Many people in the Lower Hudson Valley were shocked by how strong the GOP was on Election Day. This is because the region tends to vote blue, which is different from the rest of the country.
Not only did Donald Trump win a more convincing victory than projected, but Republicans regained control of the Senate, with control of the House of Representatives remaining up in the air.
Liberal New Yorkers did not have much to cheer about on Wednesday, except for the passing of Proposition 1, a state constitutional amendment that protects abortion rights by making it illegal to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation, national origin, or age.
Some people in the area were ready for change and were happy about the GOP’s big day.
The Journal News/lohud asked people what they thought about Tuesday’s results at the Muddy Water Cafe in Tarrytown and in Nyack.
There was “really, really disappointment” in Ceila Pain’s voice when she heard about Trump’s victory, even though she was not surprised.
“Those of us who might lose some rights feel so betrayed,” I do not think people were emotionally ready for it either. It is clear that people use their voting rights.
They are free to choose who to vote for. But a big shock, just shock, and getting ready for what is going to happen.
Mac McLaurin, from Tarrytown, started to cry as he thought about how he found out that Trump had won the election.
“I was shocked to hear that he already had the electoral votes when I woke up this morning.” The anger, negativity, and hurt that different communities will feel because of what happened last night is too much for me to handle.
On the other side, concerns about economy and immigration
Sleepy Hollow resident Mike DelPozzo said, “I think people were really worried about the economy.” He also said he agreed with the outcome of the race.
“I believe that Americans are spending money they did not have because of inflation.” I believe the economy is not as strong as we think it is.
But I believe that the open border… New York kids are going hungry. We need to help people in the south who have been hurt by disasters. First, we need to take care of ourselves.
She said she was “heartbroken” about the outcome.
“All of this will go badly for the people I love and care about.” Today is not a good day. It makes me sad to see someone vote for a criminal over a woman. I got there early to try to avoid all the bad news. It is just really gross.”
Micah Ramp, from Tarrytown, said he was “afraid” of what would happen if Trump had another term.
“I am trying not to let that fear take over and get the best of me.” So I am trying to put my energy into making my community stronger, getting in touch with people I care about, and figuring out how I can help the people who are most likely to be hurt by what might happen.
Things “went well” last night, according to Alex Perez, who works in Elmsford.
“When it comes to conservative ideas, I think we are going in the right direction.” “Being a Christian, I am against abortion, and I stand for what is right.”
George Moore of Croton had mixed feelings about how Tuesday’s race turned out.
“I believe that the people spoke and now it is time to unite and move forward.”
In Nyack, worry over mass deportation
On Wednesday, 35-year-old Thomas Porpiglia of Nyack was trying to figure out “what is next.” The thing that worried him the most was Trump’s plan to deport a lot of undocumented immigrants.
“It could be pretty bad, but I am trying to remain hopeful,” he stated.
Porpiglia thought Trump would win.
“It was less of a shock this time, but I think this time it is scarier because he knows the lay of the land,” said he. “There is nothing we can do right now.”
Milly Charles, 63, of Nyack was “devastated” and “disappointed in our country” after Tuesday’s election, but she was thinking about how strong Americans are.
“I am trying to remember that there have been other dark times in history and that we have come through them,” he said. “All we can really do is keep the good values within ourselves.”
Charles was afraid that there would not be “respect and care” for everyone.
“We are going to have to stand up to that and keep on working for the good,” he added.
“It feels like we are going into an authoritarian period where the truth and lies are hard people to distinguish, and so I am trying to look for how to keep on being positive and doing some good.”
