The United States held state and local elections in six states this Tuesday in a day that tested the political climate during the second term of Donald Trump and set the tone for the upcoming legislative elections.
In New York, Democrat Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral election with over 50% of the vote. Mamdani, 34 years old, will become the youngest mayor of the city since 1892 and the first of the Muslim faith, after defeating independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, with 80% of the votes counted.
The progressive politician surprised by beating Cuomo in the Democratic primaries and built his campaign on promises of free transportation, affordable housing, and public stores with low prices, in a context of high cost of living. At a rally in Queens, alongside Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, he stated that “New York is not for sale.”
Mamdani’s socialist leanings drew criticism from President Donald Trump, who called him a “communist” and vowed to cut federal funding for the city. Cuomo, for his part, attempted to revive his political career after his resignation in 2021, but his candidacy was overshadowed by the sexual harassment scandals that forced him out as governor.
Democrat Zohran Mamdani (REUTERS)
In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill was elected governor after defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who was backed by Trump, with 57% to 43% of the vote, according to 67% counted. The former congresswoman and naval pilot will replace fellow Democrat Phil Murphy and will be the second woman to hold the office in the state’s 238-year history.
“I will lead with courage and never forget who I serve,” wrote Sherrill, 53, on her X account.
The result strengthens Democratic control in New Jersey, where Sherrill surpassed the margins obtained by Kamala Harris in 2024 in key counties like Passaic, Union, and Hudson. Her victory was seen as a setback for Trump, who was trying to replicate his presidential momentum in a state that leans Democratic.
Democrat Mikie Sherrill (REUTERS)
In Virginia, former CIA agent Abigail Spanberger became the first female governor of the state, winning 55% of the vote against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, with over 40% counted.
“Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship,” Spanberger declared before hundreds of supporters.
The new governor, 46 years old, defeated the Republican lieutenant governor in a campaign focused on the cost of living, inequality, and the impact of federal budget cuts in a state with over 300,000 public employees. Her victory returns the governorship to the Democrats and provides a boost for the party after Trump’s reelection in 2024.
Former CIA agent Abigail Spanberger became the first female governor of Virginia (EFE/Erik S. Lesser)
In Cincinnati, Aftab Pureval won reelection as mayor after defeating Republican Cory Bowman, the half-brother of Vice President JD Vance. Pureval, of Asian descent, first took office in 2021 and secured over 80% of the vote in the May primaries.
His victory represents another setback for Republicans in a key state dominated by the vice president.
In Detroit, Mary Sheffield won the mayoral race, defeating Solomon Kinloch Jr. to become the first woman to hold the office. As president of the City Council, Sheffield secured over 50% of the vote and will replace Mayor Mike Duggan, who chose not to run after three terms.
Democrat Corey O’Connor was elected mayor of Pittsburgh after defeating Republican Tony Moreno. O’Connor, the son of former mayor Bob O’Connor, had previously beaten acting mayor Ed Gainey in the primaries. Until now, he served as Allegheny County controller, and his victory maintains Democratic control in the city.
In Cincinnati, Aftab Pureval won reelection as mayor (REUTERS)
In Atlanta, Andre Dickens won reelection with over 50% of the vote against three rivals, solidifying Democratic dominance in Georgia’s capital. Dickens took office in 2022 and previously served as a city council member before leading a nonprofit technology organization.
The results in these cities reflect a night of success for the Democratic Party, which managed to retain or win key positions in major urban centers, while President Donald Trump seeks to strengthen his political influence amid an increasingly polarized national landscape.
Image: Infobae
