NORFOLK, Va. — Former President Barack Obama and Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate in Virginia's governor's race, will rally together at Chartway Arena on Sat. Nov. 1, with doors opening to the public at 10:30 a.m.
Watch live in the player below: Obama rallies for Spanberger in Norfolk
News 3 will be streaming the event live on our website, Facebook, and on our streaming app for Roku, Fire Stick, and Android/Apple TV.
The Republican candidate for governor, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, will spend the Saturday campaigning in Abingdon and Loudon County.
Politics
Where Virginia's governor's race stands as Obama visits Norfolk
1:45 p.m. — DJ Illmatic Beats gives the crowd a music break
More and more people in the crowd started to wave around their signs with "Vote" on one side and "Abigail," on the other. Seats are filling up at Chartway Arena as organizers say over 7,000 people are now in attendance.
The crowd then started to chant "44."
1:38 p.m. — Virginia House Speaker Don Scott rallies the crowd
"We got a lot of work to do," Scott said.
Scott portrayed Republicans as hypocrites for the "tan suit controversy" that took place under the Obama administration. The house speaker contrasted this with numerous abnormal actions that have taken place under President Trump's second term.
The house speaker instructed the crowd to then chant the names of the Democrats on the statewide ticket.
1:26 p.m. — Sen. Tim Kaine takes the stage
"Hello 757, hello Hampton Roads," Kaine began.
Kaine then discussed his gubernatorial campaign and how he met former President Barack Obama — who was at the time, a senator for Illinois — during his bid for the governorship. Kaine then praised Obama for his routine electoral success in the commonwealth, saying his victory in Virginia sent a loud message for Americans across the nation.
"We are first in line to bat for democracy at a time when there are people pushing against it," Kaine said.
The senator praised Jay Jones for his varied experience in public office. Kaine pivoted to discuss the government shutdown, blaming President Donald Trump for the gridlock in the Senate. He returned to the topic of the attorney general race, saying incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares should have joined the lawsuit over SNAP funding.
Kaine then praised Hashmi's experience, saying Virginians need a lieutenant governor who lifts up teachers.
"I've watched Abigail stand strong, again, and again, and again," Kaine said.
The senator then discussed the strains of inflation that have continued under the Trump administration, contrasting their policies with Spanberger's.
The crowd began to boo when Kaine brought up the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle the Education Department. They booed louder when Kaine claimed that Trump's White House has fired more veterans in comparison to all prior administrations.
1:22 p.m. — U.S. Representative Bobby Scott takes the stage
Scott discussed the necessity he sees for Virginia to elect a Democrat as attorney general. He said Virginia should join the many lawsuits that have mounted against the Trump administration, specifically pointing to the recent lawsuit regarding SNAP benefits.
"We need a governor who will take us in the right direction," Scott said.
Scott also implored for the crowd not to forget about the House of Delegates races, name dropping State Sen. Aaron Rouse's bid for reelection.
"Vote blue, all the way through," Scott concluded.
1:13 p.m. — State Sen. L. Louise Lucas dances her way up to the podium
"Together, we can stand together for something big, we can stand together for something better," Lucas said. "We can make Virginia shine again."
Lucas then started a call-and-response "yes we can" chant with the crowd.
The state senator suggested Earle-Sears cares more for President Donald Trump than the people of Virginia. Lucas pointed to the lieutenant governor's response to the mass layoffs in the federal sector as an example.
Lucas concluded with another call-and-response "yes we can" chant with the crowd.
"That's the Virginia I love," Lucas concluded. "Let's go win this damn thing."
1:07 p.m. — Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia takes the stage
State Sen. Lamont Bagby, a Norfolk State University graduate, discussed ongoing organization tactics as Election Day nears.
He welcomed Democrats along with Republicans and Independents who plan to vote for Spanberger.
"We are going to save democracy," Bagby said. "We need Abigail Spanberger."
Bagby also urged voters to take priority with down-ballot races.
"Yes we can," Bagby concluded, referencing Obama's 2008 campaign slogan.
12:58 p.m. — Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor takes the stage
State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi pledged to protect public schools, reproductive rights, and healthcare if elected as lieutenant governor. She then touted her experience as an English teacher.
The crowd erupted into boos after Hashmi referenced Winsome Earle-Sears' tenure as lieutenant governor. She criticized the GOP statewide ticket for approving school voucher programs.
Hashmi then harped on Earle-Sears' comments regarding LGBTQ+ discrimination in the workforce, Earle-Sears says is not discrimination. Hashmi then pointed out that the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, John Reid, is an openly gay man.
"We the people of Virginia will be speaking out, let's go do this," Hashmi concluded.
12:52 p.m. — Democratic candidate for Attorney General takes the stage
Jay Jones, a Norfolk native, took the stage after a brief music break.
"My grandparents and parents started here, fighting for civil rights," Jones said.
Jones said his background led him to pursue public office as assistant attorney general and as a Delegate in the General Assembly. The Demcoratic candidate then took aim at his Republican opponent, incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, for what he says is obedience to the Trump administration.
"But right now, we've got willing enablers of the president's agenda," Jones said.
Jones pledged to protect abortion rights if elected.
12:30 p.m. — Hampton Roads organizer speaks
Cheyenne Combs, a local organizer, took the podium with her child after Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander spoke. She asked if the crowd has voted and if their family has voted.
Combs also discussed practicing civil disobedience under the Trump administration, quoting late Congressman John Lewis, saying its time to make "good trouble, necessary trouble."
12:20 p.m. — Norfolk mayor speaks
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander delivered the first formal speech at the Obama/Spanberger rally. He urged those in attendance to show out at the polls come Election Day.
Noon — The rally formally kicks off
The pledge of allegiance, national anthem, and an invocation were delivered as the rally kicks off.
Portsmouth Bishop Jerome Williams lead the crowd in prayer.
11:35 a.m. — Counter protester speaks to News 3
WTKR crews found one protester named Khalefah Whitlock outside the rally Saturday in Norfolk for Abigail Spanberger, Democratic candidate for governor, where former President Barack Obama will join in the final days of the campaign.
11:30 a.m. — News 3 Norfolk Neighborhood Reporter Jay Greene gives a behind-the-scenes look of the media setup ahead of the Obama/Spanberger rally
11:15 a.m. — Chartway Arena begins to fill up
Spanberger supporters are beginning to fill Chartway Arena. DJ Illmatic Beats, a Norfolk State University graduate, is playing music as crowds get ushered in.
10:30 a.m. — Doors open
People are being let into Chartway Arena as the Spanberger/Obama rally prepares to kick off.
News 3 has a crew at the scene, check back for updates.
