New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called Democrats’ election-night gains a nationwide referendum on politics, saying voters backed candidates who promised government action on working people’s struggles and change they could feel in their wallets.

Democrats made major gains in the Senate and House, including in traditionally Republican states, although some results were still being counted Wednesday.

Mamdani pointed to competitive races in South Carolina, Kansas and Iowa as evidence that voters wanted changes they could feel in their wallets.

The results marked a contrast with 2022, when New York helped Republicans win a House majority and Lee Zeldin came within six points of the governor’s race in the deep-blue state.

In New York, voters elected progressive leaders Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez and Brad Lander to Congress, adding to pressure for a Democratic Party reckoning ahead of 2028.

Mamdani said the progressive movement behind the gains began with his grassroots campaign and cast the midterms as a turning point for Democrats as they seek direction in the Trump era.

Speaking at City Hall on Wednesday, Mamdani urged Democrats to “put their foot on the gas” and deliver on their promises, saying politics should strengthen working people’s dignity and financial security.

He praised Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan victory, pointing to his populist platform and the opposition, racism and slander he faced; the article said El-Sayed would become the nation’s first Muslim senator.

Mamdani had attended a fundraiser for El-Sayed and criticized Rep. Haley Stevens for withdrawing her support for him and backing Republican Mike Rogers instead.

Mamdani said prominent congressional leadership positions for Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer would matter because they hear New Yorkers’ concerns directly from constituents.

Despite major policy differences with President Donald Trump, Mamdani said the two could work together in limited areas, including the welfare of New York City.