Trump’s Influence Hangs Over Key State Elections
Voters in New Jersey and Virginia are choosing their next governors on Tuesday in races seen as an early gauge of America’s political mood after President Donald Trump’s turbulent nine months in office.
In New York City, the mayoral race has turned into a battle between generations and ideologies within the Democratic Party. Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, faces Andrew Cuomo, 67, a centrist Democrat running as an independent after resigning as governor four years ago. The contest has exposed deep divisions as Democrats work to rebuild their reputation.
Meanwhile, California voters are deciding whether to grant Democratic lawmakers the power to redraw the state’s congressional map, expanding a growing national battle over redistricting that could determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives after next year’s midterm elections.
Polls close first in Virginia at 7 p.m. ET, followed by New Jersey, New York, and California throughout the evening.
Democrats Watch Closely as Trump’s Shadow Looms
Democrats, currently locked out of power in Washington, are watching these results closely. The party is searching for unity and an effective strategy to counter Trump’s Republican leadership.
Former President Barack Obama made last-minute appearances in New Jersey and Virginia, urging voters to elect Democrats as a check on what he described as Trump’s lawlessness.
At polling stations, several voters cited Trump’s policies on immigration and trade tariffs as key issues influencing their decisions. The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of these tariffs this week, further fueling the national debate.
Record Turnout and Tight Races
More than 3 million people voted early across Virginia, New York, and New Jersey — far exceeding totals from four years ago. In New York City alone, over 735,000 ballots were cast, quadrupling participation since 2021.
In New Jersey, the race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a congresswoman and former Navy pilot, and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker, remains too close to call.
In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, a former Democratic U.S. representative, holds a comfortable polling lead over Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican.
Trump on Voters’ Minds
Although Trump’s name is not on the ballot, his presence still dominates discussions among voters. In Stafford, Virginia, many residents said Trump’s immigration stance and the government shutdown weighed heavily on their choices.
Independent voter Juan Benitez, 25, voted for Democrats, citing opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. In contrast, Jennifer Manton, 47, who supported Trump in all three presidential bids, voted Republican, highlighting tariffs as a major issue.
Mamdani Leads in New York, Redistricting Vote in California
In New York, Mamdani leads Cuomo by double digits, while Republican Curtis Sliwa, 71, trails far behind.
In California, Proposition 50, a ballot measure to approve a new Democratic-backed redistricting map designed to flip five Republican seats, is expected to pass easily.
What Tuesday’s Results Could Mean
While these elections offer an early look at voter sentiment, experts warn against overinterpreting the results.
“There’s nothing that’s going to happen in Virginia or New Jersey that’s going to tell us much about what will happen in a congressional district in Missouri or a Senate race in Maine,” said Douglas Heye, a Republican strategist.
For Democrats, candidates like Spanberger and Sherrill are testing moderate playbooks focused on Trump’s influence and national security credentials. Mamdani, on the other hand, is promoting bold left-wing economic policies, such as rent freezes and free public transit.
Trump’s Endorsements and Party Divide
On Monday, Trump endorsed Cuomo, urging supporters to vote for the former governor and threatening to cut federal funds to New York City if Mamdani wins — though the president has no authority to do so.
For Republicans, these elections test whether Trump’s 2024 voter base still turns out when he’s not on the ballot. Candidates like Ciattarelli and Earle-Sears face a challenge: distance themselves from Trump and risk losing his supporters, or embrace him and alienate moderates.
Despite his ongoing influence, Trump remains unpopular — 57% of Americans disapprove of his performance, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Yet Democrats are not gaining ground, with voters evenly divided on support for either party heading into 2026.
