Voters Speak Out: What Really Mattered in the 2025 Elections

National Influence and Opposition

In the 2025 elections, President Trump's influence loomed large, even though he wasn't on the ballot. Voters in Virginia, New Jersey, New York City, and California showed that their choices were heavily shaped by their feelings about Trump. More people voted to oppose him than to support him, especially in areas that usually lean Democratic. These voters also disapproved of his handling of immigration and felt his policies had gone too far.

New York City: Affordability and Generational Divide

New York City saw a big win for Zohran Mamdani, who focused on making life more affordable. Housing costs were a major concern, with seven out of ten voters saying it was a big problem. Mamdani won over renters, who made up more than half of the voters. Younger voters and those who considered themselves very liberal were his strongest supporters. However, older voters and those who leaned more moderate or conservative chose his opponent, Andrew Cuomo. The Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, didn't make much of an impact and even lost support among his own party members.

New Jersey and Virginia: Economic Concerns and Women Voters

In New Jersey and Virginia, economic issues were at the forefront. Voters who cared most about the economy overall supported Democratic candidates. Women voters played a significant role, backing Democratic women candidates by large margins. Independents also swung in favor of the Democrats, a shift from previous elections.

California: Proposition 50 and Political Pushback

California's Proposition 50 was all about countering Republican moves in other states. Voters approved the measure not because they thought it was the best way to draw district lines, but because they wanted to push back against Republican-led redistricting in Texas.

A Changing Electorate

These elections showed that voters were thinking about more than just the candidates. They were considering the bigger picture, including national politics and economic concerns. The results reflected a changing electorate, with younger voters and new residents playing a bigger role.