(NewsNation) — Democrats won big Tuesday in key state and local races across the United States that were seen as bellwethers on the second term of Republican President Donald Trump, and Republicans responded by digging in against New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim immigrant and self-described democratic socialist.
New Jersey and Virginia voters elected Democrats Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, respectively, over their Republican opponents in gubernatorial elections, and three Democratic justices were retained on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. In Democratic-leaning California, voters approved a mid-decade congressional redistricting that could grant the party up to five more seats in the U.S. House.
In New York, residents chose Mamdani to lead the nation’s largest city after Trump put his thumb on the scale by endorsing independent Andrew Cuomo over Republican Curtis Sliwa.
“Against all odds, we have grasped it. The future is in our hands. My friends, we have toppled a political dynasty,” Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman, told supporters during a fiery victory speech.
He wished Cuomo, the former New York governor, the best — “in private life,” adding, “Let tonight be the final time I utter his name.”
DNC: Tuesday wins a ‘Republican reckoning’
Trump distanced himself from Tuesday’s GOP losses, suggesting on social media that voters were upset about the government shutdown and noting that he wasn’t on the ballot to help party members. But Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin rejoiced at the drubbing, calling it a “Republican reckoning” and a “blue sweep.”
“To all the Republicans who have bowed a cowardly knee to Trump all year, consider this: We’re coming after your jobs next,” Martin said in a prepared statement. “We will earn every vote. We will win.”
For their part, Republicans zeroed in on Mamdani’s election, calling it a liability for Democrats that will carry over into the 2026 midterm elections.
“Democrats have officially handed New York City over to a self-proclaimed Communist, and hardworking families will be the ones paying the price,” Republican National Committee chair Joe Gruters said in a statement. “Zohran Mamdani’s radical agenda will push businesses out, drain taxpayers dry, and drive one of America’s greatest cities into lawlessness.”
Mamdani calls out Trump directly
Mamdani seemed to embrace the prospect of being a thorn in Trump’s side and addressed the president directly during his victory speech, after Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from New York if Mamdani won.
“Hear me, President Trump, when I say this: To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us,” Mamdani said.
Around this time, Trump posted on social media: ” … AND SO IT BEGINS!”
Former President Barack Obama said more broadly that Tuesday’s Democratic victories signaled a turning point for the party, which was trounced in the 2024 election cycle.
“It’s a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win. We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter,” he said on social media.