They lost because there was no strong campaining from the beginning. In NJ all i saw was Jack's signs, no Murphy - even in Newark Area. Too relaxed while thugs make all kinds of unsubstantiated claims on FOX.
VA, was lost because of the same thing. They thought people will vote. They didnt. Also those pushing CRT did not help. Republicans no longer stick to civility, while dems are too busy being nice.