, including Michigan, North Carolina, Maine, Alaska, Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin. He noted that some of these races, such as in Texas, were previously considered unlikely for Democrats. The DNC has described Obama’s involvement as a motivating factor for voters, with DNC Chair Ken Martin stating that the former president’s support will help “mobilize voters in the home stretch.”
Obama’s messaging and priorities
In his digital ads and public remarks, Obama has avoided directly naming political opponents but has criticized the broader political climate, describing it as marked by “chaos, cruelty and corruption.” He has framed the election as a choice between “decency and integrity” and the current political environment. The DNC’s fundraising and mobilization efforts are centered on competitive Senate races where Democrats aim to regain control of the chamber, as well as gubernatorial contests in key states.
Context and historical role
Obama’s active role in midterm elections is not unprecedented; he has served as a prominent surrogate for Democrats in past cycles, earning the nickname “closer-in-chief” for his fundraising and campaigning efforts. Polling has consistently ranked him as one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, a factor that may contribute to his effectiveness as a campaign surrogate.