A series of key elections and a referendum on Tuesday delivered a setback for US President Donald Trump, while also presenting challenges for both him and the Democratic Party ahead of next year&rsquo;s crucial midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress.
Trump brushed off the results, posting on Truth Social, &ldquo;&lsquo;TRUMP WASN&rsquo;T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT&rsquo;, according to Pollsters.&rdquo;
Democrats retained control in the New York City mayoral and New Jersey gubernatorial elections, while flipping Virginia from the Republicans. 
In California, voters backed a Democratic initiative on constituency delimitation, thwarting Trump&rsquo;s attempt to secure an electoral edge by redrawing districts in Texas and other states.
The approved redistricting plan could cut the Republican tally in the House of Representatives by at least five seats. 
Currently, Republicans hold 219 seats and Democrats 213, meaning that a loss of just four Republican seats could shift the balance of power.
Trump noted that the elections took place amid a government &ldquo;shutdown&rdquo; caused by a &ldquo;Senate stalemate&rdquo; over funding. 
The deadlock has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid, including essential staff still on duty, while millions relying on subsidized food are also affected.
The economic strain is compounded by Trump&rsquo;s ongoing tariff war, whose effects are beginning to appear in consumer prices. 
If the trend continues, the impact could deepen before the November 2026 elections.
For Democrats, the results also expose internal tensions. 
The party continues to search for a unified message after recent losses, with divisions between moderates and the radical left becoming more pronounced.
In New York, Zohran Mamdani&rsquo;s victory in the mayoral race marked a significant win for the Democratic Socialists. 
Mamdani, who defeated Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primaries, declared in his victory speech, &ldquo;No longer will we have to open a history book for proof that Democrats can dare to be great.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, Democratic winners Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia embraced moderate positions. 
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who led the successful referendum campaign, is also a centrist and a potential presidential contender for the Democratic nomination.
Party leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former President Barack Obama, avoided endorsing Mamdani, wary of alienating centrist voters. 
Analysts suggest that Democrats must appeal to independents while managing the influence of their left wing.
Across the elections, Democrats largely focused on economic issues while downplaying cultural and identity debates. 
Trump, too, emphasized the economy during his presidential campaign, but his focus on tariffs, immigration, and foreign policy may not resonate as strongly with voters still grappling with economic challenges.
As both parties navigate these dilemmas, the latest results highlight growing uncertainty ahead of the 2026 midterms &mdash; where economic stability, political messaging, and voter trust are set to determine the balance of power in Washington.
&mdash;IANS

Donald Trump reacts to US election setbacks

Trump downplays losses as Democrats gain ground in key state polls ahead of 2026 midterms

Trump Faces Setback Ahead Of Midterms

Trump downplays losses as Democrats gain ground in key state polls ahead of 2026 midterms

November 5, 2025 | 17:56 IST