US President Responds to Republicans’ Poor Municipal Election Results: “Trump Was Not on the Ballot”

washington, D.C.: In response to Republican defeats in several U.S. mayoral and gubernatorial elections, including Democrat Zohran Mamdani’s surprise victory in New York City, President Donald Trump attributed the results to two key factors — the government shutdown and his absence from the ballot.

“Trump wasn’t on the ballot, and the shutdown were the two reasons that Republicans lost elections tonight,” the President wrote in a post on Truth Social, citing political pollsters.

Trump’s remarks came shortly after Democrats clinched three major victories, marking the first significant elections since he assumed office in January. The wins injected new confidence into the Democratic Party as it readies for the congressional midterm elections next year.

Democrats Secure Historic Victories

In a landmark moment, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democrat and former state senator, rose to prominence by becoming the first Muslim mayor of New York City. His unexpected victory marks a new chapter in the city’s political landscape.

Meanwhile, in the gubernatorial races, Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill secured decisive Democratic wins in Virginia and New Jersey, respectively, strengthening the party’s national momentum.

Trump’s Reaction to Mamdani’s Rise

Trump, who hails from Queens and often refers to New York as his “first home,” expressed concern over Mamdani’s leadership. He warned that New York City could face an “economic and social disaster” under Mamdani’s administration.

Interestingly, the President endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an Independent, stating that New Yorkers “did not really have a choice.” On the eve of the election, Trump urged voters to back Cuomo, saying:

“You truly don’t have an option, regardless of your personal opinion of Andrew Cuomo. He deserves your vote, and I hope he does a great job. Mamdani cannot do it, but he can.”

Trump’s Federal Funding Threats and Policy Stance

Trump’s post represented his most direct involvement in a local race so far, highlighting ideological clashes over housing, law enforcement, and government support. Previously, he had threatened to allocate only “the very minimum” of federal funds to New York City if Mamdani won.

However, Mamdani wasn’t the only Democrat to draw Trump’s ire. The President also criticized Sherrill and Spanberger — both of whom won governorships — blaming their policies for undermining economic stability and government accountability.

Impact of Trump Administration Policies

The Trump administration’s federal employee dismissal threat significantly impacted Virginia, home to thousands of government workers near Washington, D.C. The move reportedly swayed many public employees to vote against Republican candidates.

Similarly, in New Jersey, Trump’s decision to block billions in Federal Funding for a new Hudson River train tunnel — a crucial project for daily commuters — became a major point of contention in the election debate.

What’s Next for the GOP?

As Democrats celebrate their latest victories, Trump’s commentary underscores a growing divide within the Republican ranks. With midterm elections approaching, political analysts believe the GOP must reassess its messaging, leadership strategy, and local engagement to regain voter confidence.

While Trump insists his absence was the defining factor behind the GOP’s losses, experts argue that internal divisions and public dissatisfaction with government shutdown tactics played a more significant role.

For now, one thing is clear: the political map of America continues to shift — and both parties are recalibrating their strategies as the countdown to the 2026 midterms begins.