Willett Public Affairs 2025 Election Analysis: November Elections Underscore Shifting Political Landscape in New York
- as3413
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
On November 4, statewide elections across the United States produced a sweeping wave of Democratic victories, marking a sharp reversal from the Republican-dominated off-year elections four years prior.
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani’s election as mayor signaled a profound shift in the city’s political direction. At just 34, the former State Assembly member and Democratic Socialist won 50.4% of the vote, defeating both former Governor Andrew Cuomo (Independent) and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani becomes the first Muslim and South Asian mayor in the city’s history, as well as the youngest in more than a century. His campaign focused on affordability—rent freezes, fare-free public buses, city-run grocery stores, and progressive taxation—which resonated with younger voters and working-class communities.
Across New York State, progressive candidates backed by the Working Families Party made significant gains. Sean Ryan (Buffalo), Sharon Owens (Syracuse), and Dorcey Applyrs (Albany) all won mayoral races. Owens notably flipped Syracuse from a Republican to a Democratic stronghold.
Beyond New York, Democrats scored decisive wins nationwide. In Virginia, voters delivered a Democratic trifecta: Abigail Spanberger was elected Governor, Ghazala Hashmi was elected Lieutenant Governor, and Jay Jones was elected Attorney General, while Democrats flipped 13 House of Delegates seats, securing control of both legislative chambers. New Jersey followed suit, electing Mike Sherrill as Governor and Dale Caldwell as Lieutenant Governor, with Democrats gaining additional Assembly seats and nearing a supermajority.
At the local level in New York City, Democrats strengthened their dominance. All nine open City Council seats were won by Democrats, including Shirley Aldebol’s flip of Bronx District 13. Other victories included Harvey Epstein (CD 2), Virginia Maloney (CD 4), Elsie Encarnacion (CD 8), Justin Sanchez (CD 17), TY Hankerson (CD 28), Phil Wong (CD 30), Darlene Mealy (CD 41), and Kayla Santosuosso (CD 47). Mark Levine was re-elected Comptroller with 75.1%, and Jumaane Williams retained the Public Advocate’s office with 72.9%. All Borough Presidents held their seats, with Brad Hoylman-Sigal winning Manhattan’s open race.
Across Westchester County, Democrats maintained control in 15 of 17 County legislative districts, re-electing County Executive Ken Jenkins and sweeping judicial and clerk positions. Tom Roach defeated Sheila Marcotte for County Clerk, with Justin Brasch poised to succeed Roach as Mayor of White Plains. Democrats also flipped county legislature seats in Onondaga and Dutchess Counties.
The 2025 election results provide a powerful indication of shifting political winds heading into the next federal election cycle. The Democratic surge underscores a public appetite for pragmatic governance, equity, community investment, and a rejection of the political “establishment” — values that could define the political landscape in New York well beyond this off-year contest and as a result, also affect public policy deliberations in both Albany and City Hall.
The link below provides a more detailed general election analysis of the results for individual races, prepared by Willett strategic partner State & Broadway.
Please reach out to Willett Public Affairs for a complimentary analysis on how the recent elections could impact your organization’s public policy goals and objectives for 2026, along with our recommendations. Contact Willett President Perry M. Ochacher at 914-319-9173 or pmo@willettpublicaffairs.com.