Politicology The Mirrorball Election—The Weekly
Nov 8, 2025
Susan Del Percio, an MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert, joins to dissect the recent election outcomes. They delve into how Democratic victories in New Jersey and Virginia reflect an identity crisis within the party. Susan highlights the dynamics behind Mamdani’s win in New York City and the challenges of governing amidst fiscal constraints. Additionally, they explore the shifting political landscape in Georgia and what it means for future elections. Insights into the lessons Democrats must learn from these results round out a thought-provoking conversation.
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Unexpected Democratic Wave
- Democrats overperformed expected margins across multiple states, showing stronger turnout than anticipated.
- Virginia and New Jersey results exposed a collapsing Trump coalition and broader Democratic momentum.
Local Dynamics Drove Results
- State races must be analyzed individually because local dynamics drove different margins.
- Turnout shifts among Hispanic men and federal-worker communities materially changed outcomes.
Cuomo Siphoned Opposition Votes
- Susan Del Percio recalled how Andrew Cuomo siphoned Republican votes in New York City primaries.
- That dynamic helped explain surprising primary outcomes and Mamdani's pathway to victory.
