NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Former President Barack Obama is coming to New Jersey to campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

Phil Murphy's campaign announced Monday that Obama would be attending an event in Newark on Thursday.

It's the same day the former Democratic president is set to campaign for Virginia Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam. Virginia is the only other state electing a governor this year.

Murphy has welcomed a handful of high-profile Democratic officials to the state as part of his effort to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Chris Christie.

Former Vice President Al Gore stumped for Murphy over the weekend. And Joe Biden and John Kerry were also in New Jersey last week for Murphy.

Murphy is leading GOP Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno in polls and fundraising.

Election Day is Nov. 7.