Major blow for Trump, Democrats celebrated convincing victory in local elections

NEW YORK, (Patria) - Democratic Mayor of New York Bill de Blasio has been elected for a second four-year term, while the Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, defeated Republican opponent Ed Gillespie on Tuesday, who had strong support from Donald Trump.

De Blasio, who presents himself as a protector of New York citizens from Donald Trump's policies, won overwhelmingly with 64.7 percent of the vote, while his Republican opponent Nicole Malliotakis won 29.5 percent after counting 83 percent of the ballots in America's largest city. He sharply attacked Trump over measures against immigrants, Muslims, and illegal immigrants.

Malliotakis often criticized De Blasio for refusing to cooperate with federal agencies in the search for undocumented persons.

In another federal state, New Jersey, Democratic candidate Phil Murphy won easily and will replace the outgoing Republican governor Chris Christie, who was a close ally of Donald Trump for a long time.

According to results after processing 60 percent of the ballots, Ralph Northam won almost 52 percent of the votes, and the Republican 47 percent.

Ed Gillespie did not publicly appear with US President Trump in person, but the Republican party leader, whom he chaired, veered to the right, focusing his speeches on illegal immigration, crime, and Confederate monuments. The President supported him with messages, but did not campaign in person.

Democrats made a point of honor out of the elections, exactly one year after Hillary Clinton's defeat. Former President Barack Obama directly participated in the campaign.

- Fear, division, and hatred will not prevail - commented the outgoing Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe on Tuesday before the results were announced.

Governors exercise executive power in American federal states and have authority in economic, tax, and educational fields, as well as in policing. They approve laws passed by the local parliament through voting.