Dems Score Big Blue State Wins
3 Martini Lunch
00:00
Economics and Voter Sentiment
Scot explains how kitchen-table economic issues drove voter behavior more than cultural messaging.
Play episode from 09:23
Transcript
Transcript
Episode notes
Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Wednesday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they break down Democrats’ bigger-than-expected wins in Virginia and New Jersey, Zohran Mamdani coasting to victory in New York City, and several ballot initiatives that mostly went the wrong way.
First, they dig into Virginia, where Democrat Abigail defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears by nearly 15 points, outperforming every major poll. That landslide also helped rage texter Jay Jones win the attorney general’s race by six points, while Democrats picked up 13 seats in the state legislature. In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill beat Jack Ciattarelli by 13 points. The wins were not shocking, but the margins were, and Scot and Greg break down what those results mean heading into 2026.
Next, they come to grips with Zohran Mamdani winning the New York City mayor's race by taking comfort that Andrew Cuomo won't be mayor. They also highlight some very ominous indications of what's to come from Mamdani's victory speech. Dems will undoubtedly try to mimic his smiley socialism in some parts of the country next year. Are Republicans ready to fight it?
Finally, they analyze key ballot measures across the country, including strong conservative victories in Texas protecting parental rights and requiring proof of citizenship to vote. But not all results went the right way, as Gavin Newsom’s gerrymander gimmick passed easily in California, and Colorado voters approved a tax hike on the wealthy to fund free school meals.
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First, they dig into Virginia, where Democrat Abigail defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears by nearly 15 points, outperforming every major poll. That landslide also helped rage texter Jay Jones win the attorney general’s race by six points, while Democrats picked up 13 seats in the state legislature. In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill beat Jack Ciattarelli by 13 points. The wins were not shocking, but the margins were, and Scot and Greg break down what those results mean heading into 2026.
Next, they come to grips with Zohran Mamdani winning the New York City mayor's race by taking comfort that Andrew Cuomo won't be mayor. They also highlight some very ominous indications of what's to come from Mamdani's victory speech. Dems will undoubtedly try to mimic his smiley socialism in some parts of the country next year. Are Republicans ready to fight it?
Finally, they analyze key ballot measures across the country, including strong conservative victories in Texas protecting parental rights and requiring proof of citizenship to vote. But not all results went the right way, as Gavin Newsom’s gerrymander gimmick passed easily in California, and Colorado voters approved a tax hike on the wealthy to fund free school meals.
Please visit our great sponsors:
Give your liver the support it deserves with Dose Daily. Save 35% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout.
Get 20% off your first purchase of classic menswear. Visit https://MizzenAndMain.com with promo code 3ML20—shop online or visit a Mizzen and Main store in select states.
Sponsored by Quo, formerly known as Open Phone: Get started free and save 20% on your first 6 months and keep your existing numbers at no extra charge—no missed calls, no missed customers. Visit https://Quo.com/3ML
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