Democrats sweep three massive elections where economy loomed large

Democrats claimed victory in three high-stakes elections largely focused on economic anxiety and affordability.

New Jersey Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill defeated Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey gubernatorial race, while former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican challenger Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia gubernatorial race. In the Empire State, Socialist New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani claimed victory over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, who were running as independents.

The three sweeps occurred as Republicans sought to make headway in historically liberal or left-leaning jurisdictions, including campaigns to lower taxes.

The economy and affordability were top concerns in all three elections, according to polling data, while liberal candidates tended to blame the White House for economic concerns.

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Voters in New Jersey reported notoriously high taxes and the economy as the top issues heading into the polls, according to Fox News Voter Poll data. According to Fox polling data, half of Virginia voters report that their top issue is the economy; That number is more than twice as many as those who cite healthcare as their top concern.

Affordability was by far the top concern of voters in New York City, according to Fox News Voter Poll data, and Mamdani scored a significant win over her rivals. Mamdani implemented policies to reduce food costs, such as city-run grocery stores, eliminating bus fares, freezing rents on rent-stabilized units, and other affordable housing offerings.

Voters responded by voting Democratic after President Donald Trump’s decisive victory over former Vice President Kamala Harris more than a year ago in a federal election that also focused on the economy amid rising inflation woes.

Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, celebrates taking the stage during an election night rally at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on November 4, 2025. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Trump and other conservatives characterized Mamdani as a “communist” who threatened New York City’s giant economy and was a symbol of American capitalism, while left-wing supporters argued that Mamdani would ease the cost burden on residents who face very high rent, taxes and food costs.

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“100 percent Communist Crazy Zohran Mamdani just won the Democratic primary and is on track to become Mayor,” Trump said. wrote At Truth Social in June. “We’ve had Radical Leftists before, but this is getting a bit ridiculous. TERRIBLE looking, high pitched, not very smart.”

The trio of high-profile Democrats who won their elections campaigned in part against the Trump administration’s policies and affordability issues.

Representative Mikie Sherrill, Democratic candidate for governor of New Jersey, signs in to vote at a polling location inside Hillside Elementary School in Montclair, New Jersey, on November 4, 2025. (John Lamparski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Donald Trump needs to answer Virginians directly about why he is actively cutting jobs in Virginia and hurting the Virginia economy,” Spanberger said in October. he said. “The Trump Administration has adopted a sledgehammer management approach that has harmed Virginia’s workers, businesses and economy.”

Sherrill has called the current economy a “disaster,” including claiming that Trump’s tariffs would be disastrous.

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“Donald Trump has made the biggest tax increase of my lifetime — an economic disaster for New Jersey families,” Sherrill said in April when Trump announced he would raise tariffs on foreign countries. “This will increase costs to about $4,000 a year, and many companies have already announced layoffs. No wonder the Wall Street Journal called it ‘the stupidest trade war in history.'”

New Jersey, a historically deep blue state, was seen as the state most likely to potentially turn red in the 2024 federal election after Trump showed he was gaining ground among Garden State voters, handing five counties to the Republican Party.

President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order banning transgender female athletes from participating in sporting events for women or girls in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press)

After his victory Tuesday, Spanberger celebrated reviving the Old Dominion State’s economy.

“Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship,” Spanberger said. “We chose our community over chaos.”

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“All of you chose leadership “This will focus relentlessly on what matters most: lowering costs, keeping our communities safe, and strengthening our economy for every Virginian.”

Trump responded to the Democratic victory on Tuesday with a quote from pollsters that the ongoing government shutdown was due in part to Republican losses.

“’TRUMP’S VOTE COUNT AND HIS CLOSURE ARE TWO REASONS WHY REPUBLICANS LOST THE ELECTION TONIGHT,” Trump said on Truth Social.