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Democrats Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia are centering their governor bids on opposing President Trump, reviving the strategy that vaulted them to Congress in 2018. Sherrill, who blasted the halted Hudson River rail tunnel and labels GOP rival Jack Ciattarelli the Trump of Trenton, and Spanberger, who decries cuts, tariffs and immigration crackdowns, cast their races as referendums. With Trump-backed Republicans, sagging views of Democrats, and polls showing majority disapproval of the president, party leaders tout these contests as a comeback test even as some warn the anti-Trump playbook may be wearing thin.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.