The gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia next week could provide lawmakers of either party the political nudge they need to end the government shutdown.
Democratic wins in both states would bolster their arguments that President Donald Trump’s policies are unpopular and could further hurt congressional Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.
GOP victories — or close results in those states — could enhance Republicans’ case that Democrats were on the wrong side of public opinion when they refused to accept a clean continuing resolution, shutting the government down.
“Hopefully after next week on Tuesday, that seems to be ...