Summary
New polls suggest that the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia are tight. Candidates are in the final weeks of the campaign, working hard to motivate voters to go to the polls. Historically, the party not currently holding the presidency tends to perform well in these off-year elections.
Key Facts
- Two recent polls suggest close races for the governorships in New Jersey and Virginia.
- In New Jersey, a poll by Neighborhood Research and Media showed candidates Sherrill and Ciattarelli tied, with a margin of error of 5.6%.
- In Virginia, a Trafalgar Group poll showed Spanberger leading by 3 points, with a margin of error of 2.9%.
- Historically, the party not in the White House often does well in off-year elections.
- Republican candidate Ciattarelli outperformed expectations in a 2021 race.
- There is controversy in Virginia over text messages from a Democratic attorney general candidate which Republicans are using to challenge Spanberger.
- Polls vary, with some showing leads for Sherrill and Spanberger, but margins are tightening as Election Day nears.
- Both states tend to favor Democratic candidates, but Republicans remain hopeful due to past polling errors and controversies.
