By ANDREW ROSE|ANW
November 5, 2025
America woke up to a whirlwind on Election Day. Voters across the nation cast ballots in key races while the federal government shutdown dragged into its 35th day. The fight centers on Obamacare subsidies that could double health premiums for millions. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a giant in Republican history, passed away at 84, drawing tributes from leaders. In New York City, a young Muslim Democrat aims to become the first of his kind as mayor. Simple issues like cost of living topped voter minds, but threats and shutdown woes added tension. Here’s the full story.
The government shutdown started October 1 over funding fights. Democrats refuse to pass a “clean” bill without extending Obamacare’s enhanced subsidies, set to expire December 31. These tax credits, added during COVID, help 24 million Americans buy health plans on ACA exchanges. Without them, premiums could jump 26% on average in 2026, per the Kaiser Family Foundation. For a couple earning $85,000, costs might triple to $25,000 a year, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Republicans, controlling Congress and the White House, call it a “lie” from 2010 when President Barack Obama signed the law. “Costs skyrocketed. You lost your doctor and plan,” said Sen. Rick Scott. The Congressional Budget Office says extending subsidies adds $350 billion to the deficit through 2035. GOP pushes to fund government first, then talk health. But Democrats hold firm: no deal without subsidies.
Open enrollment starts November 1. Early “window shopping” shows sticker shock. In states using Healthcare.gov, benchmark premiums rise 30%. “Real people are in the middle,” said Jessica Altman of Covered California. Polls show 78% of Americans, including Republicans, want the credits extended. Shutdown impacts grow: federal workers furloughed, parks closed, agencies strained. It’s the longest closure since 2019, nearing records.
As chaos unfolds, former President Obama hit the trail to boost Democrats. On Saturday, he rallied with Rep. Abigail Spanberger in Norfolk, Virginia, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill in Newark, New Jersey. Both seek governor seats in today’s off-year elections. Obama, Obamacare’s architect, faces irony: his legacy fuels the shutdown. He promised in 2010 it would cut family costs by $2,500 and trim the deficit by $1 trillion. Critics say it failed, hiking premiums and quality dips.
Obama stays the Democrats’ top draw. “He’s the closer,” said Fox & Friends hosts. But with premiums spiking, he may defend his law amid buckling agencies. Shutdown enters month two; talks quicken, but no breakthrough.
Tributes poured in for Dick Cheney, who died Monday from pneumonia and heart issues. The 84-year-old served as George W. Bush’s VP, shaping post-9/11 policy. He pushed the Iraq War on faulty intel, earning “most powerful VP” tag. Heart attacks plagued him since 1978; he got a transplant in 2012.
Fox anchors remembered warmly. Brit Hume called him “privately funny, very bright.” Bret Baier noted his “love of family, humor.” A doc looked at his health battles and recovery. Bush said it’s “a loss to the nation.” Cheney, from Wyoming roots, was White House chief to Ford, defense secretary under Bush Sr., and congressman. His daughter Liz clashed with Trump over January 6.
President Trump, Cheney’s critic, stayed quiet publicly. Cheney once blasted Trump as a threat to democracy. His death caps a career of highs and lows: war architect, heart survivor, GOP insider.
Election Day buzz centered Virginia, New Jersey, and NYC. Polls closed in Virginia first; it’s set to elect its first female governor. Democrat Abigail Spanberger leads Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. Early exits: economy tops worries, 24% say families fall behind financially. Trump disapproval hits 60%. Attorney general race pits Jay Jones (D) vs. Jason Miyares (R)—a toss-up, with Miyares hitting Jones on scandals.
New Jersey’s governor contest is tight: Mikie Sherrill (D) vs. Jack Ciattarelli (R), Trump’s pick. Taxes and economy lead voter concerns; 36% name taxes top issue. Latino shifts to Trump in 2024 test here. Early votes favor Dems, but GOP pushes hard.
NYC’s mayoral race steals the show. Zohran Mamdani, 34-year-old Queens assemblyman and democratic socialist, eyes history as first Muslim and Asian American mayor. He beat Andrew Cuomo in June primary, now faces Cuomo (independent) and Curtis Sliwa (R). Mamdani’s pitch: fix affordability—free buses, higher taxes on rich. Cost of living ranks No. 1 for 56% of voters; housing irks 70%.
Cuomo, 67, touts experience, infrastructure wins. Backed by Bloomberg ($1.5M), Clinton, and late Trump endorsement: “Vote Cuomo to stop disaster.” Trump called Mamdani “communist.” Sliwa blasts both as billionaire-tied. Turnout surges: over 1.4 million votes by 3 p.m., beating 2021 total. Brooklyn early votes thrill Mamdani camp. Exits: Trump not a big factor, despite buzz.
Mamdani’s rise draws fire. Bill Ackman gave $1M to anti-groups; Wall Street Journal warns of “national implications.” He supports BDS, Gaza aid, immigrants. “I’ll be mayor for every New Yorker, including Jewish ones,” he says. Fundraising hit $8M cap early. Polls: Mamdani leads, but Cuomo closes gap.
Bomb threats briefly shut New Jersey polls; no NYC issues, but probes on. California votes on Prop 50 for redistricting—could shift House maps.
Fox voices weighed in. Dana Perino: Democrats must define “the tent.” Kayleigh McEnany: Mamdani sells “basket of lies.” Will Cain: Watch socialism creep. Tomi Lahren: Dems captured by activists. Larry Kudlow: Dem senators see shutdown loss. John Fetterman: “Socialism isn’t our future.”
Bill Hemmer teased “blow-away” polls. Bret Baier hosted Special Report preview. Kim Strassel: Mamdani win spells trouble nationwide.
These races test Trump’s grip a year into term two, preview 2026 midterms. Economy, health, change drive votes. As results roll in, America watches: rebound or reckoning? Shutdown must end soon—millions’ health hangs. Cheney honored; elections echo his era’s divides.