Democrats win governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia

By Joe Hernandez,

Leila Fadel, Margaret Barthel

Published November 5, 2025 at 4:43 AM EST

Among the first statewide votes since President Trump returned for a second term, two Democrats have won the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia.

Joe Hernandez

See stories by Joe Hernandez

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a national correspondent for NPR based in Los Angeles, covering issues of culture, diversity, and race.

See stories by Leila Fadel

Margaret Barthel

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

5 takeaways from the 2025 elections. And, the shutdown now the longest in U.S. history

Brittney Melton

The 2025 elections were good to Democrats with wins in several major races, including governor's races in two states. And, the ongoing government shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history.
Democrats sweep key races across the country

Hosts

Democrats celebrated major victories in key races across the country Tuesday night, winning gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, as well as New York City's closely watched mayoral race.
Analyst Larry Sabato talks about Tuesday's election results and what they mean

Leila Fadel

NPR's Leila Fadel discusses the issues and influences that defined Tuesday's election wins and losses with University of Virginia political analyst Larry Sabato.
Abigail Spanberger, Virginia's first woman governor, talks about Tuesday's win

Leila Fadel

Democrat Abigail Spanberger will be Virginia's next governor, defeating her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. She joins NPR to talk about becoming Virginia's first woman governor.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill talks about becoming New Jersey's next governor

A Martínez

Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill will be New Jersey's next governor, defeating a Trump-backed Republican challenger Tuesday. NPR speaks to her about the win.