Donald Trump Says Democrats Only Won 2025 Elections Because His Name Wasn’t on the Ballot

Former President Donald Trump has offered his own explanation for the Republican Party’s disappointing results in the 2025 midterm elections — arguing that the GOP faltered because he wasn’t on the ballot.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Democrats scored major victories across several states, including New York, Virginia, New Jersey and California. Among the most notable wins was Zohran Mamdani’s historic election as New York City’s first Muslim mayor.

As results rolled in, Trump, 79, took to Truth Social to post in all caps: “‘TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT.’”

He claimed the observation came “according to Pollsters,” a remark that aligns with analysis from The New York Times, which noted that Democratic voters have “overperformed in every nonpresidential election year since 2017.” The outlet also pointed out that Republican turnout appears to drop when Trump’s name isn’t on the ballot.

Trump further blamed the ongoing government shutdown for the GOP’s losses. By Wednesday, Nov. 5, the shutdown had reached its 36th day — the longest in U.S. history.

Despite Trump’s complaints, Democrats prevailed in numerous high-profile races, including contests where he endorsed Republican candidates. Exit polls conducted by CNN suggested that dissatisfaction with Trump and the GOP gave Democrats an extra push at the polls.

Trump also inserted himself into the New York City mayoral race, taking aim at Mamdani while expressing support for former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required,” Trump wrote on Nov. 4.

“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!”

In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger made history as the state’s first female governor. In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill defeated Trump-backed Republican Jack Ciattarelli to become governor.

Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom secured a major victory with the passage of Proposition 50, which approved a new congressional map expected to yield up to five additional Democratic seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the Associated Press.