Reactions to Nov. 5, 2019 Off Year Elections

Democrats and their allies had a good night and did most of the talking through press releases and statements...

PARTIES
November 5, 2019 10:26 p.m.
Republican State Leadership Committee
November 7, 2019

Liberal Billionaires Flood Money Into Virginia to Fund Socialist Movement

WASHINGTON – The Republican State Leadership Committee on Tuesday secured huge wins in states across the country: Republicans for the first time swept all of the statewide elections in Mississippi while winning a super majority in the state Senate and maintaining the super majority in the House, won each of the down-ballot races in Kentucky, and flipped a critical state Senate seat in deep blue New Jersey that could move Republicans out of a super minority. Republicans won everywhere on Election Day – except for Virginia, where liberal billionaires like George Soros and Michael Bloomberg poured millions of dollars into the commonwealth to spread their radical agenda. The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board and Fox News emphasized the consequences of this unprecedented spending.

Click here or on the image above to read the full article from The Wall Street Journal.

The Wall Street Journal (11/6/19): “The governing consequences will be most severe in Virginia, where the GOP was outspent as the national left, led by Mike Bloomberg’s gun-control operation, poured in millions of dollars. Democrats will use their new majorities to move the state left…

“Virginia Democrats received an assist this year from federal judges who redrew the legislative map after liberal groups said they were racially gerrymandered. The Supreme Court declined on a 5-4 vote to let the GOP House of Delegates defend its map on appeal. Democrats will try to gerrymander state legislative and U.S. House districts after the 2020 census to cement their majorities for a decade. Do not wait for complaints about this from the Washington Post or former Attorney General Eric Holder, whose group only opposes gerrymanders that favor Republicans.”

Click here or on the image above to watch Laura Ingraham on Fox News.

Laura Ingraham (11/6/19): “Another factor that is important to note in this Virginia race – and it should jolt Republicans into action themselves – in this cycle, huge amounts of money flowed into Virginia’s local elections. George Soros pumped millions in to elect commonwealth attorneys who pledged to radically change how we prosecute crime in the commonwealth. Prioritizing so-called ‘social justice concerns’ over public safety.

“In September alone, Virginia Democrats running for statehouse and senate offices got $3.34 million from out-of-state donors.”

Click here or on the image above to watch Tucker Carlson on Fox News.

Tucker Carlson (11/6/19): “The biggest winners of last night’s elections were maybe billionaire Democratic donors Michael Bloomberg and George Soros. Both of them heavily invested in races across the country – particularly in Virginia where their preferred candidates won.”

Click here or on the image above to watch Dana Perino on Fox News.

Dana Perino (11/6/19): “Soros and Bloomberg in particular have been trying to focus on down-ballot races. So what I mean by that is not your governor’s race necessarily but they’re in state, local races, city council races, and in particular district attorney races. And it’s much easier to cut through all of the noise of the national political scene and the governors’ races, and focus on those local races at that level. They are making big gains. Part of it is that they are riding a wave. There are changes happening across the country.

“For example in Philadelphia the collar counties around Philly got bluer yesterday, but the collar counties around Pittsburgh got redder. There is a movement happening, but you can have an impact with money and I think Republicans have done such an impressive job working with President Trump and, for the past two decades, focusing on judges. One thing the Republicans might really want to think about is, how do they match Soros and Bloomberg dollar for dollar in these races as well?”

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CAMPAIGNS
Bennet for America

Michael Bennet on Election Results: This is the Playbook We Need in 2020

DENVER — Michael Bennet released the following statement on last night’s election results in Kentucky, Virginia, and nationwide:

“Democrats won in battleground states last night using the playbook that secured us the House in 2018: meeting voters where they are on the kitchen table issues that matter most, including education and protecting the Affordable Care Act. This is the agenda we can use to win the White House and Senate and hold the House in purple and red states across the country. Voters just told us what they are looking for in their elected leaders, and it’s not empty promises of free stuff or Medicare for All. If we ignore this, we risk everything in 2020. 

“Kentucky voters have spoken, and the results are clear. Matt Bevin must concede. It’s time for the people of Kentucky to be able to move beyond his failed leadership and attacks on healthcare.” 

The new battleground polls this week from the New York Times show that Democrats are at risk of losing to Trump in 2020 if they nominate any of the current frontrunners. It’s clear voters are looking for new leadership that will actually make progress on our most pressing challenges — they want solutions, not slogans.

As Jonathan Chait wrote about the battleground polls, “[T]he poll contains substantial evidence that Trump’s party lost the midterms for the hoary yet true reason that Republicans took unpopular positions, especially on health care, and ceded the center. Rather than learn the lesson, Democrats instead appear intent on ceding it right back to them.”

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Biden for President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2019

Statement from Vice President Joe Biden on the Virginia General Assembly Election Results

I want to congratulate the newly elected and re-elected delegates and senators on their victories. Tonight, by voting in Democratic majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, Virginians sent a clear, powerful message that will resonate across this nation and shake the walls of the White House.

Virginians were not fooled by Republicans who spent the campaign pretending they’re moderate, pretending they’re for health care, pretending they’re for sensible gun regulations, pretending they don’t even know who Donald Trump is.

Voters are tired of Republicans putting their own political agenda ahead of their constituents’ needs and are ready for representatives who fight for them. Tonight’s results show that Democrats can take back our country, starting with Virginia, and begin the hard work of rebuilding the middle class and restoring the soul of our nation. 

Cory 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Bullock for President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2019

Bullock Campaign Statement on Iowa Election Results

Des Moines, IA – Following a successful Election Night for Democratic candidates across Iowa, Montana Governor Steve Bullock’s Iowa campaign released the following statement:

“Iowa Democrats won hard-fought elections across the state by focusing on the issues that matter to working families. Because of their courageous leadership and grit, Iowans will have stronger public schools, more prosperous communities, and new voices in government who will fight to ensure a fair shot for everyone,” said Bullock for President Iowa State Director Megan Simpson. 

Simpson continued, “Tonight’s success proves that candidates who focus on providing serious solutions to the issues facing Iowa communities can win elections across the state. As we head into the most important election in our lifetimes, caucus-goers are looking for a candidate who can beat Donald Trump — and that’s Montana Governor Steve Bullock. As the only candidate who’s proven he can win back the places our Party has lost, Governor Bullock’s progressive, achievable vision will beat Donald Trump, spur Democratic success from river to river, and ensure no community is left behind.”

Governor Bullock's Iowa campaign canvassed statewide for the following Democratic candidates:

Boone County

• Carrie Galvan, Boone City Council

Dallas County

• Michael Schrodt, Waukee School Board

Dubuque County

• Danny Sprank, Dubuque City Council

Johnson County

• Janice Weiner, Iowa City Council

Linn County

• Cindy Garlock, Cedar Rapids School Board

Marshall County

• Dex Walker, Marshalltown City Council

Polk County

• Jeff Perry, Ankeny City Council
• Desheara Bohanna, Ankeny School Board
• Amy Tagliareni, Ankeny School Board
• Scott Syroka, Johnston City Council
• Suresh Reddy, Johnston City Council
• Bridget Carberry-Montgomery, Urbandale City Council
• Matt Blake, Urbandale City Council
• Ashley Anderson, Urbandale School Board

Pottawattamie County

• Jill Shudak, Council Bluffs School Board

Story County

• Rachel Junck, Ames City Council

Winneshiek County

• Emily Neal, Decorah City Council

Woodbury County

• Julie Schoenherr, Sioux City Council

Bullock for President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Governor Bullock Statement on Election Results

Helena, MT – After a night that saw Democrats win major victories in Virginia and Kentucky, Montana Governor Steve Bullock released the following statement:

  Tom Steyer 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Tom Steyer on Virginia’s Historic Turning Tide

(SAN FRANCISCO, November 5, 2019) — Today, Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer released the following statement applauding the efforts of Virginia Democrats in turning the General Assembly blue: 

“This Democratic victory is a clarion call for the American people, rejecting the divisive and bigoted Republican policies which hurt families and give corporations unchecked power. Tonight, Virginia voters made history by taking control of their democracy and giving power back to the people. 

This victory belongs to Virginians all across the state who took time out of their busy lives to make their voices heard in this critical election. Our campaign is proud to have been part of the record numbers of Democratic volunteers who poured into the state to ensure voters’ voices were heard. The people-powered grassroots movement seen today in Virginia will fight to eliminate hate, support families, push back against corporate greed, and put our nation back on a path towards reclaiming our future.” 

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Human Rights Campaign
November 6, 2019

Anti-Trans Messaging Falls Flat Across 2019 Races

For months, anti-equality activists have utilized an outdated playbook attempting to paint LGBTQ equality as a wedge issue. But in reality, they have failed to realize the ground has shifted underneath them across the country. The results in Virginia and Kentucky prove that equality wins and that voters have no appetite for anti-equality extremism.
 
KENTUCKY
PLOY: American Principles Project developed digital ads in attempts to instill fear and demonize transgender children among the voting public.

New York Times: A Conservative Push to Make Trans Kids and School Sports the Next Battleground in the Culture War 

RESULT: Pro-Equality Andy Beshear Ousts Anti-Equality Gov. Matt Bevin
 

VIRGINIA
PLOY: Prince William County GOP launched a transphobic attack on Del. Danica Roem

The Advocate: Danica Roem Hit With Transphobic Ad as Virginia Election Looms

 
PLOY: Anti-Equality donors spent big to unseat historic Del. Danica Roem

Daily Beast: Danica Roem, Trans History Maker, Fights Another Anti-LGBT Candidate—and Their Donors—in Virginia

 
RESULT: Pro-Equality Del. Danica Roem Wins Reelection; Almost Doubles 2017 Margin
 

PLOY: Anti-Equality Paul Milde flooded homes with transphobic mailers that incorrectly used the word “transgendered”
 
RESULT: Pro-Equality Joshua Cole defeats Anti-Equality Paul Milde
 

PLOY: Majority Leader Tim Hugo accused children of lying about their gender identity to gain access to bathrooms and locker rooms.
He said, “it’s not the potential, it happens--that somebody will say, ‘I now identify as a girl or I identify as a boy, I want to use the boys locker room but I'm biologically a girl and vice versa.’” [WMAL, 5/11/15]
 
RESULT: Pro-Equality Dan Helmer defeats Anti-Equality Majority Leader Tim Hugo

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CAIR
November 6, 2019

CAIR, Jetpac, MPower Change: 26 American Muslim Candidates Win in Nov. 5 Elections for Total of 34 Muslims Elected in 2019

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and Jetpac, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing American Muslim representation in politics and the media, and MPower Change, one of the largest Muslim-led social and racial justice organizations in the United States, today reported 26 American Muslim electoral victories nationwide in yesterday's off-year election.

[NOTE: These results are preliminary and subject to change.]

Throughout 2019, CAIR, Jetpac and MPower Change have identified at least 34 Muslim candidates who won elections in local and statewide races across the country. More than 80 Muslims ran for office this year at the local and state level.

"These electoral victories clearly indicate that American Muslims are stepping up and showing their commitment to public service," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "We congratulate these Muslim trailblazers who are creating a more inclusive democracy for everyone."

"American Muslims are running for office in large numbers because more of us are realizing that we have a unique perspective that will help fix massive inequities in healthcare, education, and the criminal legal system," said Jetpac Executive Director Mohammed Missouri. "We're also aware that staying on the sidelines while anti-Muslim bigotry runs rampant will increase the threat to our community. A truly representative Democracy will help us get out of this dark era as a stronger society."

"What do Muslim Americans do during a time of heightened Islamophobia under a xenophobic administration? We run for office and win," said MPower Change's Executive Director Linda Sarsour. "Muslim Americans are engaging in the democratic process in unprecedented ways and we can't wait to continue this wave in 2020 to save our democracy."

CAIR, Jetpac, and MPower Change's preliminary statistical breakdown of American Muslim candidates running for office in 2019 shows:

• 81 Muslim candidates in total ran for an elected office in 2019
• 29 women
• 52 men
• Of those, 34 Muslims won elections in the 2019 calendar year
• 16 women
• 18 men
• Of those, 26 Muslim candidates won their election yesterday
• 13 of those Muslim candidates won an election for the first time yesterday
• 7 women
• 6 men
• 13 of those Muslim candidates were incumbents won reelection yesterday
• 5 women
• 8 men

CAIR, Jetpac, and MPower Change maintain an up-to-date public database of over 500 Muslim candidates that have run for office in the past several years.
SEE: American Muslim Candidate Master List
http://www.islamophobia.org/reports/247-the-rise-of-american-muslim-changemakers.html

On behalf of the American Muslim community, CAIR, Jetpac, and MPower Change congratulate the following Muslim candidates on their hard-fought and trailblazing victories:

Maine

• Pious Ali – Portland City Council (reelection)
• Safiya Khalid – Lewiston City Council

Maryland

• Fazlul Kabir – College Park City Council (reelection)

Massachusetts

• Mehreen Butt – Wakefield Town Council (reelection)
• Afroz Khan – Newburyport City Council (reelection)
• Sumbul Siddiqui – Cambridge City Council (reelection)

Minnesota

• Nadia Mohamed – St. Louis Park City Council
• Abdisalam Adam – Fridley School Board (appointed in 2018 to fill a vacant seat but elected by the public for the first time yesterday)

New Jersey

• Jamillah Beasley - Irvington Municipal Council (reelection)
• Mustafa Al-Mutazzim Brent – East Orange City Council (reelection)
• Denise Sanders – Teaneck Board of Education (reelection)
• Raghib Muhammad – Montgomery Township Board of Education
• Adnan Zakaria – Prospect Park City Council (reelection)
• Esllam Zakaria – Prospect Park Board of Education (reelection)

Ohio

• Omar Tarazi – Hilliard City Council

Pennsylvania

• Omar Sabir – Philadelphia City Commission

Virginia

• Buta Biberaj – Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney
• Ghazala Hashmi – Senate District 10
• Babur Lateef – Prince William County School Board (reelection)
• Harris Mahedavi – Loudon County School Board
• Abrar Omeish – Fairfax County School Board
• Sam Rasoul – House of Delegates District 11 (reelection)
• Ibraheem Samirah – House of Delegates District 86 (reelection)
• Lisa Zargarpur – Prince William County School Board

Washington

• Turan Kayaoglu – Puyallup School Board
• Zahra Roach – Pasco City Council

In July, CAIR, Jetpac and MPower Change released an updated version of their report, 'The Rise of American Muslim Changemakers,' documenting the 323 American Muslims who at that time ran for public office since the election of Donald Trump in 2016 and the subsequent rise in anti-Muslim bigotry. CAIR and Jetpac note that as of this posting, the number of American Muslims who have run for office since 2016 is 365.

SEE: CAIR, MPower Change and Jetpac Release Updated Report on Muslim Political Mobilization in the Trump Era https://www.cair.com/cair_mpower_change_and_jetpac_release_updated_report_on_muslim_political_mobilization_in_the_trump_era

The report includes profiles of those who ran for office during 2018 and 2019, including newly-elected Pennsylvania State Representative Movita Johnson-Harrell, Virginia State Delegate Dr. Ibraheem Samirah and Montgomery (New Jersey) Township Mayor Sadaf Jaffer, among many others elected in 2019.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

Jetpac (Justice Education Technology Political Advocacy Center) is a training and educational organization that seeks to build a strong American Muslim political infrastructure and increase the community's influence and engagement.

MPower Change is one of the largest Muslim-led social and racial justice organizations in the United States. Rooted in the Islamic faith and the Prophetic model, it believes in building a more just world for all people.

CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw
CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper
SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

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Everytown for Gun Safety
November 5, 2019

Gun Safety Sweep in Virginia: Everytown for Gun Safety’s $2.5 Million Investment and Moms Demand Action’s Grassroots Army Flip General Assembly to a Gun Sense Majority, Creating a Roadmap for 2020

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NRA-ILA
November 6, 2019

NRA Statement on 2019 Election Results

FAIRFAX, Va.– The National Rifle Association released the following statement on the 2019 election results:

"As if Gov. Northam’s legacy of ineptitude wasn’t enough, Virginians are about to experience life under a distant tycoon’s thumb. Candidates who proudly accepted Bloomberg’s cash—and every voter they misled—will soon realize the cost of being beholden to a Manhattan billionaire who despises Virginians’ right to self-defense. Fortunately, many NRA-backed candidates in Virginia, New Jersey, Kentucky and Mississippi prevailed over their Bloomberg-funded opponents. As the battle continues, so does the NRA’s defense of the Second Amendment rights of all Americans.”