Whether you’re a political aficionado who’s glued to their phone as the votes come in or trying to detach yourself from the stress of election day, staying informed is more important now than ever before. With key policy legislation in California, the nationally-recognized mayoral race in New York City, and groundbreaking gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, this is everything you need to know about the 2025 elections.
CALIFORNIA
Possibly the most complicated election and potentially one that has most national importance, California residents spent Tuesday voting on Proposition – or Prop – 50. This is a direct response to President Trump’s redistricting of Texas in an effort to gain more Republican seats in the House of Representatives. By voting yes to Prop 50, California would re-draw their district lines, gaining five more Democratic seats in the House and regaining the majority. This legislation comes as a major win to the Democratic party, who are setting the tone for voters in the wake of the 2026 midterm elections. Additionally, it serves as a major victory for California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who’s currently vying for a seat on the 2028 presidential ballot. This legislative victory proves that Newsom is able and unafraid to stand up to Republican politicians, and that he may very well deserve a place on the Democratic ballot in years to come.
NEW YORK
This year’s New York City Mayoral Race was awarded to the promising Zoran Mamdani, a name that you’ve likely heard of due to his fun, youthful social media presence and promises of free buses, rent controlled housing, and universal child care. After months of campaigning, the self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist beat out the former governor and Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Silwa. The former Soundcloud Rapper (yes, you read that right) and New York City representative turned mayoral candidate structured his campaign to appeal to New York’s young, liberal audience. At 34, Mamdani will become the youngest New York City Mayor since the 1890s, as well as the first Muslim and South Asian person to assume the position. Despite questions surrounding Mamdani, with many right-wing politicians and activists claiming that he’s unfit for the position, whether that be due to his age, his background, or the myriad of other seemingly Islamaphobic critiques he’s been subjected to, Zoran Mamdani is taking it in stride and looks to assume the role of Mayor on January 1st, 2026.
VIRGINIA
Virginia’s gubernatorial election was one full of firsts. Notably, it was the first all-female race in Virginia’s history, with Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears as the two main-party candidates. Spanberger, a former Virginia Senator and CIA operative, went toe-to-toe with Earle-Sears, the current Virginia Lieutenant Governor under Glen Youngkin and former US Marine, both on the debate stage and in the court of public opinion.
Winning by approximately 13 points, Abigail Spanberger has become the first female governor of Virginia and hopes to follow through with campaign promises of economic stability for Virginians, bringing down the cost of housing, strengthening public schools, and protecting the rights of Virginians, especially at-risk minority groups. It’d be remiss though, to not mention the controversy surrounding Spanberger’s running mate, Democratic Attorney General Candidate Jay Jones. Earlier this year, some unfortunate texts had been leaked, notably a chain of texts from 2022 in which he wished death upon former Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children. It’s likely Spanberger won in spite of Jones’ actions, not because of them, but it’s an important factor to keep an eye on as Spanberger transitions into office this coming January.
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey’s gubernatorial race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli was a clean and divisive victory for Sherrill. Winning by 13 points, the former US Naval pilot, criminal prosecutor, and Democratic congresswoman is slated to become the state’s second-ever female governor. Sherrill stated that her campaign’s largest objectives were to make New Jersey affordable for residents, protect children in schools and beyond, and hold the state government accountable. Ciattarelli’s campaign strategy focused significantly more on economic growth, aiming to cut taxes and promote the economy, but his promises fell on deaf ears for Jersey residents, prioritizing Sherrill’s more personal, equality and quality of life based campaign. Sherrill resigned from her position as a New Jersey congresswoman just a few days after the election, and looks to assume her position as New Jersey’s 57th Governor in January of 2026.
This November’s ‘blue wave’ elections seemed, for many, to usher in a new era of American politics. The narrative is clear, as many major news outlets have been quick to point out – disappointed voters came to the polls in droves, using their voices to speak up for the causes they are passionate about and calling out the current Republican administration for their actions. However, it’s important to note that many of the states that were dominated by blue votes are historically democratic areas, and while democratic voters can get excited about the possibility of Democrat-dominated midterms next year, the fight has just begun. Regardless of whether or not you think this November’s elections signify an ideological shift, an expression of disappointment in the current administration, or are simply a fluke, remember to discuss politics with compassion and civility, and approach these topics with a willingness to listen.
