As the results of yesterday’s Election Day continue to unfold, the spotlight shone brightly on two significant gubernatorial races: Mikie Sherrill’s campaign in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger’s in Virginia. Both candidates, centrist Democrats who gained prominence in the aftermath of the Trump administration, focused on their military backgrounds—Sherrill as a veteran and Spanberger as a former CIA officer and the daughter of a military serviceman. Notably, they shared a past as Capitol Hill roommates.
In the weeks leading up to the election, concerns emerged regarding whether their centrist strategy could effectively compete against more progressive candidates, such as Zohran Mamdani, who ran a dynamic, democratic socialist campaign for mayor in New York City.
However, both Sherrill and Spanberger successfully secured their respective victories, marking a historic milestone by bringing the number of women governors to 14—an all-time high.
Despite their centrist positions, Sherrill and Spanberger tackled pressing issues that resonate with voters today, with a strong emphasis on affordability. This includes commitments to reduce healthcare, housing, and utility costs. “We sent a message to the whole world that in 2025, Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship,” Spanberger affirmed in her post-election address. Sherrill highlighted the significance of these victories, particularly for young girls aspiring to leadership roles, stating, “This is important for the little girls who come up to me and say they’re going to be a governor or a president.”
In contrast, in New York City, voter support rallied behind Mamdani, particularly on the issue of universal childcare, one of the key aspects of his campaign—evidenced by the enthusiastic chants from supporters during his victory speech. Additionally, voters overwhelmingly rejected Andrew Cuomo, a candidate embroiled in a sexual harassment controversy, as confirmed by the Department of Justice’s findings.
Women voters played a pivotal role in these election outcomes. In Virginia, 65% of women supported Spanberger, who faced a female opponent in GOP Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. In New Jersey, Sherrill garnered 62% of the female vote. Mamdani’s campaign was particularly influential among younger demographics, with an impressive 84% of women aged 18 to 29 casting their votes in his favor. Mamdani will serve as the first Muslim mayor of the city and is its youngest in a century.
These results highlight a critical insight for Democrats, particularly in light of ongoing discussions surrounding outreach to young male voters and the factors that may reintroduce candidates like Trump. While it is important to engage males in the conversation, the election results serve as a clear reminder of the voting power that women continue to wield at the polls.
In summary, the outcomes of this election cycle not only reflect successful campaigns from Sherrill and Spanberger but also underline the influence of women voters and the changing political landscape as new generations step into leadership roles.
Contact: Emma Hinchliffe
Email: emma.hinchliffe@fortune.com
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