It was apparent early on Nov. 4, as votes rolled in from New Jersey and Virginia, that a chill had settled over Republican strategists: Democrats swept the governorships in both states.

Mikie Sherrill’s strong win in New Jersey, building on Phil Murphy’s progressive legacy, and Abigail Spanberger’s decisive victory in Virginia over Winsome Earle-Sears signal not just a blue wave in these bellwether states, but a seismic warning for the GOP’s grip on power. History often predicts today’s politics. Is this sweep a precursor to Democratic gains in the 2026 midterms? Absolutely.

These off-year races have long been the canary in the coal mine for national politics, gauging voter discontent a year before midterms. When one party sweeps both, it turns toxic for the president’s party. From 80 ye

See Full Page