INSIDE D.C. WITH JOHN GIZZI NEWSMAX WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT
FRESH FACE • Erin Stewart became mayor of New Britain, Connecticut, in 2013 at age 26, the youngest female big-city mayor in U.S. history. Now 37 and retiring after 10 years, Stewart is poised to run for governor of the Nutmeg State against two-term Democrat incumbent Ned Lamont. In contrast to most Republicans, Stewart is strongly pro-choice, believes Roe v. Wade was correctly decided, backs gay rights, and has proudly performed same-sex weddings. But GOP leaders believe
her fiscally conservative record makes Stewart acceptable and reportedly will try to secure the gubernatorial nomination for her without opposition.
JOHN JAMES EYES STATEHOUSE • After months of worrying that no heavyweight candidate will run for governor in 2026, Michigan Republicans breathed a sigh of relief when supporters of Rep. John James put out the word their man will seek the statehouse. Twice an almost- successful candidate for the U.S. Senate, West Point graduate James is popular with the conservative grassroots throughout the Water Wonderland and would be the first Black nominee
44 NEWSMAX | DECEMBER 2024
for governor since fellow Republican Bill Lucas in 1986. With Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer termed out, three very liberal statewide office-holders — all women — are also expected to seek the top job.
CROWDED PRIMARY • Less than a year after his brief bid for the Republican presidential nomination, Vivek Ramaswamy is reportedly setting his sights on a race for governor of Ohio in 2026.
Fellow GOPer Mike
DeWine is stepping down after two terms as governor and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted is considered the favorite in what is sure to be a crowded primary. Multimillionaire entrepreneur Ramaswamy is expected to use his own resources on a campaign and, sources tell Newsmax, is almost certain to have Donald Trump’s endorsement.
OLD DOMINION FIRST • In what is one of only two gubernatorial races in 2025 and sure to be nationally watched, Virginia appears to have settled on its major party nominees. Outgoing Rep. Abigail Spanberger has all but wrapped up the Democrat nomination, while sources in Richmond say Attorney General Jason Miyares has decided to defer to
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle- Sears for the Republican nod. Miyares, 48, reportedly decided that his office had too much legal action to deal with, necessitating another term as attorney general. This should free Sears, 60, from the kind of divisive primaries with fellow statewide officeholders that have cost Republicans the governorship twice in the past 25 years, and thus she’s certain to be the first Black woman ever nominated for governor in the Old Dominion State.
DEFICIT DEBACLE • The next secretary of the
Treasury will be dealing with an unprecedented level of government deficits and will have to focus on some drastic action. For the first time in history, the ratio of debt is poised to exceed the 100% level and, in fact, could exceed 200% by 2026. That will force the government to roll over one-third of the overall debt (or roughly $10 trillion) in 2025, and thus expand the debt issuance. As of April, foreign countries own $7.9 trillion, or roughly 23% of the U.S. debt, with the largest holders being Japan and China.
Haley for U.S. Senate?
• Although his presidential bid quickly ran out of steam, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., has all but wrapped up the chairmanship of the National Republican Senatorial Committee for the 2026 cycle. The position is certain to bring Scott fresh financial contacts as well as goodwill among his colleagues facing the voters. But sources close to Scott say he is unlikely to make another bid for the Senate in 2028 and very likely to pursue opportunities in the private sector. One scenario has former Gov. Nikki Haley, who appointed Scott to the Senate vacancy in 2012, forgoing another presidential bid of her own to take his seat.
HALEY/MATIAS J. OCNER/MIAMI HERALD/TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE VIA GETTY IMAGES
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