Trump off the table: Republicans rethink strategy for two major contests
US President Donald Trump (Photo: Getty Images)
Republicans are vying for gubernatorial seats in New Jersey and Virginia, aiming to capitalize on voter frustration and get ahead of Democrats ahead of the midterm elections, reports Bloomberg.
On the eve of the US midterms, the Republican Party is again showing optimism about its chances of winning governor races in the traditionally left-leaning states of New Jersey and Virginia.
The outcomes of these races could offer clues about the broader midterm trends and their impact on congressional control.
Tough race in New Jersey
In New Jersey, Republican Jack Ciattarelli is running against Democrat Mikie Sherrill.
Ciattarelli came close to victory before, falling short by just three votes back in 2021.
Current polls show Sherrill slightly ahead. Republicans are trying to leverage voter dissatisfaction over high utility bills and taxes, while Democrats are outspending them significantly, by $16 million, thanks in part to support from outside groups and associations of Democratic governors.
Key contest in Virginia
In Virginia, former Democratic representative Abigail Spanberger is facing Republican Winsome Earle-Sears.
Spanberger holds a financial advantage, with over $41 million in her campaign account compared to Earle-Sears’ $17 million.
Republicans are attempting to undermine Spanberger’s campaign by linking her to controversial attorney general candidate Jay Jones. Early voting, which began in September, makes it harder to shift the race, as thousands of voters have already cast their ballots.
Trump’s influence and party strategies
US President Donald Trump is not actively campaigning in New Jersey or Virginia, though he did back Ciattarelli during the primaries via social media.
Republicans now face the challenge of mobilizing a broad range of voters, including the working class and nonwhite Americans, without making the campaign appear overly Trump-centric.
For Democrats, these elections are a test for moderate candidates who can maintain party support after 2024 while drawing attention to local issues.
The current gubernatorial races are seen as a barometer of political sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms. Their outcomes will indicate how effectively Republicans can retain control of Congress and influence Trump’s agenda.
Separately, Trump has launched a new phase of the trade war with China, announcing additional 100% tariffs on imports from China and new restrictions on the export of critical software, set to take effect on November 1.
