WASHINGTON, D.C. — After decisive wins by solid margins in several races, Democrats are feeling encouraged by what they view as an early indication — or a bellwether — for next year’s midterms.
As Democrats celebrate the victories, Republicans say the real test is still ahead.
In Virginia, Democrats swept all three statewide races. Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger made history — she’ll be the commonwealth’s first female governor.
In New Jersey, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill soared to a double-digit victory over Trump-backed Republican Jack Ciattarelli.
And in New York City, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s strong grassroots campaign paid off.
“New York — tonight, you have delivered a mandate for change, a mandate for a new kind of politics, a mandate for a city we can afford, and a mandate for a government that delivers exactly that,” said Mamdani, speaking to supporters Tuesday night.
Following Mamdani’s victory, Republicans on Capitol Hill criticized the trajectory of the Democratic Party on Wednesday.
“The biggest win for socialism in the history of the country, and it is the biggest loss for the American people. He is truly a committed Marxist,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. “And the results of that race tell you everything you need to know about where the Democrats and their party are headed.”
“It’s the financial capital of the world. It’s the media capital of the world. I mean, there’s a lot riding in the balance,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y. “I’m deeply concerned. We need to fight socialism in all areas. It’s never succeeded anywhere on the globe it’s been tried.”
Congressman Nick Langworthy, who endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the race, believes reverberations of Mamdani’s policies will be felt across the state and the country.
“With people that are pandering to a radical left as they’re legislating, what will that mean and how will that amplify the number of people moving out of our state every single day?” Langworthy said.
In recent weeks, national Democrats were at odds about Mamdani. New York Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand did not offer an endorsement but congratulated the Mayor-elect following his victory.
“This morning, I talked with Mayor-elect Mamdani. We had a very, very good conversation,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “We look forward to working together to help the city and improve the city.”
Overall, Democrats are encouraged by Tuesday’s results, calling them a rebuke of the Trump administration.
“Candidates across the country, up and down the ballot, decisively defeated MAGA Republicans in an extraordinary rejection of the extremism that the American people have been experiencing since day one of Donald Trump’s presidency — and an embrace of the Democratic vision to make life better for everyday Americans,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
Many Republicans, including the president, said Wednesday that the shutdown — now the longest in U.S. history — cost them at the polls.
California’s Proposition 50 was also approved by voters Tuesday. The ballot measure will establish new congressional maps that are expected to turn five red seats blue. It came as a direct response to redistricting in Texas earlier this year, where new maps are expected to turn five blue seats red in next year’s midterms.
