Former president Barack Obama will return to the U.S. campaign fray to stump for Democrat Ralph Northam in the Virginia governor's race.

The Washington Post

Northam spokesman David Turner said Obama agreed to campaign this week. No events have yet been planned.

Obama did not endorse a candidate in the Democratic primary between the lieutenant governor and

, who served in the Obama administration. While the former president has spoken publicly on policy decisions since leaving office and endorsed Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential election, he did not campaign for Democrats in congressional elections this year. He has said redistricting will be his primary cause.

Obama carried Virginia in 2008 and 2012. The

is one of just two gubernatorial contests this year.