New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy speaks as race remains too close to call

Associated Press

In Virginia, GOP finds new playbook — not easily replicated

In a stunning victory in Virginia and a strong showing in New Jersey, the Republican Party has fashioned a playbook that could repair the GOP’s tarnished image in swing states and suburban districts across the nation. Republican businessman Glenn Youngkin, virtually unknown a year ago, won the Virginia governor’s race Tuesday by running away from the national Republican Party and its most prominent leaders — especially Donald Trump. The Virginia Republican spent the closing months of his campaign avoiding the divisive issues that most animate Trump’s base, including the baseless prospect of election fraud.