Election Day 2025 results: Democrats notch sweeping wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City

Voters in multiple states delivered decisive outcomes on November 4, 2025, reshaping political storylines ahead of the 2026 midterms. Democrats captured both governor’s mansions on the ballot and flipped the nation’s largest city, while a closely watched California ballot measure passed with major congressional implications.

2025 election results at a glance

• Virginia Governor: Democrat Abigail Spanberger is projected to win, becoming the state’s first woman to serve as governor.

• New Jersey Governor: Democrat Mikie Sherrill is projected to win, succeeding the term-limited incumbent.

• New York City Mayor: Democrat Zohran Mamdani is projected to win, defeating independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

• California Proposition 50: Projected to pass, enabling new congressional maps expected to tilt several U.S. House seats toward Democrats.

• Jersey City Mayor: No majority winner; James Solomon and Jim McGreevey advance to a December 2 runoff.

Virginia governor race: Spanberger makes history

In a marquee contest cast as an early referendum on national politics, former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger is projected to defeat Winsome Earle-Sears. The result delivers Democrats unified control in Richmond if down-ballot trends hold, with consequences for policy on abortion access, guns, and education. It also sets Virginia up to be a fundraising and organizing hub for Democrats heading into 2026.

Why it matters: Beyond the historic milestone, a Democratic governorship affects redistricting posture, executive actions, and the tone of statewide governance in a purple-leaning state.

New Jersey governor race: Sherrill keeps Trenton blue

Democrat Mikie Sherrill is projected to win the New Jersey governorship over Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Suburban margins around North and Central Jersey appeared pivotal, with turnout surging in commuter counties.

Why it matters: New Jersey remains a policy bellwether on affordability, infrastructure, and property taxes. A Democratic hold preserves the party’s ability to shape statewide budgets and priorities as federal funds ebb.

New York City mayor: Zohran Mamdani’s landmark win

Queens assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is projected to win the New York City mayoralty, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor and one of its youngest in modern times. He prevailed over independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa after a campaign centered on housing costs, public transit, and child care.

Why it matters: City Hall’s agenda will likely pivot toward affordability measures and mass-transit investment. The victory also signals generational and ideological energy inside the Democratic coalition in the nation’s most populous city.

California Prop 50: Redistricting measure passes

California voters are projected to approve Proposition 50, a special-election measure creating new congressional maps for 2026–2030. Early analyses suggest Democrats could gain up to five additional U.S. House seats under the new lines.

Why it matters: With the House closely divided, a multi-seat shift from one state alters the 2026 battlefield and could counterbalance GOP gains from redistricting elsewhere.

Jersey City mayor: Runoff set for December 2

In a crowded, all-party first round, no candidate cleared 50%. James Solomon and Jim McGreevey advance to a Dec. 2 runoff. The race will determine the successor to outgoing Mayor Steven Fulop and shape development, housing, and transit policy in one of the fastest-growing cities in the Northeast.

Turnout, issues, and party momentum

Turnout was brisk in many urban and suburban precincts, driven by concerns over cost of living, crime, schools, and the balance of power in Washington. Democrats benefited from strong youth and first-time voter participation in several contests, while Republicans held ground in exurban and rural counties. Early voting and mail ballots again formed a significant share of total votes, with final canvasses and certifications to follow this month.

Key timing: When polls closed (ET/PT)

• Virginia: 7 p.m. ET (voters in line by 7 p.m. could still vote).

• New Jersey: 8 p.m. ET.

• New York (including NYC): 9 p.m. ET.

• California (Prop 50): 8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET.

What’s next

• Official certification: States and cities will finalize results after counting late-arriving valid mail ballots, provisional ballots, and overseas/military ballots.

• Jersey City runoff: December 2.

• Transitions: Governor-elects and the New York City mayor-elect begin staffing and budget planning; policy previews are expected within days.

• 2026 midterm map: With Prop 50 passing and two governor’s offices in Democratic hands, the national parties will recalibrate strategy, fundraising, and recruitment heading into the new year.

Election Day 2025 delivered a blue wave across the biggest contests on the map, reset expectations for 2026, and elevated a new set of leaders whose first moves will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.