Democrats crushed Election Night, and Emily and the Sams break down the biggest wins, from Mamdani’s historic New York victory to major flips in Virginia, New Jersey, and beyond. They delve into why margins were so large, how national politics influenced local races, and what the data nerds were tracking in real-time.
The crew also tackles the controversial “Deciding to Win” memo, debating whether Democrats should ever “moderate” on issues like immigration, trans rights, or identity. Spoiler: authenticity energizes voters more than consultant-speak.
Then it’s Prop 50, SCOTUS drama to come, and what these races mean for 2026 and 2028. Finally, they check in on Washington State results, Everett’s tight mayoral race, Seattle’s mixed bag, and Snohomish County heartbreak, with a bit of messy local tea.
Short version: Big wins, big feelings, and the big question: How should Democrats actually win?
Listen
Curmudgeon’s Corner
Everything is Awesome, The Lego Movie - YouTube
Check Out
Snohomish County Podcast Network
Watch
Mamdani’s Victory Speech, MSNow - TikTok
Gavin Newsom’s Victory Speech on Prop 50, CNN - TikTok
Leavitt: “It is just a fact.”, Bulwarkonline - Threads
New York is Not for Sale, Long.WindedPod - TikTok
Read
The 2026 Redistricting 'Rithmetic - Decision Desk HQ
The Strategist’s Fallacy in American Politics - Strength in Numbers
Strength In Numbers - gelliottmorris.com
Deciding to Win - Welcome PAC, The Welcome Party (c4), and The Welcome Democracy Institute (c3)
4 Races to Watch Nationally - CNN
4 takeaways after Proposition 50’s big win in California - Los Angeles Times
Republicans file lawsuit to block Prop. 50 districts - Los Angeles Times
Former Gov Andrew Cuomo is Gross - Ethics Unwrapped
Zohran Mamdani pulled off a political upset running on affordability - The 19th News
Other Resources
Washington State Election Results - Washington Secretary of State
Oh yeah, and RELEASE THE FILES!
