US Elections: Democrats celebrate key victories, party leaders praise voter surge

Washington: Top Democrats, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, have hailed the electoral success of Zohran Mamdani and other party leaders, calling it a victory of forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter.

Democrats dominated the first major election since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January this year.

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani pulled off a stunning victory in the New York City mayoral elections, while his party colleague Mikie Sherrill was elected New Jersey governor. Another Democrat, Abigail Spanberger, became Virginia's governor, while India-born Ghazala Hashmi has been elected as her deputy.

"Congratulations @ZohranKMamdani on your election as the next Mayor of New York City. I’m wishing you success as you work to transform the passion of your campaign into building a better, fairer, more affordable New York," Bill Clinton wrote on social media.

Congratulations @ZohranKMamdani on your election as the next Mayor of New York City. I’m wishing you success as you work to transform the passion of your campaign into building a better, fairer, more affordable New York.

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) November 5, 2025

Obama congratulated all the Democratic candidates who won in Tuesday's elections.

"It’s a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win. We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter," said Obama, who was the first Black president of the US.

Congratulations to all the Democratic candidates who won tonight. It’s a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win. We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 5, 2025

New York saw its highest voter turnout in five decades, a surge that former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton credited to what she described as inspiring grassroots political momentum.

"More people voted in New York City's election this year than they have in 50 years. That’s a win for democracy and a testament to @ZohranKMamdani’s inspiring campaign,” she posted on X, congratulating him on becoming New York's next mayor.

More people voted in New York City’s election this year than they have in 50 years.

That’s a win for democracy, and a testament to @ZohranKMamdani's inspiring campaign.

Congratulations to the next mayor of the greatest city in the world. 🗽

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) November 5, 2025

Hillary Clinton also highlighted historic milestones for Democratic women, noting that Abigail Spanberger will be the first female governor of Virginia, while Mikie Sherrill will become New Jersey’s first female Democratic governor. “I’m looking forward to seeing these strong, dedicated leaders deliver for their states,” she said.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris earlier posted on social media that in America, the power belongs to the people.

The Democratic leaders' victories, coupled with an increase in voter participation, were framed by party leaders as a sign of strengthened voter engagement and renewed momentum ahead of future presidential elections.