600,000 Republicans stayed home during pivotal New Jersey governor's race

In New Jersey, political strategist Scott Presler emphasized the importance of voter turnout for the upcoming elections. He stated that the state's gubernatorial race, previously decided by a narrow margin of 84,000 votes in 2021, remains winnable for Republicans if they engage their base effectively. Presler revealed that about 600,000 Republicans did not participate in the last election, which significantly impacted the outcome. He also pointed out that the Republican Party faces challenges attracting voters during off-year elections and midterms, setting a focus on mobilizing traditionally low-propensity voters for the upcoming elections. In preparation for 2025, Presler's organization, Early Vote Action, has taken a proactive approach to engage with various community groups in New Jersey, such as gun owners and voters interested in school choice. He stressed that approximately 250,000 gun owners in the state are not registered to vote, indicating a missed opportunity for Republican mobilization. He conveyed that Democrats are perceived as increasingly opposed to Second Amendment rights, which could sway voters in the GOP's favor if engagement efforts are successful. As the state grapples with issues like high property taxes and electricity prices, Presler articulated how these factors have driven some residents away from New Jersey. He argued that these economic burdens were the result of the Democrats' governance, which voters may reject in the upcoming elections. Presler believes that Republicans, with a plan to lower taxes and improve energy affordability, can capture the support of disaffected voters who have historically leaned toward the GOP. Ultimately, Presler called for a