Deputy White House Chief of Staff James Blair acknowledged on November 5, 2025, that the Republican Party made strategic errors in several key races during the 2025 election cycle. Blair, a top adviser to President Donald J. Trump, said GOP candidates failed to effectively communicate on the issue voters cared most about—affordability. He warned that unless the party pivots to address everyday economic concerns, it risks losing ground heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Blair highlighted the New York City mayoral race as a case in point. Progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani defeated the Republican challenger by staying laser-focused on cost-of-living issues. “Why did Zohran Mamdani do so well last night?” Blair said. “He relentlessly focused on affordability—the fact is, he was talking about the cost of living, while others got distracted.”
He also pointed to the New Jersey governor’s race, where the GOP focused on tax cuts while Democrats emphasized rising utility bills, housing costs, and grocery prices. Blair argued that Republicans must go beyond abstract fiscal promises and speak directly to the everyday challenges of working families.
In Virginia, Blair said GOP candidates leaned heavily into cultural issues such as gender debates in schools. While those issues animate the base, Blair acknowledged that they did not match the top concerns of persuadable voters.
Looking forward, Blair said the administration and the party are recalibrating. “The 2026 message will be about prices and cost of living,” he said, adding that President Trump is “very, very focused” on delivering an economic message that connects with struggling Americans.
