As Election Day approaches, President Donald Trump is intensifying his criticism of Democratic candidates in key gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. In a post on Truth Social early Monday, Trump targeted New Jersey’s Mikie Sherrill and Virginia’s Abigail Spanberger, linking them to issues such as rising energy prices, crime, and their support for transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Trump urged his followers to support Republican candidates in both races, declaring, “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 advocated for a Republican vote as a pathway to reduced energy costs and lower taxes, pushing a narrative that claimed under his leadership, prices for gasoline would stabilize around $2 a gallon, contrasting it with predictions of escalating costs under Democratic leadership.
Energy prices have emerged as a central theme in the New Jersey race, where Trump blamed Democratic policies for the current increases. He has been particularly vocal in supporting Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli, describing him as capable of “taking the state away from the radical left” and significantly reducing energy costs. Trump previously endorsed Ciattarelli during the GOP primary, praising his potential to transform New Jersey’s energy landscape.
In his criticism of Sherrill, Trump labeled her a “stone cold loser,” suggesting that her policies would exacerbate energy costs significantly. In stark contrast, he portrayed Ciattarelli as the solution to the state’s economic challenges, asserting, “Jack Ciattarelli will bring your Energy costs down to a new low.” As both races enter their final stretch, Trump’s messaging signals a concerted effort to galvanize Republican voters by framing the elections as critical contests for economic stability and increased quality of life.
The outcomes of these gubernatorial races will be closely watched, as they may reflect broader sentiments heading into the 2026 elections.