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For the first time since the presidential election there is renewed optimism among Democrats after a big election night on Tuesday. Alongside Zohran Mamdani鈥檚 win in New York and the governor races in New Jersey and West Virginia, the party also won important - albeit less glamorous - races in Pennsylvania and Georgia.

In this episode, Justin, Anthony and Sarah unpack how and where the Democrats won, and what it means for the party and next year鈥檚 midterm elections.

For Republicans, the inquest has already begun into a bruising night for the party that has raised fears ahead of the 2026 midterms and the party鈥檚 congressional majority. Donald Trump is blaming poor results on the ongoing government shutdown and his name not being on the ballot.

And we鈥檙e joined by Jim Messina, a Democrat strategist and former deputy chief of staff to Barack Obama. He gives his take on what he thinks lies behind Tuesday鈥檚 wins, what he thinks the party has learned since 2024 and whether he agrees with Prop 50 - the redistricting measures passed in California to redraw the state鈥檚 political lines to favour Democrats.

HOSTS:
* Sarah Smith, North America editor
* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
* Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUEST:

* Jim Messina, Former deputy chief of staff to Barack Obama

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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