Democrats scored decisive victories in the nation’s most closely watched elections Tuesday, winning high profile contests across several states and delivering a sharp political setback to Republicans.
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim and self described democratic socialist, is projected by NBC News to become the city’s next mayor. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill is set to secure the governorship. Virginia voters elected Abigail Spanberger as the state’s first female governor, while fellow Democrat Jay Jones is projected to unseat Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Democrats also gained ground in statewide measures. California voters approved Proposition 50, authorizing a new congressional map that benefits the party. In Pennsylvania, three Democratic justices retained their seats on the state Supreme Court, preserving the party’s 5 2 majority.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed the results before all races were finalized, calling them a clear rejection of President Donald Trump and his policies. “Tonight’s results are a repudiation of the Trump agenda,” Schumer said, arguing that voters rejected “cruelty, chaos, and greed.”
Trump, in a social media post, blamed the defeats on his absence from the ballot and ongoing frustration over the federal shutdown that began October 1.
Jones’ win in Virginia came as one of the night’s biggest surprises. His campaign faced turbulence after text messages surfaced from 2022 in which he fantasized about shooting then House Speaker Todd Gilbert. Despite the controversy, voters delivered him the upset victory.
Democrats framed the night as evidence that their message on lowering costs, expanding healthcare and stabilizing government is resonating with voters nationwide.
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