US election: Democrats sweep key races as Mamdani becomes New York’s first Muslim mayor

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Democrats notched major victories across the United States on Tuesday, in a series of closely watched local elections seen as the first major electoral verdict on President Donald Trump’s tumultuous second term in the White House.

In New York City, leftist Zohran Mamdani was projected to win the mayoral race, according to US networks NBC, CBS and CNN. The Democratic socialist and state assemblyman will make history as the city’s first Muslim mayor, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo in a landmark contest that underscored a progressive surge within the Democratic ranks.

Across the Hudson River, Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill secured victory in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, US media reported. The former Navy pilot and national security expert defeated Republican businessman and ex-state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, in a contest widely viewed as an early test of Trump’s post-reelection influence.

Meanwhile in Virginia, Democrats celebrated another major win as Abigail Spanberger became the first woman elected governor of the state. The moderate three-term congresswoman and former CIA officer was projected to defeat Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, a staunch Trump ally and Marine veteran, by a comfortable margin.

The trio of Democratic victories — in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia — marked a decisive moment for the opposition party, offering a glimpse into shifting voter sentiment and the potential challenges awaiting Trump’s administration as it navigates its second term.