Title: The Sprint to Election Day in Virginia and New Jersey Governor’s Races: A Crucial Test for Both Parties The year’s lone pair of gubernatorial elections are only two months away, providing one of the biggest tests for both parties since the 2024 presidential contest. In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli are locked in a competitive race that has been defined by affordability issues and the popularity of President Donald Trump and Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger has seen success in polls by blasting Republican Winsome Earle-Sears over Trump’s massive tax cut and spending law and putting economic issues at the forefront of her message. But Earle-Sears, the state’s lieutenant governor, seems to have made up ground over the summer, with early voting kicking off in just over two weeks. Both races promise to examine what messages might work or fail ahead of next year’s midterm elections — and whether Democrats can bank on enthusiasm centered on opposition to Trump. “I think we’re going to learn whether or not Democrats have the energy that they did in 2017,” said New Jersey Democratic strategist Dan Bryan, referring to big victories in both states during that year. The races will also test whether other Republicans can replicate, and build on, Trump’s gains last year, when he improved on his 2020 margins in every state. Mike DuHaime, a longtime New Jersey GOP strategist and former Republican National Committee political director, noted that Trump’s popularity wasn’t transferable to other Republican candidates during his first term. “Will that change now? We’ll see,” DuHaime said. Even though New Jersey has traditionally been a more Democratic-leaning state than Virginia, some Republicans are feeling more confident about their chances in the Garden State. “Republicans are probably more optimistic in New Jersey than they are in Virginia,” said DuHaime. The outcome of these elections could have significant implications for both parties as we head towards the 2024 presidential race and beyond. In conclusion, the upcoming gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey serve as a crucial test for both Democratic and Republican parties ahead of next year’s midterm elections. The results will provide valuable insights into what messages resonate with voters and whether Democrats can maintain their momentum from 2017 or if Republicans have learned how to capitalize on Trump’s popularity. As we approach Election Day, it remains to be seen which party will emerge victorious in these key races that could shape the political landscape for years to come.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/sprint-election-day-begins-virginia-new-jersey-governors-races-rcna227206)
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