Dems sweep Virginia, N.J. gubernatorial races
RICHMOND, Va. — Voters in Virginia and New Jersey gave Democratic gubernatorial candidates large victories Tuesday and sent a clear message of rebuke to President Donald Trump.
In Virginia’s hard-fought contest, Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam defeated Republican Ed Gillespie.
In New Jersey, front-running Democrat Phil Murphy overcame Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno to succeed unpopular GOP Gov. Chris Christie.
The wins in Virginia and New Jersey are a morale boost to Democrats who had so far been unable to channel anti-Trump energy into success at the ballot box in a major election this year.
Northam rode to victory in part by tapping into voters’ regret at Trump’s victory in last year’s national election. Murphy had an easier pathway in New Jersey, where Guadagno contended with both Trump’s and Christie’s unpopularity.
Northam, the state’s lieutenant governor, repeatedly tried to tie Gillespie to the president. His victory was in large part due to a surge in anti-Trump energy since the president took office.
Democrats said they had record levels of enthusiasm heading into the race in Virginia, a swing state and the only Southern state that Trump lost last year.
In Virginia, Northam’s victory is another sign of the state’s shift toward a more liberal electorate.
Northam’s victory is a blow to Republicans, who were hoping Gillespie could provide a roadmap for moderate Republicans to follow in the 2018 elections.