Washington, D.C. — November 5, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
In the wake of the November 4, 2025 off-year elections, former President Donald Trump characterised the outcome as “not good for Republicans,” attributing the losses to two principal factors: his absence from the ballot and the ongoing federal government shutdown. The remarks reflect the Republican Party’s internal reassessment of its electoral strategy and signal mounting concern as the 2026 midterms approach.
Addressing Senate Republicans at a White House breakfast Wednesday, Trump stated:
“I think, if you read the pollsters, the shutdown was a big factor — negative for the Republicans. And that was a big factor.”
He added: “Last night, it was not expected to be a victory … I don’t think it was good for Republicans. I don’t think it was good for anybody.
Two Reasons Cited
According to Trump and GOP messaging, the two major causes for the Republican under-performance are:
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Government shutdown: The longest in U.S. history, the shutdown has become a drag on the Republican brand. Trump and other party operatives say public frustration with stalled federal services — and delayed pay for federal workers — contributed to voter dissatisfaction.
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Trump not on the ballot: Trump argued that his absence from the mayoral and gubernatorial contests of the night meant that his loyal base was less motivated to turn out. “I was honoured they said that,” Trump commented, referring to pollsters’ findings.
Republican losses spanned several key contests: in New York City, New Jersey and Virginia; large Democratic margins in governorships and municipal races triggered alarms within the GOP. While Trump’s influence remains significant, the party is grappling with how to translate his base support into broader electoral success.
Republican strategists and insiders quoted by media outlets outlined additional concerns beyond Trump’s two-factor explanation: weak candidate recruitment, higher Democratic turnout in urban centres, and public frustration over inflation and living costs.
With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, Trump used his comments as a call to action:
“Pass voter reform, voter ID, no mail-in ballots. Save our Supreme Court from ‘packing’… terminate the filibuster!!!” he wrote.
The party now faces decisions on whether to double-down on Trump-style mobilisation, widen its appeal to younger and suburban voters, or prioritise governance reforms to rebuild credibility.
Looking Ahead
Tonight’s admissions by Trump mark more than post-mortem commentary — they reflect a GOP in search of recalibration. Whether the party can reconcile its MAGA base with broader coalition dynamics, while addressing governance and messaging weaknesses, will determine whether November 4 was merely a setback or a marker for deeper realignment.