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Off-year elections on Tuesday (November 4) offer voters in several states a significant opportunity to voice their opinions, providing early insights into the political landscape ahead of next year's midterm elections. Voters will reveal how they feel about President Donald Trump's second term and whether Republicans can maintain his coalition's support, especially among working-class voters and people of color.
In Virginia, former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger faces Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in a historic gubernatorial race, with polls closing at 7 p.m. ET. Democrats are focusing on issues like the rising cost of living and government shutdowns, while Earle-Sears emphasizes school policies regarding transgender students and ties herself to popular outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The attorney general race, featuring incumbent Republican Jason Miyares against Democrat Jay Jones, is also crucial as Democrats aim to redraw congressional maps in Virginia next year.
In New Jersey, Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill competes against Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a closely watched gubernatorial race. Trump has endorsed Ciattarelli, emphasizing affordability and energy costs as key issues. Sherrill argues that Ciattarelli's support for Trump's agenda could harm the state. The state House is also contested, though Republicans face an uphill battle to regain control.
New York City's mayoral race features Democrat Zohran Mamdani against independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, focuses on affordability and progressive policies, while Cuomo promises more police and criticizes Mamdani's plans as unrealistic. Trump has endorsed Cuomo, complicating the race dynamics.
Additionally, California voters will decide on Prop 50, a redistricting measure that could impact Democrats' chances to gain House seats in the midterms. The measure requires more than 50% support to pass, with polls closing at 8 p.m. local time.