Virginia voters voted in favor of an amendment to the state constitution that allows for changing the boundaries of House of Representatives electoral districts – to the advantage of the Democratic Party.
The White House is irritated by the Republican Party's attitude following its election defeat in Virginia. Republicans accuse Trump of not doing enough to prevent a Democratic victory. — It's funny that they're complaining, especially the Virginia Republicans and all the rest of them, because my question to them is: How much the hell did they spend? – says the White House official quoted above.
The White House's frustration stems from the Trump administration's view that Republicans are too quick to blame the president for every slip-up and ignore their own shortcomings. It's also a symptom of broader anxiety about the upcoming midterm elections.
There is great confusion in the Trump camp. Republicans are trying to build an electoral message – but they are hindered by the ongoing war with Iran, skyrocketing gasoline prices in the US and rapidly decreasing support for the president.
The Democratic victory in Virginia reignited frustration among some Republicans over a mid-decade war over redistricting.
The White House has an answer for Republicans accusing President Donald Trump of not doing enough to win a vote on redistricting redistricting in Virginia this week: they should look in the mirror.
The article continues below the video
Members of the House of Representatives who spoke to POLITICO lament the Republican Party's defeat and blame the president for starting a war over redistricting that the party may ultimately lose. Within the Trump administration, meanwhile, there is little patience for complaints from the Republican Party, especially about how much the president's political actions have been targeted toward this election.
But Virginia's election results — which could give Democrats four seats — came as a shock to Republicans.
“Midterm redistricting brings bad karma to anyone calling for it,” Republican strategist John Feehery tells POLITICO. “I think it will largely fade away this year, but it's a huge distraction and has taken up too much time and attention. How exactly is this going to help the economy?”
Frustration is also felt on Capitol Hill, where some House Republicans are criticizing the president for being the first to spark a war over redistricting boundaries in the middle of the decade.
Republican Congressman Jay Obernolte said: “It was a mistake to go down this path.”
— Virginia doesn't change my opinion — I thought Texas [wybory w tym stanie] was a mistake. I thought California was a mistake on the part of the Democrats [chodzi o ich działania w tym stanie]” – he adds in an interview with POLITICO.
“There is no doubt that the results have deteriorated somewhat since the conflict with Iran began.”
Democrats spent three times as much as Republicans in Virginia, even though the GOP has more money in outside groups — including $347.7 million. (approx. PLN 1,260 million) in MAGA Inc., an organization associated with Trump. Most of the money for the redistricting referendum flowed through nonprofits that don't have to disclose their donors, so it's not entirely clear who financed the No campaign. [przeciwko zmianie okręgów wyborczych].
None of the nonprofits listed in campaign finance reports had obvious ties to Trump's entourage. Major super PAC [komitet wyborczy zajmujący się zbieraniem środków] the president did not report any expenses above PLN 25,000. hole. (less than PLN 91,000) in the first quarter of this year, which suggests that he was not heavily financially involved.
Trump chose only to participate in a conference call with House Speaker Mike Johnson to encourage people to vote no in Virginia in the final hours of the campaign.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike JohnsonKevin Dietsch / Staff / Getty Images
“It wouldn't hurt if he went to, say, southeastern Virginia. to Virginia Beach or southwest Virginia to try to mobilize supporters a little more than he did, a person close to the White House told POLITICO. “I don't know where the president was, I don't know where his team was.”
Republicans announce a fight with Democrats in Virginia, and the press secretary of the Republican National Committee [największy komitet wyborczy Republikanów, RNC]Kiersten Pels, called the new division of constituencies “an unconstitutional, partisan power grab intended to disenfranchise millions of voters and distort the balance.”
“Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger broke her promise to Virginians by pushing for redistricting to serve her party's interests even though she previously promised not to do so,” Pels said. “The RNC will continue this fight in court to protect Virginia voters and ensure fair representation across the state.”
Despite the loss in Virginia, White House officials and others close to the administration say the party's message ahead of the midterm elections is on point. Advisors and allies are optimistic that the president will be able to resolve the conflict in Iran — now in its eighth week — and argue that Republicans have a track record to build on in the campaign.
— Look at the “big, beautiful tax cut bill,” the biggest tax cut in history. People are feeling it now, a senior White House official tells POLITICO. “Look at what we've done to inflation, look at what we've done to prescription drug prices. Look at what we've done to mortgage rates and rents. They're at very low levels. So we have a track record to build on.”
Republicans are also hoping that Democrats can help the GOP by nominating progressives in upcoming primaries in states where election results are uncertain, including Maine and Michigan. People close to the White House say such a scenario would only strengthen the party's efforts to highlight differences with Democrats, especially on issues where Republicans believe they have voters' trust.
— There is no doubt about the results [sondaży] have deteriorated somewhat since the conflict with Iran began, but we still ask what issues are most important to people and who is better – Republicans or Democrats? On issues like inflation, the economy, debt reduction, the deficit and crime, Republicans have an edge over Democrats when compared head-to-head, says a second person close to the White House.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
