New York elects its first Democrat mayor since 1989

US voters have been to the polls in the first major round of elections since President Barack Obama was returned to the White House last year.

In New York, a Democrat was elected as mayor for the first time since 1989. 

Bill de Blasio cruised to victory in one of the most liberal platforms in years which included a tax hike on the wealthy.

In New Jersey the man tipped to be a possible Republican presidential candidate in 2016, Chris Christie was easily re-elected as Governor.

Already a popular figure after his handling of the crisis following Super Storm Sandy, Christie sought a broad political appeal, distancing himself from the extremes of the conservative Tea Party movement.

In Virginia, Democrat and close ally of the Clintons, Terry McAuliffe won by the narrowest of margins against his Republican rival confirming Virginia as a bellwether swing state.

Analysts say Tuesday’s results could prove an early measure of the parties’ support ahead of next year’s midterm Congressional elections.