Why it matters: Democrats control Washington and hold sway in most colleges and corporate suites, plus much of the mainstream media. But Republicans are thriving despite Trump's tactics and antics.

Republicans kept their distance from Trump and won the governor's mansion in Virginia — and almost won liberal New Jersey.

They picked up a dozen House seats in 2020 when almost everyone thought they would lose a bunch.

Republicans also picked up 154 state legislative seats in 2020 to take control of two new chambers.

These statehouse wins help them draw districts for 2022 that could net as many as 13 seats, according to a Democratic study.

Redistricting alone is expected to give Republicans the five seats they'd need to flip the U.S. House.