Washington, USA: A day after the Republican Party’s electoral setbacks in key state races, US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Wednesday that the prolonged government shutdown negatively impacted the GOP’s performance in Tuesday’s polls.

Speaking at the White House during a meeting with Republican senators, Trump conceded that the shutdown — now in its 36th day, the longest in US history — had hurt the party’s chances.

“The shutdown was a big factor, negative, for the Republicans. And they say that I wasn’t on the ballot was the biggest factor. I don’t know about that, but I was honoured that they said that,” Trump remarked.

The former president also sought to deflect personal blame for the losses, echoing a message he posted on his social media platform Truth Social late Tuesday night:

“‘TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT’, according to pollsters,” he wrote.

Democrats Score Major Wins

Democrats retained control in the New York City mayoral race and the New Jersey governor’s election, while Virginia flipped blue as Democratic candidates captured all three statewide offices — Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General — from the Republicans.

In a further blow to Trump’s camp, California voters approved a redistricting initiative championed by Democrats that could cost Republicans at least five congressional seats in next year’s House elections.

Currently, Republicans hold 219 seats in the House of Representatives compared to 213 for the Democrats — meaning even a small shift could tilt the balance of power.

Trump Pushes for End to Filibuster

During his meeting with Republican lawmakers, Trump renewed his call to abolish the Senate filibuster, a procedural rule that requires 60 votes to advance most legislation in the 100-member chamber.

“It’s the only way you can do it. And if you don’t terminate the filibuster, you’ll be in bad shape. We won’t pass any legislation,” Trump warned.

However, many Senate Republicans remain opposed to the move, citing concerns about long-term institutional stability.

Longest Shutdown in US History

The ongoing government shutdown, sparked by a budget impasse over federal spending priorities, entered its 36th day on Wednesday, affecting hundreds of thousands of government employees and multiple federal services.

Political analysts say the prolonged shutdown, coupled with public frustration over economic stagnation and political gridlock, contributed heavily to Republican losses in the latest elections — signaling potential trouble for the party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.