Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Democrats Urged to Energize Base Ahead of 2026 Midterms

9/25/2025

32 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Democrats' Gubernatorial Warning

A report warns Democrats may lose Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races if they don't energize their base ahead of 2026 midterms.
Polls show Spanberger leads Earle-Sears by 12 points in Virginia and Sherrill leads Ciattarelli by nine in New Jersey, with negative sentiments for both.
New Jersey's early voting begins October 25; Virginia's Election Day is November 4, 2025.

Left

Earle-Sears Targets Spanberger

Early voting begins in the 2025 Virginia governor’s race as Republican Winsome Earle-Sears targets Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) over transgender rights.
Earle-Sears' ad claims Spanberger supports 'men in girls' locker rooms' and parental secrecy.
Spanberger (D-Va.) refutes the claims, stressing children's safety and parental involvement.
Polls show Spanberger ahead by 12 points, signaling a tough path for Republicans.

History

Historical Context

The Tea Party movement emerged in 2009, reshaping U.S. politics and contributing to a 63-seat Republican gain in the House in 2010. As the GOP seeks to leverage cultural issues like transgender rights in upcoming elections, the outcomes in Virginia and New Jersey could significantly influence party strategies ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterms, where Republicans aim to regain ground in traditionally blue states.

1 of 3

Democrats' Gubernatorial Warning

A report warns Democrats may lose Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races if they don't energize their base ahead of 2026 midterms.
Polls show Spanberger leads Earle-Sears by 12 points in Virginia and Sherrill leads Ciattarelli by nine in New Jersey, with negative sentiments for both.
New Jersey's early voting begins October 25; Virginia's Election Day is November 4, 2025.

1 / 3