Democrats won major off-year races as Trump’s influence cratered nationwide.
Zohran Mamdani’s New York victory showed the power of disciplined, social-media-driven organizing.
Affordability and authenticity emerged as the new political currency for 2026.
Rick Wilson and John Avlon dug into a political shift already reshaping the map — one where Trump’s shadow shrinks and disciplined, service-oriented candidates rise. They drew a through line from New York to Virginia, where voters chose stability over spectacle and sent chaos back to the fringe. The wins weren’t just partisan; they were cultural, rooted in competence, credibility, and the simple promise to fix what’s broken. Off-year turnout turned into a warning shot for 2026: the public still believes in normal politics when someone offers it.
Beyond the headlines, this was a referendum on competence and connection. Candidates who talked affordability and service beat those chasing outrage, flipping seats even in red-leaning regions. The broader message was unmistakable: voters crave stability, not spectacle, and the next Democratic wave will be built on that hunger. Early voting, pragmatic messaging, and everyday problem-solving now define the roadmap forward — not just for one night, but for the fights to come.
Tune in for Rick’s full breakdown of Election Night 2025!
AND DON’T MISS THE LIVE TWO JOES PODCAST WEDNESDAY MORNING FOR A FULL ELECTION DEBRIEF!
