VIRGINIA – American voters went to the polls in several cities and states on Tuesday, giving Democrats a big win in elections widely seen as a referendum on US President Donald Trump.

The victory was “a backlash to Trump and Trumpism, pure and simple,” wrote Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, CNBC reported.

In a hotly contested race in Virginia, Democrat Ralph Northam defeated Republican Ed Gillespie, who was supported by Trump.

On Monday, Trump promised that voting for Gillespie would bring the economy “roaring back.” Trump also tweeted that the Republican would be a “great governor” who would be “strong on crime” and would “never let you down.”

“We live in a very diverse society,” Northam told supporters as he celebrated the victory.

“It is getting more diverse every day. It is that diverse society that makes this country great. And as long as I’m governor, I will make sure that we’re inclusive, that we welcome people to the commonwealth of Virginia. Our lights will be on. Our doors will be open.”

Democrats in Virginia also won competitive races for lieutenant governor and attorney general.

Democrat Justin Fairfax was elected as lieutenant governor, making him the first African American elected to statewide office in Virginia since 1989.

Ilya Sheyman, executive director of the progressive group, MoveOn.org, said in a statement that as of Tuesday night, the Commonwealth of Virginia had officially “joined the resistance.”

Speaking on the election results, Sheyman said that the victories “demonstrate the influence, power, and determination that a bold and inclusive resistance movement is carrying into 2018,” BuzzFeed reported.

Democrats Lead

In New Jersey, Democrat Phil Murphy won a gubernatorial race against Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who struggled to get out from under the shadow of the deeply unpopular outgoing governor, Republican Chris Christie.

In New York City, voters elected incumbent Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, to another term as mayor, defeating Republican hopeful Nicole Malliotakis.

In Boston, voters elected incumbent Mayor Marty Walsh to a second term. Walsh defeated City Councilor Tito Jackson.

Democrats attributed much of their success Tuesday to an energized party base that is deeply opposed to Trump’s policies and his rhetoric.

A resounding defeat tonight for President Trump. Voters around the country rejected the ugly politics we have seen this past year. Instead, they chose candidates who unite and inspire us.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 8, 2017