Trump Blames GOP Losses on Shutdown, Absence from Ballot

Former President Donald Trump attributed Republican losses in Tuesday’s elections to the ongoing government shutdown and the fact that his name wasn’t on the ballot. “‘TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT, according to Pollsters,’” Trump posted on Truth Social. While most GOP defeats occurred in Democratic strongholds, the results still dealt a symbolic blow to the party heading into 2026.

In New York City, socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani defeated a rare bipartisan coalition led by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, becoming the city’s first socialist mayor. Meanwhile, California voters approved Proposition 50, abolishing the state’s independent redistricting system — a move expected to give Democrats up to five additional House seats. “It was not expected to be a victory,” Trump told GOP senators Wednesday morning, calling the night “an interesting evening” that offered lessons for Republicans. Elsewhere, Democrats scored decisive wins. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill beat Republican Jack Ciattarelli 56.2% to 43.2%, and in Virginia, Abigail Spanberger defeated Winsome Earle-Sears 57.5% to 42.3%. Both states went for Biden in the last presidential election by roughly six points.

Following the results, House Republicans began exploring legal options to block Mamdani from taking office, invoking the 14th Amendment’s Section 3 “insurrection clause.” The effort, backed by the New York Young Republican Club, cites Mamdani’s past statements supporting resistance to ICE and his ties to left-wing groups as evidence of giving “aid or comfort” to U.S. enemies. The clause, originally aimed at ex-Confederates, has resurfaced in modern politics following challenges to Trump’s own ballot eligibility. GOP lawmakers are weighing a congressional vote to declare Mamdani ineligible, though such a move would face significant legal and procedural hurdles.