After a strong showing by Republicans in the 2024 elections, Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) is focused on expanding the party’s gains into 2025, particularly with gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. As the newly elected chairman of the Republican Governors Association (RGA), Kemp is preparing for what he calls a “tough cycle” ahead, but he remains confident in the GOP’s ability to capitalize on opportunities in these traditionally Democratic states.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Kemp expressed optimism about securing victories in Virginia and New Jersey, both of which were won by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2020, but by narrower margins than President Joe Biden’s performance. With both states in play, Kemp sees potential for Republicans to make substantial gains. “We’ve had great successes,” Kemp said. “We’re ready to keep working as we move into what will be a tough cycle for us in Virginia, in New Jersey, and then having 36 races in 2026.”
Kemp’s confidence stems from his own successful reelection as governor of Georgia in 2022, as well as the strong performance of Donald Trump in Georgia during the 2024 presidential race, where Trump won all seven battleground states. Kemp believes that the momentum from these wins will help fuel the GOP’s efforts in 2025. He is committed to raising enough money to remain competitive against the well-funded Democratic candidates, acknowledging that Democrats are outspending Republicans due to their wealthy donors. “We have a lot of really dedicated donors,” Kemp said, adding that the focus will be on promoting better policies to attract voters.
In Virginia, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears (R-VA) have already emerged as top contenders for the governorship. Incumbent Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) is term-limited and cannot seek re-election. With Youngkin’s success in the state, Republicans are hopeful that his popularity will carry over to the next race. However, the Democratic challengers, particularly Spanberger, have strong ties to the state’s political establishment, making it a competitive race.
New Jersey presents an even greater challenge for Republicans, as the state has been under Democratic leadership for over a decade. The last Republican governor was Chris Christie, who served from 2010 to 2018. In the 2021 race, outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) won with a slim margin, a rare occurrence in such a solidly blue state. This opens the door for Republicans to make a push for the governor’s mansion. Several Republican candidates have already thrown their hats in the ring, including Jack Ciattarelli, the 2021 Republican nominee, and Bill Spadea, a radio talk show host. The crowded field on both sides signals a hard-fought race for the seat.
Currently, Republicans hold 27 governorships across the country, while Democrats and Independents control the remaining states. Kemp’s goal is to ensure that Republicans maintain their stronghold and expand their presence in states like Virginia and New Jersey, which would mark a significant shift in the political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.