The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board recently criticized former President Donald Trump’s dismissal of significant GOP electoral defeats. The losses occurred during the 2025 elections across critical states like New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City. Following these results, Trump stated on social media, “TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT.”
Analysis of Election Results
While Trump was technically not on the ballot, the editorial board argued that his unpopular presidency played a significant role in energizing Democratic voters. This shift negatively impacted the GOP, particularly among key demographics, including:
- Hispanics
- Black men
- Independents
The Journal warned that if Trump continued to distance himself from these electoral results, the Republican Party might face even bigger issues in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Victories for Democrats
In New Jersey and Virginia, Democratic candidates outperformed expectations. Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill, the newly elected governors, won by more substantial margins than predicted. Sherrill’s victory margin was notable, as she won by 13 points compared to only three points for her predecessor, Phil Murphy, in 2021.
Virginia also witnessed a significant Democratic wave despite a Republican incumbent’s popularity, resulting in a Democratic supermajority in the state House of Delegates.
Contributing Factors to GOP Losses
The editorial board noted that the government shutdown might have adversely affected the GOP, particularly in regions like Northern Virginia, which is home to numerous government employees. However, this reason alone does not account for sharp shifts in suburban counties in New Jersey.
Looking beyond state races, issues such as rising inflation and a struggling economy have eroded support for Trump and the GOP. The Wall Street Journal reported that inflation rates remain around 3 percent, and Trump’s tariffs have negatively impacted the economy.
Focus on Domestic Issues
The editorial emphasized that while Democrats addressed the cost-of-living crisis, Trump seemed distracted by foreign policy. Critics pointed out that Trump’s emphasis on international affairs during crucial domestic moments may have alienated voters. One White House insider remarked, “Too much focus on foreign policy while people are hurting at home delivered exactly the results you’d expect.”
Reactions from Influencers and Analysts
Some prominent figures within the GOP, like MAGA influencer Mike Cernovich and Breitbart’s Matthew Boyle, noted that Trump’s attention to issues such as the Middle East and Ukraine did not resonate with American voters. Cernovich highlighted that while Trump’s big donors favored his international focus, it did not reflect the priorities of voters.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged the importance of affordability, suggesting a potential shift in tone aimed at reconsolidating voter support.
