The Democratic candidates for governor in New Jersey and Virginia are expected to win, but the races are tighter than anticipated. This is due to the weak Republican candidates, the lingering influence of Donald Trump, and internal Democratic party issues.
In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy officer and ex-prosecutor, is running against Jack Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman who has previously lost twice. Despite her strong qualifications, the race is now tighter than expected due to the unpopularity of outgoing governor Phil Murphy and the presence of Trump’s influence. Trump’s cancellation of a $16 billion tunnel between New Jersey and New York has created widespread dissatisfaction among North Jersey commuters.
Meanwhile, in Virginia, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer, is running against Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the first Black woman to win a statewide race. Spanberger’s campaign has faced challenges due to her association with Jay Jones, who sent a threatening message to a colleague. While Spanberger has attempted to downplay the controversy, it has damaged her reputation.
The Republican candidate in New York City, Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, is facing allegations from Trump that he is a communist. Despite these attacks, Mamdani remains a strong candidate, partly due to the lack of a viable Republican opponent from Curtis Sliwa.
Trump’s lack of engagement in the elections, despite his influence on the races, has raised questions about his political strategy. His focus on foreign travel and mediating wars has left the races to be decided by other factors, such as the performance of the Democratic candidates and the impact of his past actions.