NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

SUMMARY

In the first major elections since President Trump's return to office, Democrats celebrated election wins from coast to coast. New York City's next mayor will be democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, and two moderate Democrats will be the governors of New Jersey and Virginia. The elections made history in many ways, and were very much a referendum of Trump and his policies. Liz Landers reports.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Where did some of the major races take place that are discussed in this segment?
2. Who is Zohran Mamdani, and what is his background?
3. How does a new Congressional map in California potentially help Democrats in 2026?
4. What are some of the reasons given in this segment for Democratic wins?
5. Why did Republicans struggle in elections, according to President Trump?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• Do you think the results of this election were more about the campaign promises of Democrats that won, or more about voter judgment about President Trump's performance in the first year of his second term?
• Do you think results in next year's midterm election will be similar or different to this year's? Why or why not?

Media literacy: What race would you like to know more about that was mentioned in this segment? What votes took place in your own community? If you don't know, how could you find out?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

As described in this segment, California voters approved a ballot measure to redistrict California, providing an advantage to Democratic Congressional candidates in 2026 and beyond. Redrawing Congressional maps for political advantage, known as gerrymandering, has also been a focus of Republican-controlled state governments this year, including Texas. Read the article What’s next in the national redistricting fight after California approved a new U.S. House map, then discuss as a class—

• Do you think gerrymandering, or redrawing districts for political advantage, should be legal? Why or why not?
• How else could Congressional districts be decided? Who should decide, and how?

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