Overview
- Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey won governor’s races by double-digit margins as Democrats also took Virginia’s lieutenant governor and attorney general contests.
- New York City elected Zohran Mamdani as the first Muslim mayor, following a campaign focused on lowering everyday costs alongside progressive proposals such as frozen rents and free buses.
- California voters approved a new congressional map crafted to improve Democrats’ chances of winning U.S. House seats next year.
- Exit polls across key states cited the economy, taxes, and the cost of living as top concerns, and Democratic candidates successfully linked Republican opponents to President Trump’s policies.
- Republican leaders warned of turnout and mobilization challenges when Trump is not on the ballot; Vice President JD Vance urged better organization as Trump blamed the prolonged shutdown and pushed to end the Senate filibuster.