By FOCUS, A Leonine Business
Even in today’s unpredictable political environment, one trend has remained reliable: the president’s party often struggles in midterm and off-year elections. This year was no different, with Democrats winning every statewide race on the ballot, expanding their legislative majorities in New Jersey and Virginia and maintaining their one-seat advantage in the Minnesota Senate.
In Virginia, Democratic U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s victory in the gubernatorial race delivered Democrats full control of state government for the first time since 2021. With a Democratic trifecta, control of the governorship and both legislative chambers, Virginia’s political landscape is poised for significant shifts in policy direction. Democrats also managed to unseat Republican Attorney General Jay Miyares despite controversy surrounding their own nominee, Jay Jones. At the legislative level, Democrats significantly expanded their slim 51-49 majority in the House of Delegates after winning more than 10 seats.
Democrats also successfully defended control of the New Jersey governor’s seat, with Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill winning the third-straight gubernatorial election for the party in New Jersey, a feat neither party has achieved since the 1960s. In the Assembly, Democrats increased their majority from 52 to 55 seats, reaching supermajority control of the chamber. In Minnesota, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party narrowly preserved its one-seat Senate majority after two special elections. Republicans retained their seat in District 29, while Democrat Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger secured a victory in District 47. However, Hemmingsen-Jaeger’s move to the Senate leaves a vacancy in the House, which is currently tied under a power-sharing agreement. A special election will be required before the legislature reconvenes in February.
In a surprising turn of events in Mississippi, the GOP lost its veto-proof Senate supermajority after Democrats flipped two seats in special elections ordered by a federal court to create additional Black-majority districts. Despite this loss, Mississippi remains under Republican trifecta control. Elsewhere, voters weighed in on a variety of ballot measures ranging from redistricting in California to a constitutional amendment banning the inheritance tax in Texas.
Looking ahead, the 2026 election cycle promises to be even more pivotal in shaping state-level governance, with 36 gubernatorial races, 31 attorney general contests and legislative elections in 46 states. These results and upcoming elections underscore how closely divided state governments remain and how even minor shifts can dramatically alter the balance of power. FOCUS will continue to monitor state elections and developments through its State Elections Hub as these races take shape nationwide.
by Will Beacom 11/10/25
