Republicans lose governor races in Virginia and New Jersey after New York defeat

 Democrats won gubernatorial elections in the U.S. states of Virginia and New Jersey, expanding their victories after securing the mayoralty of New York City.

Former CIA officer and U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger declared victory in Virginia, calling it “the greatest honor of my life to be elected the 75th governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.” She will replace Republican Glenn Youngkin, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill was projected by major networks to defeat Republican Jack Ciattarelli, an ally of former President Donald Trump.

CNN reported that President Joe Biden called both Spanberger and Sherrill to congratulate them on their victories.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the ongoing partial government shutdown, which began on October 1 amid budget disputes in Congress, was one of the main reasons for the Republican Party’s losses in Tuesday’s state elections.