NEWARK, New Jersey — Those thinking former President Barack Obama no longer has electoral influence in New Jersey would find that opinion challenged on Saturday night in Newark. 

Long lines wrapped around the venue, hundreds of smiling faces, and the deafening cheers at the mere mention of his name dominated the energy inside the Essex County College gymnasium, where Obama took the stage to rally support for Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), the Democratic candidate in Tuesday’s gubernatorial race.