Voters handed veterans a powerful spotlight on Election Day on Tuesday, turning New Jersey, New York and Virginia into a showcase for former service members now leading the charge in public office.
Election results showed voters rewarding candidates with military backgrounds at every level of government. New Jersey delivered the night’s biggest veteran-related political headline when Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a congresswoman and former Navy helicopter pilot, defeated Republican opponent Ciattarelli in the state's gubernatorial race by about 13 percentage points.
The races and their results were widely viewed as a precursor to the 2026 midterm elections, which typically benefit the party not in power and lacking a majority in either the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives.
Other veteran candidates saw victories across the country:
- Orange County, New York: Republican Steve Neuhaus, a Navy Reserve commander with multiple deployments, returned as county executive.
- Virginia House District 10: Democrat Dan Helmer, a U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant colonel and Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, secured another term.
- Virginia House District 64: Democrat Stacey Carroll, a 20-year Army National Guard veteran, captured the seat and will join the House of Delegates in Richmond.
- Bremerton, Washington: Greg Wheeler (nonpartisan), a former Navy sailor, earned another term as mayor.
- Texas Senate District 9: Democrat Taylor Rehmet, an Army veteran and union president, advanced to a likely runoff in the special election.
Sherrill Rides a Wave In New Jersey
Sherrill, the former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, garnered nearly 1.8 million votes in her landslide victory. She stepped up to the microphone in East Brunswick at her victory party and reminded supporters where her journey began.
“I was 18 when I raised my hand and swore to defend the Constitution,” Sherrill said during her victory speech. “It taught me that leadership means carrying the weight of other people’s hopes.”
Her campaign leaned heavily on veterans and military families, especially near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, where thousands of service members live and work.
Virginia Becomes a Proving Ground
The message from Richmond came through loud and clear. Voters want leaders who can solve real problems.
“Veterans know how to fight like hell and never quit,” delegate and Army Reserve Lt. Col. Dan Helmer told Military.com as supporters cheered behind him. “That is how you campaign. That is how you govern. ... You never ask somebody in a Humvee what political party they are. You ask how you can accomplish the mission."
“Veterans show up to protect democracy even when the uniform comes off," he added.
Another veteran joined him in the House of Delegates. The 20-year Army National Guard veteran spoke to Military.com soon after thanking supporters in a late-night speech.
Stacey Carroll celebrated her win in District 64 and said the campaign succeeded because it focused on everyday issues.
“People are frustrated. They want leaders focused on real issues, not political theater,” Carroll said. “When we talked about bringing new development to the county, lowering property taxes and giving kids opportunities besides a skating rink, voters listened.”
Protecting health care, especially for veterans, remains a major priority.
“We have a new veteran's clinic in the region, and we need to make sure it stays funded. Veterans should not have to drive two hours for care. Property tax exemptions and federal benefits must stay intact.”
Veterans Bring Credibility and Results
The momentum behind veteran candidates is no accident.
Rye Barcott, co-founder of cross-partisan organization With Honor, told Military.com that Americans respond to “real-world experience, not just political experience" that ultimately showed at the ballot box.
Polling backs up the trend. A national Gallup survey published Oct. 1, 2025, found that 55 percent of Americans are much more or somewhat more likely to vote for a candidate with military experience. The same study, conducted with the With Honor Institute, found that:
- 83 percent believe veterans possess strong leadership skills
- 78 percent believe veterans put the country’s interests ahead of politics
- 77 percent believe they work well with people from different backgrounds
Military.com has also reported that Americans view veterans as more trustworthy problem-solvers in government, according to analysts and academic researchers.
“Military service teaches you how to overcome obstacles,” Helmer said. “Veterans know how to earn trust, build coalitions and talk to people who disagree.”
A New Political Force
Veterans ran on lowering costs, protecting schools, strengthening benefits, and helping small businesses. Their wins crossed party lines.
“Veterans know how to bring people together, even when they disagree,” Helmer said. “You can get in a room, figure out the problem and complete the mission. That is what public service should look like.”
Carroll agreed: “I am not a traditional candidate, I am a public servant.”
Celebrations stretched late into the night. The message remained: service does not end when the uniform comes off.
“Veterans served their country,” Helmer said. “Now we have their backs.”
Military.com contacted all candidates mentioned in this article for comment. Only Dan Helmer and Stacey Carroll responded, both speaking shortly after Election Night results were announced.
