CNN’s Election Night coverage team laughed at GOP analyst Scott Jennings over his take on Democratic victories like Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s win over former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) in New York.
Mamdani’s victory followed Democratic wins by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) in Virginia and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) in New Jersey, a high-profile sweep for the party in major off-year contests.
On Tuesday night’s edition of CNN’s Election Night in America, Jennings drew laughter with his take on the wins as he declared it a “bad night” for Dems, and that Mamdani is “now the leader” of the Democratic Party:
ANDERSON COOPER: Scott, do you think the White House should be listening?
SCOTT JENNINGS: I mean, look, these are blue states and Democrats were supposed to win. So I wouldn’t over-read it. Virginia in particular has never been a great bellwether. I don’t think a lot of folks had a lot confidence in the Virginia campaign that was run on the Republican side.
And New Jersey is New Jersey. So I would hesitate to over- read it. I don’t think the concerns you raised are legitimate political strategy concerns.
You know I think– I just want to offer condolences to Chuck Schumer. Honestly, what I’m reading here in New York City is that AOC is going to be the next senator from New York after she gets done whooping his rear end in the 2028 Democratic primary.
And for his Senate races in 2026, I see the energy in the Democratic Party tonight behind a socialists, and I see energy in Virginia, Democrats looking the other way on a violent candidate for attorney general who says he wants to murder Republicans and their children. If you think you’re getting rid of Graham Plattner in Maine now, think again.
This is a terrible night for national democratic image what is happening inside their party.
Mamdani is an avowed socialist it’s not what people say that he is it’s what he says that he has he’s now the leader of their party that’s their energy and Chuck Schumer–.
ANDERSON COOPER: He’s the leader of the democratic party?
(LAUGHTER)
SCOTT JENNINGS: He’s he’s– There is no– who is the leader? Can someone tell me?
DAVID AXELROD: So he’s a life raft for Republicans who have to go on TV and got their asses kicked today is what he is.
(LAUGHTER)
VAN JONES: We’ve had progressive mayors, I’m thinking right about De Blasio.
He’s the best actor you all have. Is he not? Mamdani. Come on. (LAUGHS)
VAN JONES: Here’s what I’ll say. I’m a lot happier than you are sad.
Watch above via CNN’s Election Night in America.
