Mamdani celebrates victory in 'reborn' New York City

Mamdani urged the city to "breathe this moment in."

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Megan Forrester, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: November 5, 2025, 12:24 AM EST

Democrats triumphed in high-profile races that unfolded across the country on Tuesday, including New York City's mayoral election and governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia.

In California, voters also chose to redraw their state's congressional map in a move that could net Democrats five House seats.

The elections help provide a picture of how Americans feel about President Donald Trump's first nine months in office. Following a wave of Republican losses, Trump tried to blame the election results on his not being on the ballot and the prolonged government shutdown.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Nov 04, 2025, 7:52 PM EST

Majority of Virginia voters employed, or formerly employed by federal government: Exit poll

Many voters in Virginia are employed or were previously employed by the federal government or as a federal contractor -- many of whom are currently furloughed, according to a preliminary exit poll analysis by ABC News.

Election Day marks the 35th day of the government shutdown. Many federal employees have been furloughed; others have lost their jobs due to President Donald Trump’s steep cuts to the federal government.

About one in five Virginia voters said they either currently or were previously employed by the federal government or as a federal contractor, according to ABC News exit polls.

-ABC News' Emily Guskin

Nov 04, 2025, 7:00 PM EST

Polls now closed in Virginia

Polls are now closed in Virginia, where there is a closely watched governor's race.

Nov 04, 2025, 6:51 PM EST

New Jersey voters focused on taxes and economy: Exit polls

Taxes and the economy are the most important issues for New Jersey voters, according to a preliminary exit poll analysis by ABC News.

Most New Jersey voters said the economy in the state was doing "not so good" or "poor," and that property taxes were "a major problem" where they live, according to the analysis.

Most New Jersey voters also said electricity costs where they live are "a major problem," according to the analysis.

-ABC News' Emily Guskin

Nov 04, 2025, 6:50 PM EST

Kentucky election official informs state voters there is no election this year following complaints

Election officials in Kentucky felt compelled to address a surprising complaint from some constituents on Tuesday: Why are polling places closed?

The answer? There aren’t any elections in Kentucky.

That didn’t keep some voters in the state from flocking to polling places, only to be disappointed to learn that they could not vote for high-profile races in Virginia and New York, according to Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams.

“We’re getting calls about polls being closed. They are closed because we do not have elections today," he wrote on X. "Kentucky votes next year. You cannot vote today in Kentucky for the mayor of New York City or the Governor of Virginia. Sorry.”

-ABC News' Lucien Bruggeman

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