News (USA)

Democrats sweep elections in stunning rebuke to Trump

Gloves with a Republican elephant and a Democratic donkey
Photo: Shutterstock

Virginia and New Jersey election results are coming in and the night has been a stunning rebuke for Donald Trump and the Republican party. Democrats swept elections and will control the governors’ mansions in both states.

In the nation’s most closely watched race, Democrat Ralph Northam vastly outperformed expectations, handing Republican Ed Gillespie a quick defeat in the race for Virginia governor. The race was widely seen as a referendum on the Trump administration.

The two candidates polled neck-and-neck until the bitter end, so Northam’s easy win caught the beltway pundits off guard. Gillespie had taken a page directly out of the Trump playbook, putting out ads that glorified statues of confederate soldiers and attacking immigrants.

Democrats also won the Lt Governor and Attorney General races in Virginia.

“By electing Ralph Northam for governor, Justin Fairfax for lieutenant governor, and Mark Herring for attorney general, Virginia voters have resoundingly rejected Donald Trump’s and Mike Pence’s politics of hate and fear,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.

“HRC was proud to endorse these pro-equality candidates who are committed to moving Virginia forward as a welcoming and inclusive place. We congratulate Northam, Fairfax, and Herring on their important victories and look forward to working closely with them to advance LGBTQ equality in the commonwealth.”

In New Jersey, Democrat Phil Murphy will succeed Chris Christie as Governor. With results still coming in, it looks likely that Democrats will capture control of both chambers of the state legislature as well.

 

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