Many Lower Hudson Valley residents were taken aback Wednesday morning by the GOP’s display of strength on Election Day, as the blue-leaning region finds itself at odds with much of the nation.
Not only did Donald Trump win a more decisive victory than expected, but Republicans regained control of the Senate, while control of the House of Representatives remains uncertain.
Except for the passage of Proposition 1, a state constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights by prohibiting discrimination in reproductive healthcare and other categories such as sexual orientation, national origin, and age, liberal New Yorkers had little to cheer about on Wednesday.
Other residents, of course, were eager for change and celebrated the GOP’s big day.
The Journal News/lohud visited Muddy Water Cafe in Tarrytown as well as Nyack to gauge public opinion on Tuesday’s results.
Ceila Pain, a barista at Muddy Waters Cafe in Tarrytown, said she was “really, really disappointed” by Trump’s victory, though she was “not surprised.”
“It’s a huge sense of betrayal for those of us who are about to lose some of our rights. And I do not believe people were emotionally prepared for it. Naturally, people exercise their right to vote. They can vote for whoever they want. But just a huge sense of shock, and bracing yourself for what’s coming.”
Mac McLaurin of Tarrytown began to choke up as he realized Trump had won the election.
“I couldn’t believe it when I woke up this morning and learned he already had the electoral votes. I believe that the divisiveness, negativity, and feelings that different communities will experience as a result of what happened last night are overwhelming.
On the other side, concerns about economy and immigration
“I think people were really concerned about the economy,” said Sleepy Hollow resident Mike DelPozzo, who supported the outcome of the race.
“I believe that with all of the inflation, Americans are spending money they do not have. I think the economy is weaker than we think. But, I believe that the open border… Children in New York are going hungry. We have disaster victims down south who need help. We need to take care of ourselves first.”
Julia Fitzsimons was “heartbroken” by the results.
“The people I love and care about are going to be hurt by all of this. This is not a good day. I went early to try to avoid all of the bad news, and it’s so disheartening to see someone vote for a felon over a woman. “It’s just really gross.”
Micah Ramp of Tarrytown said he was “afraid” of what might happen during a second Trump presidency.
“I’m trying not to let fear overwhelm me. I’m trying to focus my energy on strengthening communities, reaching out to people I care about, and figuring out how I can help those who may suffer the most as a result of what could happen.”
Alex Perez, an Elmsford employee, stated that things “went well” last night.
“I believe we are moving in the right direction when it comes to conservative ideas. As a Christian, I oppose abortion and stand for what is right.”
George Moore, of Croton, displayed mixed emotions at the outcome of Tuesday’s race.
“I believe that the people spoke and now it’s time to unite and move forward.”
In Nyack, worry over mass deportation
On Wednesday, Thomas Porpiglia, 35, of Nyack, was trying to figure out “what’s next.” He was particularly concerned about Trump’s promised mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
“It could be pretty bad, but I’m trying to remain hopeful,” he told me.
Porpiglia predicted Trump to win.
“It was less of a shock this time, but I think this time it’s scarier because he knows the lay of the land,” he told me. “There’s nothing we can do right now.”
Milly Charles, 63, of Nyack, was “devastated” and “disappointed in our country” following Tuesday’s election, but she remained focused on how resilient Americans can be.
“I’m trying to remember that there have been other dark times in history and that we’ve come through them,” Mr. Charles said. “All we can really do is keep the good values within ourselves.”
Charles was worried that there wouldn’t be “respect and care” for everyone.
“We’re gonna have to stand up to that and keep on working for the good,” he told me. “It feels like we’re going into an authoritarian period where the truth and lies are hard people to distinguish, and so I’m trying to look for how to keep on being positive and doing some good.”
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