In a strategic move ahead of the off-year elections, Donald Trump will hold tele-rallies for two Republican gubernatorial candidates, Jack Ciattarelli from New Jersey and Winsome Earle-Sears from Virginia, on November 6, 2023. This effort comes as both candidates face challenges in their respective races, with polls indicating they are trailing behind their Democratic opponents.
Ciattarelli, who received Trump’s endorsement earlier, is looking to gain momentum after a previous tele-rally hosted by the former president last month. Earle-Sears, who serves as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, is also hoping to benefit from Trump’s support as the elections draw near. Both candidates are aiming to replicate the surprise victory of Glenn Youngkin in Virginia’s 2021 gubernatorial race, where he defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe.
The timing of Trump’s tele-rallies coincides with significant campaign efforts from the Democrats. Former President Barack Obama held in-person rallies over the weekend for Democratic candidates Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia. Obama’s involvement has been framed by him as a referendum on Trump’s presidency, highlighting the contrasting strategies of the two parties.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the Democratic nominees, stating, “Why would anyone vote for New Jersey and Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates, Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, when they want transgender for everybody, men playing in women’s sports, High Crime, and the most expensive Energy prices almost anywhere in the World?” He urged voters to choose Republican candidates for “massive Energy Cost reductions, large-scale Tax Cuts, and basic Common Sense.”
The races in both states are significant, with New Jersey considered to be more competitive. The current governor, Phil Murphy, is seeking re-election, and Ciattarelli’s campaign aims to narrow the gap observed in recent polling data. Similarly, Earle-Sears faces a tough challenge in a state where Democrats have historically held significant power.
While acknowledging Trump’s influence, Ciattarelli has emphasized the importance of his personal campaign efforts. He stated, “The candidate has to go out and win the race… It’s not going to matter who she brings in,” referring to Sherrill’s campaign. He expressed confidence in the local issues resonating with voters, asserting that his daily outreach is what will ultimately determine the outcome.
As the election date approaches, both parties are gearing up for a crucial showdown. The results will not only impact local governance but also signal the political landscape heading into the contentious 2024 election cycle. With both Trump and Obama actively campaigning, the stakes are high as voters prepare to head to the polls on November 7, 2023.
