In Virginia's closely watched gubernatorial race, Democrats appear to have benefited from a small but decisive bloc of voters who harbor unfavorable views of both major political parties, according to NBC News exit polls.

That Democratic advantage there among disaffected voters mirrors trends seen in other contests Tuesday, including the New Jersey governor's race and the New York City mayoral election, NBC reported.

In Virginia, 41% of voters said that they had a favorable view only of the Democratic Party, and another 41% favorably viewed only the Republican Party, according to NBC's poll.

But 10% said they viewed neither party favorably.

And among that group, 72% backed Democrat nominee Abigail Spanberger over Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, who drew just 23%, NBC found.

The findings come despite recent data showing a decline in Democratic voter registrations and a slide in the party's favorability ratings nationwide.