India, Nov. 5 -- In a post-election message, former US president Barack Obama congratulated "all the Democratic candidates who won tonight," but notably did not mention Zohran Mamdani by name. The omission raised eyebrows even though multiple elections were held across the United States today - including races in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City.

Voters in races across the country backed Democrats, including in New York's mayoral race and contests for governor in New Jersey and Virginia. Democrats secured another expected win in California, where voters approved a new congressional map that is designed to help their party win five more US House seats in next year's midterm elections.

Despite elections in Virginia and New Jersey, t...