Let’s talk about yesterday’s election: Democrat Muslims, Black Americans and liberal Women of all backgrounds dominated — and let’s not forget Prop 50

Let’s talk about yesterday’s election: Democrat Muslims, Black Americans and liberal Women of all backgrounds dominated — and let’s not forget Prop 50

By Maurice Woodson

November 4th’s election day was proof that many are waking up and no longer walking around with their eyes wide shut. The election results were literally a rejection of the Donald Trump-era Republicans’ policies of racism, misogyny, xenophobia and cruelty.

History was made on several fronts:

• In New York, Zohran Mamdani won over the Cuomo-family legacy to become the first immigrant and first Muslim mayor of New York City.

• In Detroit, Mary Sheffield became the first woman and first Black woman mayor of Detroit.

• In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger became the state’s first female governor.

• Also in Virginia, Ghazala Hashmi won lieutenant governor, making her the first Muslim American woman elected to statewide office in Virginia.

• Voters in California passed Proposition 50 — an initiative allowing a Democratic-drawn congressional map, signalling a rejection of Republican gerrymandering and a structural shift of power.

The takeaway:

Anti-racism, anti-misogyny, anti-xenophobia and anti-hate won this election. And yes — Trump, the Republicans, Fox News (and much of the right-wing media) aren’t taking it well at all. After a season loaded with right-wing hatemongering, racist rhetoric, slander and scare-images of planes crashing into The World Trade Center, the screams of Trump-loving Christian conservatives fell flat. Their attacks didn’t suppress the turnout — they fuelled it. Because the electorate responded: intelligent, capable, competent, caring and empathetic Black, Asian, Hispanic, Muslim, women, LGBTQ leaders stood up — and archaic-thinking old white men didn’t have a chance in hell. That in itself is something to celebrate.

As you’d expect, the talking-heads of the mainstream media tried to minimise the significance of this outcome. Many found ways to still prop up Trump or condemn the winners’ speeches as “divisive.” For example: Van Jones attacked Mamdani’s strong victory speech — in which Mamdani declared, “I am young despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And… I refuse to apologize for any of this.” Meanwhile, House leader Mike Johnson offered nothing positive or constructive — but then again, what else would you expect from the party of obstruction?

Democrats won in almost every major race in every state that participated. It was a reminder: when we all get out and vote, when we come together to fight for forward-looking leaders and reject segregation-era thinking, the results change.

Why this matters

This election goes deeper than party lines — it’s about representation, inclusion and the future of democracy. When people historically excluded stand in front with power, the electorate shifts. This is real democracy.

There’s a generational shift at play: younger voters, Black and Brown voters and progressive voters are no longer content with symbolic representation. They want leadership that reflects their lives and demands results.

In exit polls and coverage across the board, the dissatisfaction with Trump-style politics — his tone, his policies, his worldview — showed up loud and clear. Many voters said they were motivated by opposition to his agenda, rather than blind loyalty to one party or the other.

And the voices of these winners made it clear:

“Tonight, our commonwealth sent a message … we chose leadership that will focus relentlessly on what matters most — lowering costs, keeping our communities safe and strengthening the economy for every Virginian.” — Spanberger

“I am young … I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist … and I refuse to apologize for any of this.” — Mamdani

These are not campaign slogans — these are declarations of identity, defiance and possibility.

The list of Black men and women Democrat winners

• Dorcey Applyrs — Mayor, Albany, NY. (Albany’s first Black mayor.)

• Mary Sheffield — Mayor, Detroit, MI. (Detroit’s first woman mayor; Black woman; historic victory.)

• Andre Dickens — Mayor, Atlanta, GA (reelected). (Incumbent mayor, projected winner/reelection.)

• Sharon Owens — Mayor, Syracuse, NY. (Syracuse’s first Black mayor.)

• Connie Alsobrook — Mayor, Conyers, GA. (Reported as first Black mayor of Conyers.)

• Christal Watson — Mayor (Unified Government), Wyandotte County / Kansas City, Kansas. (Reported as first Black female mayor/leader of the Unified Government.)

• Jay Jones — Attorney General, Virginia. (Democrat Jay Jones won the statewide AG race; AP notes historic significance as first Black to hold the office in VA.)

Quick note:

The names above are confirmed by major national and local outlets and represent the most visible and historic Black wins reported on Nov. 4, 2025 (major city mayoralties, a statewide office, and notable local historic firsts). There were more local winners that deserve recognition and hopefully they get it.