Domenico Montanaro

The last time it was that wide was eight years ago during President Trump's first term.

In 2018, when Democrats won 40 seats and control of the House...

Their edge was between 6 and 12 points.

The only question is whether this advantage is coming too soon for the party.

A year from now, the political landscape could look very different.

But right now, Democrats have the upper hand.

Domenico Montanaro, NPR News, Washington.

Democrats are going to have a lot of work to do to heal this divide within their base, but they're banking on voters having short-term memories and that the issue landscape is going to continue to benefit them.

We saw Democrats win sweeping victories last week, and voters said affordability was their top issue.

That's likely to carry through to next year's midterm elections, and during this shutdown, Democrats were able to elevate health care as an important issue, too.

As part of the deal to reopen the government, Senate moderates say they were promised a vote on extending health care subsidies sometime next month,

And if Republicans block those subsidies, the GOP will own higher health care costs.

Domenico Montanaro, NPR News, Washington.

What's really important is going to be what direction is the wind blowing here politically?

You know, both of these states, Virginia and New Jersey, were states that went for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election by about six points.

So that is sort of what the line is on these two races for the governor's races.

And a lot of people are going to be watching to see just how Democrats are able to do.

Are they able to kind of blow those margins out of the water?

Do you have more of a mixed result?

And I think that could have a lot of impact on Democrats.