The election saw Republicans advance into New York and New Jersey, raising hopes that the party could further erode Democratic control over states seen as deep blue bastions.
In 2020, Vice President Harris won New Jersey and New York by much narrower margins than President Biden. Vice President Harris won New Jersey by 15 points and New York by 23 points. In 2024, Harris led each state by five points.
Mr. Trump made significant gains in New York City and surrounding counties, winning races in Queens and Manhattan that had been solid blue for decades. In both states, Asian American, Hispanic and black voters all voted for Harris, but her share of the vote was significantly lower than for Biden.
“We've seen historic numbers of Republican voters in New York state. This is something we can really build on,” said David Laska, a spokesman for the New York Republican Party.
Republicans in both states see Harris' decline as an opportunity to make headway in the potentially competitive New Jersey gubernatorial and New York mayoral races.
“They don't focus on economic issues, they don't focus on social issues, they don't focus on energy policy, but the Republicans, after Gov. Murphy and two terms with Democrats, have gotten more expensive with everything,” said Janet Hoffman, a Republican strategist in New Jersey. “Trends are important because we're putting our best foot forward.”
Media host Mike Spadea and 2021 Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli have already announced they will side with Republicans.
Democrats in both states pointed to strong congressional races, with Democrats flipping three seats in New York and retaining all seats in New Jersey, electing U.S. Rep. Andy Kim. Sent to the Senate (DN.J.) criticizing the lack of focus on
“'It's the economy, idiot' was true this time, and it would have helped us more.” [Harris] He could have come out earlier and spent more time campaigning. She should have spoken directly to her constituents about the issues they care about most,” said state Sen. Jessica Ramos of New York, who is running for mayor next year.
Democratic Party officials and strategists say each of New York's three candidates spent time focusing on the economy and immigration, which helped give Harris the lead in the district.
Ramos said Harris has “spent too much time courting centrist voters and not energized her own base” and is “taking New York for granted.” said.
Rep. Richie Torres of New York said Democrats were also weak on immigration, offering no case for President Trump's plan to deal with illegal immigration in New York and New Jersey.
“Since 2022, there has been an overwhelming wave of immigration, and the effects are being felt not just at the border, but in cities like New York, where shelter systems, social safety and local government finances are completely overwhelmed.” said Torres. “Public opinion polls show widespread anger over the immigration crisis, and I think the president made political mistakes in waiting two years to issue an executive order restricting immigration at the border. is thinking.”
“She took New York for granted,” Ramos added. “Democrats should do a better job of sending Latino surrogates, because they were a little too stilted at times…The party invested heavily in AAPI outreach in New York, but the same goes for the Latino community. I can't say that.”
Lawrence Levy, executive director of Hofstra University's National Center for Suburban Studies, said Democrats need to consider why voters of color are leaving the Democratic Party “before it's too late.”
“If they don't think through some of the reasons and trends we've seen over the last three years, especially among minority voters, they're going to make some terrible mistakes that will probably hurt them in statewide elections. . . . level of control in Congress, and even in future mayoral elections,” Levy said.
But New Jersey Democratic Party Chairman LeRoy Jones said Democrats will learn from the election and focus on an economic message in the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race.
“I think our message this time was not as direct because a lot of times we try to be a good party and don't talk about the harsh realities that a lot of people are facing.” Jones said. “I think in the gubernatorial race, candidates are going to really talk about quality of life, affordability, and making New Jersey a place where people can retire and live comfortably.”
Election campaigning is already in full swing, with Jersey City Mayor Stephen Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Congressman Josh Gosseimiye (DN.J.) all announcing their candidacies. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (DN.J.) also plans to run.
