Democrats Sweep Gubernatorial Races in New Jersey and Virginia
Democrats are set to sweep Tuesday’s gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, as the national party — still facing internal battles about its future — seeks to recover from last year’s losses to President Trump.
New Jersey: Sherrill Defeats Ciattarelli
Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill is projected to defeat Republican former legislator Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey, marking a turnaround for Democrats in a state where they have faced setbacks in recent years. The results come despite Mr. Trump significantly boosting his share of the vote in New Jersey last year.
Both candidates focused on economic concerns, an issue both parties have struggled with nationwide. However, a CBS News poll from last week showed most voters disapprove of the president’s handling of the economy and worry about inflation. Sherrill and Ciattarelli, along with their respective opponents, represented different wings of the Democratic Party—with Sherrill and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (who won in Virginia) hailing from the moderate wing.
A Tight Race with Trump Factor
The New Jersey governor’s office has darted between parties for decades, and this year marks the first time since the 1960s when a single party has won three gubernatorial races in a row. The race grew heated in its final weeks, with legal threats from both sides and controversial releases of records by the National Archives.
Virginia: Spanberger Overcomes Earle-Sears
In Virginia, Democratic former Rep. Abigail Spanberger is projected to overcome Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Spanberger positioned herself as a moderate, while Earle-Sears capitalized on some of the more polarizing parts of the Democratic agenda. The state’s gubernatorial races often act as referenda on the president, and Mr. Trump’s approval rating in Virginia stands at 42%.
Spanberger sought to differentiate herself from national Democrats by focusing on economic issues and securing endorsements from former Republican lawmakers. Meanwhile, Earle-Sears mirrored last year’s successful pro-Trump advertisements in her own campaign.
These victories could serve as an early rebuke to Mr. Trump, demonstrating the Democratic Party’s resilience despite his unpopularity in these states.