Trump reassesses shutdown strategy after Mamdani victory in NYC and losses in New Jersey, Virginia

US President Donald Trump addressed Republican lawmakers at the White House on Wednesday (November 4), reflecting on elections held in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey, the previous night, which he said had not been favorable for his party.

“I don’t think it was good for Republicans. I’m not sure it was good for anybody, but we had an interesting evening, and we learned a lot,” Trump said, attributing part of the outcome to the ongoing government shutdown.

“It had not hurt Democrats in the way I thought it should.”

“I think if you read the pollsters, the shutdown was a big factor, negative for the Republicans,” Trump said.

He suggested that Democratic actions during the shutdown contributed to the GOP setbacks.

On the longest government shutdown in history, Trump said, "As you know, we are in the midst of a disastrous Democrats-created government shutdown, it is Democrats-created, but I don't think they are getting the blame they should. It is now the longest official shutdown in American history. The Democrat radicals, and the senators have shown zero interest in opening the government."

Democrats scored decisive wins over Republican gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey, while democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani defeated Trump-backed Andrew Cuomo to secure the New York City mayoralty.

The results reflected voter concerns about the economy under Trump, potentially paving the way for Democrats to reclaim control of Congress in the 2026 midterms.

US Election Results 2025 LIVE updates

Democrats labeled ‘Kamikaze’ over shutdown

Trump compared Democratic lawmakers to kamikaze pilots, claiming they would go to extreme lengths even at the expense of the country.

“I just got back from Japan,” he said. “I talked about the kamikaze pilots. I think these guys are kamikaze. They’ll take down the country if they have to.”

The comment came as the US government shutdown surpassed 35 days, marking the longest in history, exceeding the previous record set during Trump’s first term.

Economic impact highlighted

Trump warned that the shutdown is having widespread effects on the economy and Americans’ daily lives, citing the stock market, airlines, and SNAP food benefits for low-income citizens.

“The ongoing government shutdown is impacting the stock market, as well as airlines and SNAP food benefits,” he told Republican senators.

He portrayed the shutdown as a consequence of Democratic rigidity.

Push to end the filibuster

The President once again called for abolishing the Senate filibuster, a long-standing legislative rule that requires a supermajority to pass most bills.

“We need to do away with the filibuster so Republicans can continue to pass our legislative agenda,” Trump said.

Ending the filibuster would allow the majority party to pass legislation more easily, a move Trump sees as critical for advancing GOP priorities despite Democratic opposition.

California ballot measure sparks redistricting battle

California voters have approved a ballot measure temporarily suspending the state’s independent redistricting commission, paving the way for new congressional maps that could favor Democrats.

The move comes amid nationwide redistricting efforts, triggered by actions in Texas, reportedly at the urging of former President Donald Trump, to redraw congressional boundaries in a way that would give Republicans an edge in the 2026 midterm elections. Political analysts say these moves have set off a wave of redistricting battles across the country, as both parties look to gain strategic advantages in the House of Representatives.

Trump is reportedly highly motivated to maintain a Republican-controlled House next year, a challenging feat given the historical trend of the president’s party losing seats during midterm elections.

The redistricting fight underscores the growing political stakes ahead of the 2026 midterms, highlighting how control over congressional maps could influence the balance of power in Washington.