President Donald Trump is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming off-year elections in New Jersey and Virginia by holding tele-rallies for two Republican gubernatorial candidates on the evening before the elections. This strategic move comes as both the New Jersey and Virginia races are drawing considerable attention ahead of the polls on November 7, 2023.
Trump has previously endorsed New Jersey candidate Jack Ciattarelli, participating in a tele-rally for him last month. However, this will be his first direct support for Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate for governor of Virginia. His involvement follows a weekend where former President Barack Obama held substantial in-person rallies for Democratic candidates, including New Jersey Representative Mikie Sherrill and former Virginia Representative Abigail Spanberger.
Trump’s recent posts on social media have been critical of the Democratic nominees. He questioned the rationale for supporting Sherrill and Spanberger, suggesting they advocate for policies that include “transgender for everybody” and high energy costs. In a post on Truth Social, he stated, “VOTE REPUBLICAN for massive Energy Cost reductions, large-scale Tax Cuts, and basic Common Sense!”
Polls indicate that both Ciattarelli and Earle-Sears are trailing their Democratic opponents, with New Jersey’s race being particularly competitive. The elections are seen as a potential barometer for the Republican Party’s strength following the 2021 victory of Glenn Youngkin, who won the Virginia governorship against Democrat Terry McAuliffe. Ciattarelli also ran a surprisingly close race against incumbent Phil Murphy in 2021.
Trump’s approach contrasts with Obama’s framing of the races as a referendum on his presidency. He has focused on directly challenging the Democratic candidates, labeling Sherrill as “fake and corrupt” during his previous rally. Trump remarked, “Mikie, as they call her — the only thing she’s got is an unusual name, other than that she’s terrible.”
Ciattarelli, aware of the challenges he faces, has downplayed the significance of external endorsements, stating, “The candidate has to go out and win the race.” He emphasized the importance of personal effort, dismissing the impact of high-profile figures joining the campaign.
As both parties rally their bases ahead of polling day, the outcomes in New Jersey and Virginia could significantly shape the political landscape leading into the 2024 elections. With stakes high and both sides mobilizing their resources, the next 24 hours will be crucial for the candidates involved.
