'We got our a**es handed to us!': Vivek Ramaswamy’s blunt message after Democrats' sweep
Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy has delivered a blunt message to his party after Democrats swept key races in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia, including Zohran Mamdani’s historic victory as mayor of New York City.

In a video posted on X, Ramaswamy admitted the defeats candidly, saying, “We got our a**es handed to us- in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City. Democrats swept all three.”
Lessons from tonight, no sugar coating. pic.twitter.com/CMZCIH4g2O
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) November 5, 2025
The former presidential candidate outlined two major lessons for Republicans to draw from the outcome.
“Number one, our side needs to focus on affordability,” he said. “Make the American dream affordable- bring down electric, grocery, healthcare, and housing costs, and show how we’ll do it.”
Ramaswamy’s second point targeted what he called the party’s growing reliance on cultural and identity-based rhetoric.
“Cut out the identity politics. It’s not for us- that’s the woke left’s game, not ours. We don’t care about your skin color or religion; we care about character. That’s who we are.”
Sharing the video with the caption “Lessons from tonight, no sugar coating,” Ramaswamy’s remarks quickly went viral, drawing over two million views within hours.
Online reactions were divided but largely echoed his concerns about the GOP’s direction.
“Republicans aren’t inspiring anyone with the 24/7 Trump focus while people can’t afford groceries or housing,” one user commented.
Another wrote, “The party seems more focused on religion and race than on fixing the economy.”
Several others argued that voters are prioritizing pocketbook issues over ideology. One post noted,
“Voters aren’t swayed by identity theatre when rents eat 40% of incomes or when healthcare premiums outpace wages.”
The comments reflect a growing sense of economic fatigue among voters, as Republicans face pressure to recalibrate their message ahead of upcoming elections.
The results- victories for Zohran Mamdani in New York City, Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey, and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia- mark the first major electoral test since Donald Trump returned to the White House, signaling renewed Democratic momentum at the state and local levels.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
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