Democrats Sweep Key Races

Democrats won a series of races in predominantly Blue States during an off-year election marked by a government shutdown, a showdown between Democratic mayoral candidates, and controversial redistricting efforts.

Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey won by double-digit margins in gubernatorial races.

Zohran Mamdani, the self-described democratic socialist, handily won the mayor’s race in New York City. 

Republicans tried to lower expectations earlier in the day. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters, “It won’t be a big surprise if the front runners, the Democrats, the radicals, win some of these elections.”

“It’s all basically Blue States,” Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) told The Epoch Times.

Yet the margins were significant according to pollster James Lee.

“Anytime you get to 10 points or more, those are blowouts,” Lee told The Epoch Times.

Aaron Dusso of Indiana University, Indianapolis, said, “In Virginia and in New Jersey, the Democrats win when they’re expected to win. This is not surprising.” 

Voters talked a lot about inflation, prices, and affordability. 

Autumn Lawson, who supported Democratic candidates, said she wants to see the “over taxation of Virginia stopped.” 

Siobhan, another Democratic voter, favors Virginia’s income tax over the sales tax, which Lawson described as “getting taxed twice.”

Marcelo Lorenzo, who works in the power-generating industry in Virginia and split his ticket this year, said the rising number of data centers makes him fears the world is growing at a rate that may outpace our control of it.

New York City saw a historic turnout in its mayoral election, where Mamdani prevailed with more than 50 percent of the vote.

More than 2 million ballots were cast in the mayoral race for the first time since 1969, according to the New York City Board of Elections.

Voters backed an assortment of ballot measures Tuesday night, including on voting and firearm laws, and redrawing congressional districts.

Texans approved Proposition 15, which amends the state constitution to enshrine parents’ right to make decisions about their children’s welfare. 

The state also disallowed noncitizens from voting in all statewide elections, including local races. 

Maine voters rejected a similar ballot measure but approved allowing courts to temporarily prohibit a person from possessing dangerous weapons if they’re a danger to themselves or others.

With the election over, Republican leaders think the shutdown may end soon.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said on Nov. 4, “We’re hoping this will be the week,” referring to an end to the shutdown. 

Political analyst Henry Olsen said, “Democrats no longer need this issue to motivate their swing voters to register opposition to Trump.”

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) told The Epoch Times he is “generally optimistic” about a resolution coming soon.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), told reporters that “the pace of talks has increased.”

California redistricting will impact the 2026 election.

Voters approved Proposition 50, a proposal to temporarily redraw the state’s congressional district map in favor of Democrats for the 2026 elections.

Republican redistricting in four other states produced a 9-seat swing in favor of the GOP. 

California could add five Democratic seats, cutting the GOP’s gain in half.

Democrats will likely do well in the midterm elections if economic conditions remain the same, even with an overall loss due to redistricting, according to Dusso. 

“They should pick up 15 seats,” Dusso said. “So even if you give back five [due to redistricting], they could still win 10.”

—Lawrence Wilson and Jacob Burg

BOOKMARKS

Donald Trump is moving forward with plans to designate far-left activist group Antifa as a foreign terrorist organization. He previously hit the group with a domestic terrorist organization label on Sept. 22. 

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore took another step toward remaking his state’s congressional districts on Monday. He plans to create a Redistricting Advisory Commission, which will “begin its work immediately, holding public hearings and listening to Marylanders directly and taking a hard, honest look at our congressional maps.” 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the government may have to close off some of its airspace next week if the government shutdown continues. The lack of government funds means fewer air traffic controllers and potentially more risk to passengers. 

The Supreme Court plans to hear arguments about Trump’s tariffs on Nov. 5, but how can you keep track of it all? Read Sam Dorman’s latest report to catch up on the aspects of the case.

Multiple New Jersey polling sites were hit with bomb threats on Tuesday, but none were credible, authorities said. “Law enforcement officers have responded at each affected polling place, and they have worked swiftly to secure these polling locations and ensure the safety of every voter,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.

—Stacy Robinson