Democrats win New Jersey and Virginia

Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a New Jersey lawmaker serving in the US House of Representatives, has won the governor’s race in the Garden State, BBC reports.

In one of several races that are seen as an indication of the public mood on the Trump administration’s policies, Sherill will succeed Democrat Governor Phil Murphy.

The US Naval Academy graduate, helicopter pilot and ex-federal prosecutor first entered politics in 2018 as anti-Trump sentiment washed over the US during his first term.

Her victory comes after fellow liberal Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s race and New York City elected Democrat Zohran Mamdani as mayor.

With almost all the votes counted, the congresswoman has defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former state legislator.

At a victory rally, Sherrill said her election win would bring a “new day” for the state.

“I know these are tough times. I know not everyone voted for me – but I’m working for everyone,” she said.

She told supporters she would follow the country’s founding principles and noted this election sent a message to US President Donald Trump.

“We’re going to follow Lady Liberty’s beacon. We’re not going to give in to our darker impulses,” she said. “Here in New Jersey, we know that this nation has not ever been, nor will it ever be ruled by kings. We take oaths to a Constitution, not a king.”

The race to lead the state was neck and neck between Ciattarelli, who was endorsed by Trump, and Sherill in the weeks leading up to the 4 November general election in a reliably blue state.