Trump's Rivals Blame Him for GOP's Rough Night in 2023 Election, Fox News Reports

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
08/11/2023 23h02

MIAMI - The disappointing results of the 2023 Election have given former President Donald Trump's rivals fresh ammunition to target him as the commanding front-runner for the 2024 GOP nomination, according to Fox News. The poor showing for Republicans on Election Day included Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear winning re-election in red-state Kentucky, Democrats gaining control of the state legislature in Virginia, expanding their majorities in New Jersey's legislature, and a state Supreme Court win in battleground Pennsylvania. The convincing victory in Ohio of a referendum enshrining abortion rights in the state's constitution added to the GOP's woes.

Many Republican voices expressed their concerns about the electoral losses. James Uthmeier, manager of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign, took to social media to criticize Trump, stating, "Last night was a sweeping loss for republicans. It was eerily similar to last November, when the anticipated 'red wave' never came." Uthmeier emphasized DeSantis' win in Florida's gubernatorial election, highlighting the need for a new leader who can bring victory to America once again.

Former ambassador and ex-South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who is vying with DeSantis for second place in the primary, also criticized Trump in a memo, labeling him a "loser." Haley's campaign argued that Trump struggled against President Joe Biden in 2024, whereas Haley fared better in a recent CNN poll.

Another Trump rival, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, singled out the former president for the loss of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who was defeated by Gov. Andy Beshear. Christie, once an ally of Trump but now a vocal critic, claimed that embracing Trump was political poison for down-ballot candidates. He specifically blamed Cameron's close association with Trump for his downfall.

The Trump campaign, in response to Christie's remarks, contended that Cameron's connection to Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell had a greater impact on Republican turnout than Trump's endorsement. They also highlighted the historical rarity of Kentucky electing Republican governors.

These attacks on Trump coincided with the third Republican presidential primary debate in Miami, where DeSantis, Haley, and Christie, along with Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, were set to share the stage. Trump, however, decided to skip the debate for the third time in a row and instead held a competing rally in Hialeah, Florida.

As the 2024 campaign trail heats up, voters are closely watching the aftermath of the 2023 Election and how it may shape the future of the Republican Party. For the latest updates, exclusive interviews, and more, visit Fox News Digital's election hub.

Note: The generated news article is based on the information provided and may not reflect current or real-life events.

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