If the Trump/Youngkin trend Geoffrey referred to keeps up, there’s no guarantee that Republicans can replicate their Virginia strategy in the midterms. State Republicans decided to hold a nominating convention instead of a traditional primary for the governor’s race, ostensibly to prevent Democrats from participating but in reality likely to prevent a candidate like state Sen. Amanda Chase, a self-described “Trump in heels,” from winning the nomination. Republicans could get creative in other states, but in a typical primary — especially in open seats — the candidates that hew closest to Trump might have the best luck. There are a handful of exceptions — happy to get into individual races later — but it’s something to keep in mind as the hot takes begin to pile in.
