Governor Elect Sherrill

Mikey Sherrill’s gubernatorial win over her political opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, was no surprise. The race was hers to lose from the beginning—and the same is true for Virginia’s governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, who defeated Republican Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears in their respective 2025 elections.

The Trump connection tarnished Republican chances of winning, largely because of the pocketbook damage caused by Trump’s senseless tariffs, among other issues. Trump’s policies and tariffs eroded the American people’s means of survival and the aspirational dreams they held for their children’s future. The tariffs contributed to nationwide food insecurity, constant protests driven by unfair policies, and escalating costs of living that created major affordability issues for ordinary individuals.

Moreover, people have reached a point where they are disgusted and sickened by the president’s pompous and dictatorial behavior. Mikey Sherrill and her Virginia counterpart, Abigail Spanberger—both young, energetic, and full of new ideas—were a breath of fresh air and a much-desired alternative to the backbiting bitterness of the Trumpian MAGA political party.

If Democrats want to capture the midterms, they should take a hard look at their campaigns across the country and ask themselves: Are we being authentic? True? Real? Directional? Are we genuine in our approach? Voters are not naïve; they can tell when political BS is being thrown at them—especially in the era of Trumpism and MAGA. I know for certain that I am exhausted by the noise and constant untruths coming from both parties.

The Democratic Party must take the wins from New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia in the general election and plan, coordinate, and demonstrate to the world that it is the party of truth, success, and alliance-building—forming partnerships and coalitions among constituents, groups, organizations, and even nations to work harmoniously toward a common goal. The party must present itself as a paragon of moral integrity, one that listens to its constituents and follows [their lead] in building a more cost-effective and affordable environment for all people, beginning from the ground up.

Another major factor in these victories—without overcomplicating the issues—is that all three candidates in the 2025 general election were young. Their youth signified the need for change and the importance of adopting more diverse and forward-thinking leadership in government, especially leadership rooted in dedicated public service. The winning candidates also shared a political philosophy centered on establishing a collective identity within their states.

They are cultivators of inclusion: Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and others working together for the greater good of society. They aim to tear down walls of injustice and abolish the policies of the “Old Guard”—career politicians who sit idle, collect a paycheck, and recycle outdated policies in the midst of a booming technological revolution they barely understand.

Moreover, Mikey and Abigail remained laser-focused on issues important not only to their own constituents but also to those who voted for their opponents or identified with the Republican Party. Partisan politics is not welcomed as these new and dynamic leaders govern their respective states. They intend to lower consumer costs, solidify their states’ economic bases, and establish safer communities.

Although both Mikey and Abigail are considered centrists—holding moderate views by coordinating varying perspectives across the political spectrum to achieve a more unified approach—their strategy is far more fitting than favoring a single extreme position, as seen among many Republicans.

Furthermore, not to leave out Mamdani—who won his election twice against a formidable opponent and a household name in New York politics, the Cuomos—a legacy family dating back to Mario Cuomo, the historical figure who dominated New York politics in the decades, e.g., 1980 and early 1990s. I believe Mamdani is not fully entrenched in a rigid socialist agenda, as he has expressed a willingness to work with those on the right or in the political center, so long as such cooperation is amenable to New Yorkers and aligns with his mission to bring stability and affordability to all residents, whether rich or poor.

Mikey Sherrill, Abigail Spanberger, and Zohran Kwame Mamdani are today’s nuanced trailblazers and political trendsetters—democratic digital barometers for future elections—signaling a new age of political contestation and campaigning. All three demonstrate humility, a strong desire to build community, and a discipline that has forged and calibrated them for success. Again, I am not surprised they won. I would have been devastated had they lost, given the weakness in leadership within the Trump/MAGA Republican ranks.

They represent, among other things, the precise methodology Democrats must use to win in the midterms and in the 2028 presidential election.