The BareStory
Elections held on November 4-5, 2025, are set to install new leadership in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election, while projections indicate Democrats Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger will win the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, respectively.
In New York City, vote tallies showed Mamdani, a state assemblyman, securing 50.4% of the vote. Former governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran after placing second in the Democratic primary, finished with 41.3%, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa received 7.5%.
Mamdani’s mayoral agenda includes proposals to seize properties from landlords described as negligent, create government-operated grocery stores, and implement city-funded programs for free busing and childcare. His history of rhetoric and policy positions on Israel drew criticism during the campaign. According to one summary, he sponsored legislation to bar New York charities from working with Israel and declined to support Holocaust remembrance measures while in the state assembly.
In response to his positions, over 1,000 rabbis reportedly signed an open letter opposing his candidacy, stating his stances could encourage hostility toward Jews. Mamdani has also pledged to arrest the Israeli Prime Minister should he visit New York City.
In the New Jersey governor’s race, projections named Mikie Sherrill the winner over Republican Jack Ciattarelli. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger was projected to become the next governor.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• New York City residents may see new city-funded services, including government-operated grocery stores, free busing, and free childcare, based on the mayor-elect's agenda.
• Landlords in New York City could face property seizures under the new administration's housing proposals, potentially affecting the local housing market.
• The mayor-elect's stance on Israel has led to concerns from some religious leaders about the potential for increased hostility toward Jewish communities in New York.
• His policies could set a precedent for other U.S. cities considering government-run services or more assertive housing and foreign policy positions at the municipal level.
