By James Morley III | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 05:39 PM EST
CNN political analyst Scott Jennings criticized Democratic optimism following Tuesday’s elections, emphasizing that the party’s wins occurred in firmly liberal regions. Democrats secured governorships in Virginia and New Jersey while retaining control of New York City, but Jennings argued the results did not signal broader national momentum.
“These are blue states, and Democrats are supposed to win, so I wouldn’t overread it,” Jennings said during a CNN election panel discussion. “Virginia’s never been a great bellwether.”
In Virginia, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, while Rep. Mikie Sherrill bested Republican Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey. In New York City, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani claimed the mayoral race, defeating independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Jennings highlighted troubling developments within the party, including the rise of figures with radical ideologies. “I see the energy in the Democratic Party tonight behind a socialist, and I see the energy in Virginia Democrats looking the other way on a violent candidate for attorney general who says he wants to murder Republicans and their children,” he said.
Virginia’s attorney general winner, Jay Jones, faced scrutiny after texts revealed he fantasized about killing political opponents and their children. Jennings also referenced Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, whose past social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol drew criticism.
“The national Democratic image is suffering given what is happening inside their party,” Jennings added. He warned that Democrats are increasingly elevating leaders pushing the group further left. “Mamdani is an avowed socialist; it’s not what people say he is—it’s what he says he is. He’s now the leader of their party.”
