State-Level Elections and Policy

Democrats running for governor in 2026 are moving Trump’s now‑struck‑down global tariffs to the center of their economic message, arguing the levies helped drive up prices and close businesses in their states. The article, published less than a week after the Supreme Court invalidated the tariff program, details how New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is demanding a $13.5 billion refund for New Yorkers and airing ads tying GOP challenger Bruce Blakeman to the tariff rollout event at the White House. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, suing the administration for a second time as he runs for governor, blames the tariffs for restaurant closures and falling tourism, while Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is attacking Republican rivals Andy Biggs and David Schweikert for backing what she calls "reckless" tariff policies. Democratic Governors Association chair Andy Beshear says imagery of Trump unveiling a tariff "rate board" will feature prominently in campaigns nationwide, while White House spokesman Kush Desai counters that tariffs enabled Trump’s drug‑price, reshoring and trade initiatives. The fight underscores how Democrats hope to turn voter anger over higher prices back on Republicans by framing tariffs as a hidden tax with state‑level economic consequences.