"The biggest contests are in Virginia and New Jersey, the only states electing governors this year. Mr Trump lost both last autumn, but voters in each have a history of electing Republicans. The GOP candidates have closely aligned themselves with the president, betting that his big win last year can still provide a path to victory this time. Strong Democratic showings, meanwhile, could provide the party a pathway back to national relevance."
"The president did not set foot in either Virginia or New Jersey to campaign with Republican gubernatorial candidates Winsome Earle-Sears or Jack Ciattarelli. But both contests will likely be viewed as a referendum on Mr Trump's job so far. Over the last year, his tariffs rocked the global economy, his "big, beautiful" budget bill threatened rural hospitals and health insurance coverage for millions, he enacted massive cuts to the federal workforce and he sent the National Guard to multiple American cities."
Voters are likely to give a verdict on Mr Trump's leadership and policies through gubernatorial contests even though he remained absent from the campaign trail. The biggest contests are in Virginia and New Jersey, the only states electing governors this year. Both states have histories of electing Republicans, and Mr Trump lost both last autumn. GOP candidates have closely aligned with the president, betting his big win last year can still provide a path to victory. Strong Democratic showings could provide the party a pathway back to national relevance. California and New York races carry separate national implications.
Read at Irish Independent
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