In New Jersey, Rep. Mikie Sherill (D) defeated former state Assembly member Jack Ciattarelli (R) 56% to 43%, in a race polls said had been tracking much closer. She will succeed term limited Gov. Phil Murphy (D). 

Election analysts point to President Donald Trump's actions last month, saying he was "terminating"  the Gateway Hudson River tunnel project between New Jersey and New York City and the Second Avenue subway extension in Manhattan and withdrawing their federal funding, as one factor that likely hurt Ciattarelli. The Republican also had pledged to promote an “all-of-the-above” energy development policy but shares Trump’s anti-renewables fixation. Both also campaigned on lowering energy costs. 

New York City Democratic voters turned out in force for Zohran Mamdani, enabliing the former state assembly memer to surpass the 50% vote total, with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, gaining 41.6% and Republican Curtis Sliwa, 7.1%. Mamdani spoke out against Trump's intended megaproject funding cuts, claiming earlier this year that New Yorkers had become “merely pawns in a political game” and noted the New York City Central Labor Council estimate they would cost 165,000 jobs and billions in economic activity.

But city voters also supported three ballot measures that change how affordable housing developments are built and approved in the city, with an intent to expedite work. Mamdani recently indicated his support forthe changes.

"Zohran Mamdani has proven not just his willingness, but his intention to move New York forward by prioritizing affordability hand-in-hand with prosperity, in investing in robust capital budgets across the five boroughs—from equitable transit to affordable housing to resilient infrastructure," said Carlos Scissura, president and CEO of the NYC Building Congress.

Spanberger’s criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies and her pledges to address rising costs proved most effective in the state’s more populous areas, especially the Washington, D.C., suburbs, where federal government workforce reductions and the protracted shutdown have been acutely felt.  in early Septembrr, Trump cancelled $40 million in federal funds awarded to a Norfolk marine terminal project set to support offshore wind in the state.

During the campaign, she called for expanding clean energy programs in the state, and investing in efforts to increase maritime traffic at the Port of Virginia. While supporting Virginia's $11 billion CVOW offshore wind project, set to complete at the end of 2026 and other renewable energy projects. Spanberger also does not oppose natural gas and nuclear power expansion, She has supported the state's giant data center industry in its economic boost to the state although concerned about its impact on ratepayers' cost for power. 

Spanberger's energy affordability plan on line would have data center developers pay for their electricity generation and transmission infrastructure, and she may seek to restrict diesel backup generators. That sector will be watching whether and how she will support state legislation to regulate its use of energy and water. Local media report that Youngkin vetoed three bills, out of more than 30, which were able to pass the state Assembly.  

Earle-Sears did not receive Trump’s direct endorsement, but Spanberger struck a bipartisan tone in her victory speech by vowing to listen to and work for those who voted for the Republican. “I know in my heart, that we can unite for Virginia’s future, and set an example for the rest of the nation," she said.

Democrats’ success at the top of Virginia and New Jersey ballots also translated to downballot races, with all 100 seats in the state House of Delegates up for election. Democratic candidates won all 30 northern Virginia seats in that chamber and are expected to have a total majority of at least 60, a big gain from the current 51. In New Jersey where some local ballot counting continues, Democrats gained three new Assembly seats, with two more possible, which could total 57, described as a "veto-proof" majority and the largest total for either party in 50 years.

In another upset, two Democrats, health policy advocate Alicia Johnson and environmentalist Peter Hubbard, defeated Republican incumbents for seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission—the first Democrats elected in 22 years to the statewide utility regulator that is set to make major decisions on energy expansion and ratepayer costs, particularly related to data center growth. While critics of the former Republican majority claimed it favored utility Georgia Power over ratepayers in its votes, observers will watch how the Democrats, who remain in the minority, will be able to influence future decisions on infrastructure.

Elsewhere, large bond issues in Columbus, Ohio and Denver passed easily, as did proposals in Texas to invest more in water and education projects.  A Maricopa County, Ariz., health care funding measure was leading as of Nov. 7