Trump Leads $2M GOP Turnout Push in New Jersey, Virginia Elections

President Donald Trump is actively supporting Republican candidates in the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, emphasizing their importance as indicators for the 2026 midterms. He participated in telephone rallies for New Jersey candidate Jack Ciattarelli and Virginia's Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, although he has been more reserved in endorsing Earle-Sears directly, who trails Democrat Abigail Spanberger by a significant margin. Trump has also directed $1 million each to these states through the Republican National Committee to boost Republican voter turnout, focusing on microtargeting low propensity voters with calls, texts, and digital ads. This financial push complements his remote rally appearances and highlights a strategic effort to leverage his electoral influence in traditionally Democratic areas where he made gains in 2024. Meanwhile, Democrats have invested over $7 million in voter outreach, framing the off-year elections as a referendum on Trump's policies. The contrasting campaign strategies and polling data suggest a competitive but uncertain outlook in these key races.