On Tuesday night, Democrats swept four major elections, including governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, the New York mayoral election and California’s Proposition 50. These results come in context of the federal government shutdown and mark one year until the midterm elections. “The results amounted to a loud rebuke of President Trump’s first year back in office,” according to The New York Times.
Here are the key takeaways from the 2025 elections:
California Proposition 50
California voters approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s measure that authorized the state to redraw the state’s congressional districts. This proposition will allow the Democrats to gain up to five House of Representatives seats for next year’s midterm elections, which will counter Republican redistricting measures in Texas. The statewide ballot only had one question, and the race overwhelmingly voted “Yes.” The victory was a culmination of a $120 million, two-and-a-half month-long campaign, which was “one of the most expensive ballot measures in state history,” according to Cal Matters. In his victory speech, Newsom encouraged other Democratic-held states to redraw their congressional districts as well.
New York City mayoral election
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, was elected as New York City’s 111th mayor. He will be the first Muslim and one of the youngest mayors of this big city. Running on creating the first universal childcare program, making buses free and freezing the rent for 2 million rent stabilized tenants, the 34-year-old defeated Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Andrew Cuomo. The mayor-elect celebrated immigrants, the working-class and youth in his celebratory speech. Voter turnout was extraordinary. “More than two million New Yorkers cast their ballots. That figure was almost double the 1,100,000 people who voted for mayor four years ago. In some areas of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, participation approached presidential election levels,” according to The New York Times.
New Jersey and Virginia governor elections
Democrat Abigail Spanberger will be Virginia’s first female Governor. Focusing on Trump’s firing of federal workers and the government shutdowns impact on Virginia, the moderate secured her victory.
In New Jersey, Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill secured a decisive victory even while polls predicted a close race. Running on holding state government accountable, affordability and protecting kids, Sherill defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli.
