U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Wednesday that his party, the Republican Party, has “learned a lot” following the results of local and state elections held Tuesday, in which Democrats won key victories in several strategic states, including Virginia, New Jersey and California.
In a private meeting at the White House with Republican senators, Trump admitted that the results were not favorable for his formation, although he tried to play down the drama, noting that these were “very Democratic areas.” “Last night, as you know, a victory was not expected. They were tough territories, but I don’t think it was good for anybody. It was an interesting night and we learned a lot,” the president told the legislators.
Trump reacts to Democratic victories
🔴 United States: Democrats sweep first key election since Trump took office and hand tough defeat to GOPhttps://t.co/BvE6nAzQ7k
– CNN Chile (@CNNChile) November 5, 2025
Tuesday’s local elections were seen as a test of political strength for both parties ahead of next year’s mid-term legislative elections.
In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger, the incumbent governor, won re-election by a considerable margin over her Republican challenger, consolidating Democratic dominance in a state that has gone from swing to progressive bastion over the past decade.
In New Jersey, fellow Democrat Mikie Sherrill retained the governorship with broad public support, while in New York, young politician Zohran Mamdani made history by becoming the first Muslim mayor and the youngest person to hold office in the city, an achievement that reflects the demographic and social changes of an increasingly diverse metropolis.
In addition to these results, there was majority support for the electoral redistricting proposal in California, promoted by Democratic legislators to increase the number of districts favorable to their party.
The move was interpreted as a direct response to Republican gerrymandering attempts in states such as Texas, Florida and Georgia, where conservative administrations have redrawn district maps to ensure a lasting electoral advantage.
The impact of the government shutdown
New York, the scene where the tycoon built his legend, elected for the first time a Muslim mayor, the young immigrant Zohran Mamdani, symbol of the rise of a new left in the midst of the Trumpist era https://t.co/hxwaeOT7ZF pic.twitter.com/bmKyiOdxlL
– SinEmbargo (@SinEmbargoMX) November 5, 2025
During his meeting with senators, Trump acknowledged that the partial federal government shutdown, which has been active for more than a month, was “a major negative factor” for Republicans.
If you read the polls, the lockdown was a factor that worked against them. People are tired of the lack of agreements and the political deadlock in Washington
Donald Trump
The shutdown, already the longest in modern U.S. history, stemmed from disputes between the White House and Congress over funding for federal programs and the extension of subsidies to the Obamacare health care plan.
The paralysis has affected thousands of federal workers, reduced public services and threatens to disrupt air traffic and key social programs such as food assistance and subsidized housing.
Trump again blamed Democrats for the stalemate, calling them political “kamikazes.”
“This is officially the longest shutdown in the history of our country. The radical Democrats have no interest in reopening the government and I don’t think they will do it any time soon,” he said.
A message to Hispanic voters
Humiliating electoral defeat for #Trump, who laid hands on this November 04, 2025 state and local elections.
Finally, @ZohranKMamdani, young socialist, #Muslim and 34-year-old immigrant, everything #Trump detests, became mayor of a… pic.twitter.com/5yen5CPYtj
– Jesús López Almejo 🇲🇽 (@Jjlopez_almejo) November 5, 2025
For Latino voters, the local elections also marked a point of reflection.
In cities such as Los Angeles, Houston and Miami, Latino participation reached record levels, driven by issues such as cost of living, immigration and public safety.
Political analysts point out that the Hispanic vote remains a decisive bloc, especially in states such as Arizona, Nevada and Texas, where the community represents a growing proportion of the electorate.
Trump, for his part, has tried to reinforce his image as a pragmatic leader, but faces growing criticism over the economic impact of the government shutdown and his polarizing rhetoric.
“The president is seeking to maintain a tone of internal unity in the party, but the results show that voters are asking for concrete solutions and less confrontation,” said political analyst Carlos Curbelo, a former Republican congressman of Cuban origin.
A look ahead to 2026
Although the results were a symbolic blow to the Republicans, inside the White House it is insisted that these local elections do not represent a definitive forecast for next year’s legislative elections.
Trump promised that the party will “come out stronger” and that he will work together with Republican governors and lawmakers to “rebuild the trust of the American people.”
“Every election leaves lessons. We learned ours,” the president concluded, in an attempt to project calm after a night that many in his own party consider a political warning before the next big election cycle.
Filed under: Trump reacts to Democratic victories
