Democrats will lead Virginia, New Jersey
Democrats haven’t won much lately, but on Tuesday they claimed two governorships. In Virginia, Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam defeated Republican Ed Gillespie to be the next governor. In New Jersey, Democrat Phil Murphy was elected to replace Republican Chris Christie. Both results were sure to be scoured for every ounce of political meaning in the era of Donald Trump.
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 been unable to channel anti-Trump energy into success at the ballot box in a major election this year.
Roseann Petropoulos said her opposition to Trump led her out in the cold rain to cast her ballot for Murphy in New Jersey.
“Trump was huge,” she said. “Because back in the 70s when we got civil rights for people, women’s rights, we have a chance for that to be reversed. It’s scary.”
Northam rode to victory in part by tapping into voters’ regret at Trump’s victory last year. Murphy had an easier pathway in New Jersey, where Guadagno contended with both Trump and Christie’s unpopularity.
Northam repeatedly tried to tie Gillespie to the president. Democrats said they had record levels of enthusiasm heading into the race in Virginia, the only Southern state that Trump lost last year.
Gillespie kept Trump at a distance throughout the campaign but tried to rally the president’s supporters with hard-edge attack ads focused on illegal immigration and preserving Confederate statues. The strategy was criticized by Democrats and some Republicans as race baiting, but it drew praise from former Trump strategist Steve Bannon.
After Tuesday’s loss, Trump suggested Gillespie hurt himself by not more closely aligning himself with the president.
“Ed Gillespie worked hard but did not embrace me or what I stand for,” Trump said.
Northam’s victory is another sign of the state’s shift toward a more-liberal electorate. Democrats have won every statewide election since 2009 and now have won four out of the last five gubernatorial contests.
Northam’s victory is a blow to Republicans, who were hoping Gillespie could provide a roadmap for moderate Republicans to follow in next year’s midterm elections. Several Republicans have announced plans to retire next year instead of seeking re-election.