Democrats take New York and Virginia as Republicans win New Jersey

(BBC) Moderate Republican New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has won a landslide re-election, a possible launch pad for a 2016 White House run.

In Virginia, Terry McAuliffe – a key Hillary Clinton ally – narrowly beat a Republican to become governor of the pivotal presidential swing state.

Bill de Blasio’s thumping victory in New York makes him the city’s first Democratic mayor-elect in two decades.

Tuesday’s results point the way to next year’s US midterm elections.

New Jersey’s straight-talking Governor Christie brushed aside his Democratic challenger, state senator Barbara Buono, by 60.5% to 38%, retaining a handy platform for a potential presidential bid.

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