Fundraiser Raises Millions for DNC and Local Races
Former President Barack Obama made a significant return to the political stage during a private Democratic fundraiser held in Red Bank, New Jersey. Hosted by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, the high-level dinner event attracted both in-person attendees and online supporters. According to a source familiar with the event, the evening drew in $2.5 million for the Democratic National Committee (DNC), making it one of the more substantial fundraising efforts of the summer.
A significant portion of the funds will be channeled into the upcoming New Jersey governor’s race, in which Rep. Mikie Sherrill is the Democratic nominee. With elections heating up, these financial resources are seen as essential for organizing voter outreach, digital campaigns, and local infrastructure.
Obama Endorses Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger
Obama used the event to highlight key gubernatorial candidates, offering strong endorsements for Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for governor in Virginia. He lauded both women as “powerful spokespersons for a pragmatic, commonsense desire to help people,” emphasizing their track records of service and moderate platforms as effective tools in bridging party divides.
His praise for these candidates also reflects a broader Democratic strategy: focusing on electable, practical leaders who resonate with moderate and swing voters while still championing core Democratic values.
Democratic Strategy: Unity, Practicality, and Delivery
During his remarks, Obama acknowledged internal debates within the Democratic Party, particularly between progressives and those advocating for the “abundance agenda”—a centrist economic platform focused on increasing access and opportunity through market solutions.
He urged unity and a focus on real-world results: “These things are not contradictory,” he said. “You want to deliver for people and make their lives better? You’ve got to figure out how to do it.” His message was clear—ideological disputes must not hinder progress. Instead, Democrats must rally around policies that tangibly improve lives.
Housing Crisis and Policy Obstacles Highlighted
One of the clearest examples Obama gave was the ongoing housing crisis. He criticized restrictive zoning laws and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) sentiments that prevent the construction of multifamily housing. These policies, he argued, often undermine progressive goals, even when championed by those claiming to support working-class Americans.
“I don’t care how much you love working people,” he said. “If they can’t afford a house because the rules in your state make it impossible to build, then your ideology doesn’t matter.” His comments reinforced the need for practical reforms, not just rhetorical alignment with progressive ideals.
Obama’s Continued Critique of Trump
Though he’s been selective in his public commentary since Donald Trump’s return to power in January, Obama did not hold back at the closed-door event. He said he was not surprised by Trump’s behavior or by what he sees as the erosion of guardrails within the Republican Party.
He warned that the country is drifting closer to authoritarianism, echoing concerns he shared last month. Obama has consistently raised alarms about the threats to democratic institutions, judicial independence, and freedom of expression under Trump’s leadership.
Institutions Urged to Stand Against Intimidation
Obama also directed his attention toward key institutions—such as law firms, universities, and civil society organizations—urging them to actively resist intimidation from the Trump administration. He encouraged Americans from all walks of life to make sacrifices for their values.
“What’s being asked of us is to make some effort to stand up for the things you think are right,” he said. “Be willing to be a little uncomfortable in defense of your values, in defense of the country, and in defense of the world you want to leave your children and grandchildren.”
Building Democratic Momentum for 2026
Obama’s forward-looking message was aimed squarely at the 2026 midterm elections. He emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization, fundraising, and sustained civic engagement to rebuild momentum for the Democratic Party. “If we do our jobs over the next year and a half,” he said, “then I think we will rebuild momentum and position ourselves to get this country moving in the direction it should.”
His call to action focused on not just defeating Trump politically, but also restoring faith in government and reinvigorating democratic norms through civic participation and public service.
DNC Leadership Backs Sherrill’s Candidacy
Joining Obama at the event were DNC Chair Ken Martin and other prominent Democratic leaders, signaling national support for Mikie Sherrill’s gubernatorial campaign. Their presence reinforced the strategic importance of New Jersey and Virginia races as bellwethers for national political sentiment ahead of 2026.
This private but politically charged gathering represents not just a fundraiser, but a coordinated effort to shape the Democratic Party’s direction in a turbulent political climate. With Obama stepping back into the spotlight, Democrats hope to galvanize both their base and moderate voters across the country.
