On Tuesday Nov 4, millions went to the polls in elections across the country. It was a wide Democratic sweep as democrats or democrat-backed proposals came out on top in all major elections.
The most talked about election of the night was undoubtedly the New York City mayoral race. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani won with 50.4% of the vote, defeating independent former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani’s campaign gained national attention as he created a movement committed to working class issues, bringing left-wing talking points to the forefront of national politics. Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, ran on freezing rents, taxing billionaires, eliminating bus fares, creating city run grocery stores, and resisting the Trump administration.
Cuomo made a comeback to politics after resigning the governors office in 2021 amid scandals about his handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic and allegations of sexual harassment. He ran as an independent after losing the democratic nomination to Mamdani in June. Cuomo ran on increasing the size and presence of the NYPD, improving housing and education.
Cuomo got a last-minute endorsement from the president in a statement that said “Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice.” Like others, Trump saw Sliwa as a spoiler, getting in the way of Cuomo and paving the way for a Mamdani victory. Sliwa, on multiple occasions, stated his commitment to democracy and that he didn’t fear a Mamdani victory. “It’s part of the political process. I don’t fear socialists. I don’t fear communists. I say, leave it to the people, let them make the decision at the ballot box,” he said speaking on the “Juan Manuel Benítez Wants to Know” podcast.
Mamdani’s victory signaled a shift to the Democratic Party establishment. Many of whom either did not endorse him or endorsed him only when his victory became certain in the weeks leading up to the election. His victory is a sign of internal struggle within the party, between the establishment old guard and the progressive youth.
In Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court election all three candidates won another ten year term, keeping Democratic control over the court. In New Jersey Democrat Mikie Sherrill won against Republican Jack Ciattarelli by 13 points. Every single county swung towards the Democrats compared to the 2024 election, even those that voted for Ciattarelli.
In California Proposition 50, a democrat-backed proposition that would allow the state legislature to redraw congressional districts in their favor. Prop 50 passed with an overwhelming 64% of the vote surpassing even the most optimistic polling. At the time of writing ballots are still being processed.
In Virginia, Democrats Abigail Spanberger, Jay Jones, and Ghazala Hashmi all won their respective elections for Governor, Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor. Spanberger won by a 15 point margin over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in a state that voted in Kamala Harris’ favor by only 5 points.
The importance of this election cannot be overstated. As the country gears up for the midterms next year, this election served as a test on the mandate given to the president by voters last year. It’s still uncertain how the midterms will go however it is certain that the status quo will be shaken by whichever party comes out victorious.
Featured image: Getty images
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