On Nov. 4, millions of Americans nationwide cast their ballot in a highly contested election. During this year’s general election, voters eagerly watched as the counts of many states flowed in, including New York, New Jersey, Virginia and California. 

In New York City, State Assemblyman and democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani ran against former Governor Andrew Cuomo—a Democrat who ran as an independent—and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani will make history as New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, as well as the youngest to hold the office in more than a century. His plans include a four-year rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments to combat the high cost of housing, free public buses, lowered cost of childcare, increased minimum wage and more.

In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger—former congresswoman, CIA agent and moderate Democrat—will be the first woman to serve as governor. She defeated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears with 57.2% of the vote. Democrat Ghazala Hashmi won Virginia’s lieutenant governor’s race, making her the first Muslim woman elected statewide. Hashmi will vacate her seat in Virginia’s State Senate and instead lead Senate sessions, breaking ties if needed.

In New Jersey, U.S. Representative and Democrat Mikie Sherrill faced Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who had President Donald Trump’s endorsement. She was elected as New Jersey’s 57th governor and second female leader. Sherrill is a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor and plans to fight for tax relief and lower healthcare costs. She swept the race with 56.3% of the votes compared to Ciattarelli’s 43.2%.

In California, voters decided on Proposition 50, also known as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” Proposition 50 is a constitutional amendment made in “response to President Donald Trump’s efforts to press Republican states to redraw their own boundaries for political advantage,” according to the New York Times. With voters’ support, California approved new House maps where Democrats are projected to hold up to 48 of 52 seats after 2026, rather than 43. The new maps will be used until the California Citizens Redistricting Commission redraws the maps in accordance with the 2030 U.S. Census.