Read, Watch or Listen

The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board dismissed Donald Trump’s claim he wasn’t to blame for the GOP’s rout, citing double-digit defeats in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City and warning of “bigger problems in 2026.” Democrats exceeded polls as Governors-Elect Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill won, with Virginia’s “tsunami” delivering the governorship and a House supermajority and Sherrill taking New Jersey by 13 points. The editors blamed inflation at 3 percent, tariffs, and polarizing distractions, while insiders and conservative influencers said Trump’s focus on foreign affairs alienated voters during a shutdown.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.