Trump Hosts Tele-Rallies for GOP Candidates on Election Eve
President Donald Trump will hold tele-rallies on the evening of November 6, 2023, to support Republican gubernatorial candidates Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey and Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia. These events come just one day before the crucial off-year elections, which will test the Republican Party’s strength in two traditionally Democratic-leaning states.
Trump, who has previously endorsed Ciattarelli, conducted a tele-rally for him last month. This will mark his first direct support for Earle-Sears, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. The former president’s late-campaign push follows in-person rallies held by former President Barack Obama for Democratic candidates in both states, including Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia.
Trump’s Campaign Messaging
On social media platform Truth Social, Trump criticized the Democratic candidates, questioning their policies on issues such as crime and energy costs. He stated, “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 urged voters to support Republicans for “massive Energy Cost reductions, large-scale Tax Cuts, and basic Common Sense.”
Both Ciattarelli and Earle-Sears are facing challenges in their races, with polling indicating they are trailing their opponents. The New Jersey race is considered more competitive, with Republicans hoping to replicate the surprise victory of Glenn Youngkin over Democrat Terry McAuliffe in Virginia in 2021. Ciattarelli previously ran a stronger-than-expected campaign against incumbent Governor Phil Murphy.
Responses from Candidates
Obama framed the upcoming elections as referenda on Trump’s presidency, while Trump has positioned himself to directly attack the Democratic nominees as far-left radicals. During his prior tele-rally for Ciattarelli, Trump described Sherrill as “fake and corrupt,” stating, “Mikie, as they call her — the only thing she’s got is an unusual name, other than that she’s terrible.” He added that her energy policies would increase costs for New Jersey residents.
Despite the high-profile endorsements, Ciattarelli downplayed the significance of outside support. In an interview, he emphasized, “The candidate has to go out and win the race. I know my opponent’s bringing in this person, that person. She could bring in the ghost of FDR. It’s not going to matter.” He reiterated his commitment to campaigning actively in New Jersey as the election approaches.
As the election day draws near, both parties are gearing up for a critical showdown that could shape the political landscape heading into the 2024 elections. Trump’s rallies are expected to energize the Republican base, while Democrats aim to maintain their hold on both states.
