Democrats achieved victories in significant elections on Tuesday, including the New York mayoral election and governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey. These results occurred one year before crucial midterm elections. The outcomes provide insights into voter priorities and demographic shifts.
Election Outcomes
Democrats secured wins in the initial major elections of President Trump's second term. Abigail Spanberger won the governorship in Virginia, shifting the position from Republican control. Mikie Sherrill was elected governor in New Jersey. Both candidates secured over 56% of the vote. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani defeated independent Andrew Cuomo, becoming the first candidate since 1969 to surpass one million votes in that election.
Affordability as a Central Theme
Addressing the cost of living, including rent, food, and childcare, was a core component of Mamdani's campaign. This issue was also central to the campaigns of Sherrill in New Jersey and Spanberger in Virginia. Exit poll data from major US networks indicated that the economy and affordability were the most important issues for voters in all three races. According to exit poll data from CBS News, a majority of voters who identified the economy as their primary concern voted for the Democratic candidate in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Shifts in Latino Voting Patterns
In the previous year's presidential election, Donald Trump secured substantial support from Latino voters, a demographic historically aligned with the Democratic Party. Trump's support among Latino voters increased by 14 percentage points compared to the 2020 election, setting a record for a Republican presidential candidate.
However, results from the Tuesday elections showed different patterns. The winning Democratic candidates for governor in Virginia and New Jersey both held leads of approximately 30% among Latino voters, according to exit poll data.
Specific analysis of Passaic County, New Jersey—where census data indicates nearly half the population is Latino—reveals a shift. Trump won this county by 3 percentage points in 2024, but Sherrill won it by 15 percentage points on Tuesday. The cost of living was identified as a major factor influencing Latino voters, with polling indicating the economy as their top issue.