DHAKA: Democrats have won key elections in New York City and the state of Virginia, in the first major round of polls since president Barack Obama’s re-election in 2012.

Preliminary results show Bill de Blasio will replace three-term Mayor Michael Bloomberg to become the first Democrat leading New York City in two decades.

In Virginia, Terry McAuliffe beat Republican Ken Cuccinelli in a very close race for the governor`s seat.

Republican Chris Christie was easily re-elected governor of New Jersey.

Tuesday’s races are seen as an early test of both parties’ strengths ahead of next year’s congressional mid-term elections.

With 14 precincts reporting in New York, de Blasio secured 73% of the vote, convincingly defeating his Republican rival Joe Lhota, who polled 24%.

BDST: 1150 HRS, NOV 06, 2013
RoR/BSK