Mamdani Defeats Cuomo, Sherrill's Big NJ Win, VA Democrats Sweep Gov and AG: AM Update 11/5

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 11/5/2025

Episode Title: Mamdani Defeats Cuomo, Sherrill's Big NJ Win, VA Democrats Sweep Gov and AG
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)
Date: November 5, 2025

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Episode Overview

Today’s AM Update delivers a rapid, in-depth roundup of pivotal 2025 election results across New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, California, and Minneapolis. Megyn Kelly gives sharp, unsparing commentary on the seismic political shifts—including the historic election of New York’s first socialist Muslim mayor, Democratic sweeps in Virginia, a decisive New Jersey governor’s race, and consequential state ballot measures. She highlights the key players, their rhetoric, and what these outcomes might signal for the future of party politics and governance in America.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. History in New York City: Zoran Mamdani’s Mayoral Win

• Election Details
  • Zoran Mamdani, a 34-year-old, self-described Democratic socialist and Muslim, defeats former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a stunning yet anticipated mayoral race.
  • Massive voter turnout; race called quickly by decision desks.
  • Mamdani’s campaign energized young and working-class voters with promises like rent freezes, free city bus rides, and city-run grocery stores.
• Mamdani’s Victory Speech (02:26; 03:13):
  • “Against all odds, we have grasped it. The future is in our hands, my friends. We have toppled a political dynasty. New York. Tonight you have delivered a mandate for change, a mandate for a new kind of politics, a mandate for a city we can afford, and a mandate for a government that delivers exactly that.”
  • Emphasized working-class empowerment and a mandate for systemic change.
• Cuomo’s Concession (04:14):
  • Ran a “stilted, cold, arthritic campaign” as Megyn describes.
  • Acknowledged a campaign meant to “contest the philosophies that are shaping the Democratic Party” and claimed his coalition “transcended normal partisan politics.”
• Analysis & Guest Commentary
  • Bill Ackman and other critics blame Republican Curtis Sliwa for “splitting the vote,” but Mamdani’s margin exceeded the combined Sliwa and Cuomo totals.
  • Bernie Sanders called Mamdani’s win “an enormous amount of credit for running a brilliant campaign” (05:38).
  • Conservative voices like Hugh Hewitt issued dire warnings:
    • “Comrade Mamdani is not just a communist, he's an anti-Semitic communist and he is going to cause international incidents...he is going to cause a disaster that's going to unfold in real time.” (05:55)

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2. New Jersey’s Governor Race: Sherrill’s Big Win

• Election Outcome
  • Democratic Congresswoman Mikey Sherrill defeats Republican businessman Jack Ciattarelli by a decisive margin despite expectations of a close contest.
  • Sherrill’s success attributed to successfully tying Ciattarelli to Donald Trump and Trumpian policies.
• Mikey Sherrill’s Victory Speech (07:18):
  • “Here in New Jersey we know that this nation has not ever been, nor will it ever be ruled by kings. We take oaths to a constitution, not a king.”
  • Emphasized constitutional values, economic prosperity, and government service for the people.
• Ciattarelli’s Concession (08:06):
  • “Life's not always fair. But I am proud of the effort we put forth. I'm proud of the message we communicated each and every day. It is my hope that Mikey Sherrill has heard us in terms of what we need to do to make New Jersey that place where everybody can once again feel they can achieve their American dream.”
• Megyn’s Quip:
  • “Thanks for nothing, New Jersey. Lucy pulled the football again.” (08:34)

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3. Virginia: Democrats Sweep Key Races

• Gubernatorial Race
  • Abigail Spanberger is projected to become the first female governor of Virginia, defeating Winsome Earl Sears.
• Spanberger’s Victory Speech (10:24):
  • “We sent a message to the whole world that in 2025, Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship. We chose our commonwealth over chaos... My goal and my intent is to serve all Virginians… We're going to lower costs... We're going to take politics out of our schools.”
• Legislative Outcomes
  • Both chambers of the Virginia legislature remain under Democratic control, cementing a “solid blue state” for the next two years.
• Attorney General Controversy & Result
  • Jay Jones, who faced backlash for violent, inflammatory past texts about Republicans, wins Attorney General by 5 points.
  • Jones emphasizes unity: “This victory is for you.” (12:25)
• Megyn’s Critique
  • Spanberger’s call to “take politics out of our schools” is called out as vague, with Megyn accusing her of dodging contentious issues.

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4. California & Minneapolis: Shifts and Surprises

• California – Prop 50
  • Ballot measure passes to dump the state’s independent redistricting commission, giving Democrats more control to secure blue seats in Congress for the next decade.
• Minneapolis Mayoral Race
  • Incumbent Jacob Fryy faces a tough ranked-choice challenge from Somali American State Senator Omar Fateh, signaling further potential movement on the party’s left.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Zoran Mamdani (Victory Speech, 03:13):
  “For as long as we can remember, the working people of New York have been told by the wealthy and the well connected that power does not belong in their hands...Tonight, against all odds, we have grasped it.”
• Mikey Sherrill (New Jersey, 07:18):
  “Here in New Jersey we know that this nation has not ever been, nor will it ever be ruled by kings. We take oaths to a constitution, not a king.”
• Bernie Sanders (on Mamdani, 05:38): “He is taking on the Democratic establishment. So I think this young man deserves an enormous amount of credit for running a brilliant campaign.”
• Hugh Hewitt (Fox News, 05:55): “Comrade Mandani is not just a communist, he's an anti semitic communist and he is going to cause international incidents...I’m telling you it’s a disaster that’s going to unfold in real time.”
• Megyn Kelly’s Sarcastic Take (on NJ, 08:34): “Thanks for nothing, New Jersey. Lucy pulled the football again.”
• Abigail Spanberger (Victory, VA, 10:24): “We sent a message to the whole world that in 2025, Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship. We chose our commonwealth over chaos…”
• Jay Jones (VA Attorney General, 12:25): “This victory is for you.”

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:26 | Zoran Mamdani’s victory declaration | | 03:13 | Mamdani’s victory speech (full quote) | | 04:14 | Cuomo’s concession remarks | | 05:38 | Bernie Sanders' reaction to Mamdani’s win | | 05:55 | Hugh Hewitt’s warning on Fox News | | 07:18 | Mikey Sherrill’s victory speech | | 08:06 | Jack Ciattarelli’s concession | | 10:24 | Abigail Spanberger’s victory remarks (Virginia) | | 12:25 | Jay Jones’ (VA AG) victory speech |

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Episode Tone & Language

• Megyn Kelly’s tone: Direct, sarcastic, often critical—especially skeptical of progressive wins and Democratic Party practices.
• Speakers: Use rousing, populist, oratory for victory/concession speeches; guest commentators offer sharp partisan analysis.
• Quotes from opposition: Allow their argument and framing to stand, despite Kelly’s clear skepticism or criticism.

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Conclusion

This AM Update delivers an intense, succinct briefing on a night of major Democratic and progressive gains in key states and the possible realignments these victories could create for both parties going forward. Historic wins, intraparty tensions, and controversial figures are all put under Megyn Kelly’s critical microscope, making this episode essential for listeners wanting an unfiltered rundown of November 2025’s political earthquake.

Transcript

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[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 and this is your AM update tonight.

[Zoran Mamdani]

Against all odds, we have grasped it. The future is in our hand, my friends. We have toppled a political dynasty.

[Megyn Kelly]

New York city elects a 34 year old socialist Muslim mayor in a stunning, though anticipated race against a former governor.

[Mikey Sherrill]

Here in New Jersey, we know that this nation has not ever been, nor will it ever be ruled by kings.

[Megyn Kelly]

In New Jersey, Democrat Mikey Sherrill beats Republican Jack Ciattarelli and in Virginia, Abigail Spanberger easily beats Winsome Earl. And the man who wants to see Republicans dead becomes the next Attorney General there. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. When customers are walking through the aisles of their local Walmart, they're not just picking up groceries or supplies. They're supporting American businesses and their communities. The real story is what's behind the label. With over two thirds of the products Walmart buys made, grown or assembled right here in the US Buying local is not just stocking shelves. It's about strengthening communities. Because of that commitment, Walmart invested $350 billion in US manufacturing, helping American companies like Fisher and Weiser Specialty Foods, a local Texas business, expand their operations in Fredericksburg, Texas, hire more people and bring their Texas grown peach jam to a national market. Their story is just one example of how Walmart's US manufacturing investment is is supporting over 750,000American jobs. Businesses across the country are empowered to sell more, hire more and help their communities grow from farms to factories to final shopping carts. Learn how Walmart is fueling The Future of US Manufacturing at walmart.com americaatwork within minutes of the polls closing in New York City, all kinds of history was made. Zoran Mamdani, the 34 year old self described Democratic socialist and Muslim, becoming the projected winner of the mayoral election according to Decision Desk hq. The Associated Press Taking a little bit more time calling the race about 40 minutes past the hour with the highest turnout in decades. Mamdani defeating disgraced former Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo in a seismic shift of New York politics. Mamdani energizing New York voters with a slick social media campaign and lofty promises including rent freezes, free city bus rides and city Run grocery stores. It's all going to be free, he told them. Free. Everything. Mamdani celebrating the win in a room packed with supporters at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater.

[Zoran Mamdani]

For as long as we can remember, the working people of New York have been told by the wealthy and the well connected that power does not belong in their hands. Fingers bruised from lifting boxes on the warehouse floor, palms calloused from delivery by candle bars, knuckles scarred with kitchen burns. These are not hands that have been allowed to hold power. And yet over the last 12 months, you have dared to reach for something greater. Tonight, against all odds, we have grasped it. The future is in our hands, my friends. We have toppled a political political dynasty. New York. Tonight you have delivered a mandate for change, a mandate for a new kind of politics, a mandate for a city we can afford, and a mandate for a government that delivers exactly that.

[Megyn Kelly]

Cuomo, who was once the most powerful Democrat in the state, but ran a stilted, cold, arthritic campaign, delivering remarks following his failed comeback bid.

[Zoran Mamdani]

This campaign was the right fight to wage and I am proud of what we did and what we did together. This, this campaign was to contest the philosophies that are shaping the Democratic Party, the future of this city and the future of this country. And this coalition. Coalition transcended normal partisan politics. It brought together Democrats and Republicans and independents, joined by the simple fact that their first allegiance is as citizens of New York City.

[Megyn Kelly]

Curtis Lewa, the Republican candidate who refused all calls to drop out of the race even though everyone knew he had no chance, failing to secure even 10% of the vote. Still, for those like Bill Ackman, who blamed Sliwa for the Mamdani victory, it appears Mamdani will win with more votes than Cuomo and Sliwa combined. Fellow Socialist and U.S. senator of Vermont Bernie Sanders, defining this moment as a reshaping of the Democrat Party. He has taken on the oligarchs in.

[Zoran Mamdani]

New York who have spent millions and millions of dollars trying to defeat him. He is taking on the Democratic establishment. So I think this young man deserves an enormous amount of credit for running a brilliant campaign.

[Megyn Kelly]

Radio host Hugh Hewitt on Fox News last night with a dark prediction.

[Zoran Mamdani]

It's going to be a bad hangover for Democrats because Comrade Mandani is not just a communist, he's an anti semitic communist and he is going to cause international incidents. He doesn't know how to run anything. I keep making this point to people. He's run at most an office of 10 people. 300,000 people work for the city of New York. I know it's hard to believe when 155,000 people work for the entire state government In New York, 300,000 people work for Manhattan and the four other boroughs. So I'm telling you it's a disaster that's going to unfold in real time.

[Megyn Kelly]

Republican Ari Fleischer predicting on Fox News every Democrat running in the midterms will now be saddled with the Mamdani problem as he taxes the rich, provides trans procedures to all on the taxpayer dime and sends social workers to domestic violence calls. Good luck, New York. In New Jersey, Democrat Congresswoman Mikey Sherrill beating New Jersey businessman Jack Ciattarelli with ease. Despite Ciarelli appearing to close the gap in the final weeks of the race, Sheryl's strategy of tying her opponent closely to President Trump worked to her advantage. Polls simply wrong in this race showing a margin of error battle in multiple surveys ahead of election day when Cheryl will win by double digits. Here she is addressing supporters.

[Mikey Sherrill]

This was a tough fight and this is a tough state. But I know you, New Jersey, and I love you. We know that no one in our great state is safe when our neighbors are targeted ignoring the law and the Constitution. But prosperity is equally essential. Liberty alone is not enough if the government makes it impossible for you to feed your family, to get a good education or to get a good job. So in this country, that shouldn't be too much to ask. But right now, all of it seems at risk. Governors have never mattered more. Here in New Jersey we know that this nation has not ever been, nor will it ever be ruled by kings. We take oaths to a constitution, not a king.

[Megyn Kelly]

Jack Ciattarelli delivering his closing remarks.

[Zoran Mamdani]

Listen guys, nobody is more disappointed than I am, but I'm proud of the efforts of my team that are here tonight. As John F. Kennedy once said, life's not always fair. But I am proud of the effort we put forth. I'm proud of the message we communicated each and every day. It is my hope that Mikey Sherrill has heard us in terms of what we need to do to make New Jersey that place where everybody can once again feel they can achieve their American dream.

[Megyn Kelly]

Thanks for nothing, New Jersey. Lucy pulled the football again. Coming up, a big night for Dems. A look at Virginia, California and Minneapolis. Streaming November 16th on Paramount. It is the return of Landman, TV's biggest phenomenon from Taylor Sheridan, co creator of Yellowstone. Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton is back as Tommy Norris and managing higher stakes than ever before. It features an all star cast, including Academy Award nominees Demi Moore, Andy Garcia and Sam Elliott. In the wake of his former boss's passing, tensions come to a head as Tommy and Demi Moore's character, Cami Miller, struggle to maintain control of emtech's oil. And with his father, played by Sam Elliott, coming back into his life, Tommy must juggle both of his roles as an oil man and a family man as pressure builds and his worlds collide. Do not miss the hit series everyone is talking about. Landman's new season starts streaming November 16th only on Paramount Plus. It didn't take long in Virginia Decision Desk HQ making the call at 7:19pm projecting Democrat Abigail Spanberger as the next governor. With only a sliver of the votes counted, Spanberger will be the first female governor of Virginia, defeating Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears to succeed outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Both the House of Delegates and the state Senate will remain under Democrat control, meaning Virginia is a solid blue state for the next two years. Spamberger striking a centrist tone in her victory remarks tonight focusing largely on economics and unity.

[Mikey Sherrill]

We sent a message to the whole world that in 2025, Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship. We chose our commonwealth over chaos. The lieutenant governor's story, her military service and her years of service here in Virginia deserve our respect and our gratitude. And I ask that you join me in wishing her and her family well. And to those Virginians who did not vote for me, I want you to know that my goal and my intent is to serve all Virginians. We are going to work to lower costs of renting, buying or staying in your home. We're going to lower health care costs. We're going to crack down on predatory pharmaceutical practices and surprise billing. And we're going to produce more energy. We are going to take politics out of our schools.

[Megyn Kelly]

As for her promise to take politics out of schools, Spamberger during the campaign dodging questions on boys in girls, sports and locker rooms on the campaign trail, responding with vague answers about local decision making, struggling to articulate a clear policy sidestepping the issue, allowing mainstream media to brand Spanberger as the model Democrat. Spanberger's win coming even as her party dealt with a serious controversy stemming from shocking texts sent in 2022 by Attorney General candidate Jay Jones. In the messages made public in a report by National Review, he wrote that he wished then Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert in Virginia would get, quote, two bullets in the head and later expressed a wish that Gilbert's children would die in their mother's arms so that the lawmaker might reconsider his policies. In the end, Virginia Democrats saying we're good with him Jones winning the attorney general race by about five points. Here's Jones last night and I want.

[Zoran Mamdani]

To thank every Virginian tonight who's placed their trust in me. This was a hard fought campaign, but at the end of the day, this election has never been about me or my opponent. It has always been about every single one of us and the future of Virginia and this election. This victory is for you.

[Megyn Kelly]

In California, Prop 50, a ballot measure tossing out the state's independent redistricting commission in order to redraw congressional maps in a manner heavily favoring Democrats locking in more blue seats through the 2030 election cycle, a move that could directly affect who controls the U.S. house of Representatives. Voters deciding to support Governor Gavin Newsom's gerrymandering effort. In Minneapolis, a closely watched mayoral race between incumbent Jacob Fry, a Democrat progressive going for a third term who got outflanked to his left by 35 year old Somali American Omar Fateh, whose rallies at times looked like they were literally taking place in Somalia. He is a current state senator, this one locked in a close matchup as the Ranked Choice ballot counting continues into the night. We'll have in depth coverage of what all of this means for America on the Megyn Kelly Show. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon eas on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platforms.

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