(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.
Winner of NYC mayoral race: Zohran Mamdani, democratic socialist
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrat Zohran Mamdani as the winner of the NYC mayoral election. The 34-year-old state legislator, a self-described democratic socialist, defeated Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Andrew Cuomo to lead the nation’s largest city.
Bill Clinton congratulates Spanberger
Among those congratulating Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger was former President Bill Clinton.
“Your victory is a testament to your long record of service and your relentless focus on the issues that matter most to Virginians,” the Democrat said.
Polls close in New York City
Voting has wrapped up in New York City, where democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has been the front-runner against two opponents, Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Andrew Cuomo.
Texas 18th Congressional District results
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrat Christian Menefee to advance to a runoff in the U.S. House special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District. One more spot remains to advance to the runoff.
Spanberger makes remarks after winning Virginia governor’s race
Democratic Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger says her victory shows voters are sending a message that they’re more interested in practical issues, including the cost of living, over partisan bickering and “chaos.” She promises to work with both sides of the aisle.
“We can set an example for the rest of the nation,” she says.
Democrat Jay Jones winner of Virginia AG contest
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrat Jay Jones the winner of the Virginia attorney general election.
Jones’ election as the state’s chief legal officer was not a foregone conclusion after he became embroiled in a texting scandal. He defeats Republican Jason Miyares.
Democrat Mikie Sherrill projected winner for NJ governor
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrat Mikie Sherrill the winner of the New Jersey gubernatorial election. The four-term congresswoman and former Navy helicopter pilot defeats Republican Jack Ciattarelli.
Don’t read too much into the tea leaves: Bill O’Reilly
Political commentator Bill O’Reilly disagrees with the notion Tuesday’s election results will foreshadow how the midterm elections go next year. He said there are way too many issues, such as tariffs, that will play out in the coming months.
“This has nothing to do with the midterms. Zero,” O’Reilly said.
Polls close in New Jersey
The polls have closed in New Jersey, where Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill are vying to replace term-limited incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat.
Georgia Public Service Commission winners
Decision Desk HQ projects Peter Hubbard to win the Public Service Commissioner special election for Georgia’s 3rd District and Alicia Johnson to win the election for the 2nd District.
Virginia lieutenant governor: Dem Ghazala Hashmi
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrat Ghazala Hashmi the winner of the Virginia lieutenant governor’s race.
Democrat Abigail Spanberger is projected gubernatorial winner in Virginia
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrat Abigail Spanberger — a former congresswoman and intelligence officer — the winner of the Virginia gubernatorial election.
Spanberger was considered the front-runner against her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.
Less certain was the Virginia attorney general’s race, pitting Democrat Jay Jones against Republican Jason Miyares, as Jones became embroiled in a scandal over violent texts he sent in 2022.
Spanberger becomes the first woman elected Virginia governor.
Zohran Mamdani in ‘wrong wing of the Democratic Party’: Geraldo Rivera
All eyes are on New York City as a historic mayoral race between candidates Zohran Mamdani and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be decided Tuesday night. NewsNation’s Connell McShane and Geraldo Rivera discuss the latest, including Mamdani responding to President Trump’s threat to cut funding to the city if he wins. “A good relationship between Washington and New York is crucial to the city’s well-being,” Rivera says. “I think that Mamdani is gonna be an orphan. … I think that he’s in the wrong wing of the Democratic Party.”
New Jersey voters want clarity on electricity costs, taxes in selecting governor
In Tuesday’s edition of “Driving the Vote,” NewsNation’s Brian Entin spotlights the New Jersey governor’s race. Entin reports how electricity costs and standing up to President Trump are on the minds of voters as they make their way to the polls.
Polls close in Virginia
NewsNation correspondent Joe Khalil reports there has been high early turnout in Northern Virginia around Washington, D.C., which bodes well for Democrats. Virginia’s 1.4 million early votes are a record for the commonwealth.
The Virginia gubernatorial race pits Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears against former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger.
Key races NewsNation is watching tonight
NewsNation will keep a close watch on the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia; the New York City mayoral race; California’s “Proposition 50” ballot question, which could allow a congressional remap in that state; and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court races, where three incumbent Democrats are up for retention.
Sen. Schumer silent on Mamdani
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, did not say which mayoral candidate he voted for. While his House counterpart, New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, has endorsed front-runner Zohran Mamdani, Schumer has notably abstained from backing the self-described democratic socialist.
“I look forward to working with the next mayor,” Schumer said Tuesday.