Key US Elections Underway: Five Major Races to Watch

Tue Nov 04 2025 19:20:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As polls open in New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and California, voters face pivotal choices including the NYC mayoral race and redistricting proposals in California.

It's election day across the U.S. with critical races that could influence the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections. New York City seeks a new mayor, California considers redistricting, and both New Jersey and Virginia are deciding on governors. The outcomes of these contests could offer significant insights into the electorate's mood and party dynamics as next year's congressional events approach.

It's election day in the US, with polls having opened in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey, while California polling centers will open later today. This off year election, despite not featuring presidential or congressional races, includes several key decisions.

New York City is battling it out for a new mayor, where Zohran Mamdani, a younger progressive Democrat, faces off against the party's establishment figure, Andrew Cuomo, who's running as an independent.

In Virginia and New Jersey, voters will elect new governors that could foretell sentiments heading into the congressional midterms of 2026. Additionally, Californians will vote on a proposition concerning the redistricting of House districts, a rare mid-decade shuffle aimed at countering Republican strategies.

Here's a closer look at five important races to keep an eye on:

1. New York City Mayoral Race

New York's mayoral contest places progressive Zohran Mamdani against former governor Andrew Cuomo, a race that could shift political dynamics in the city.

2. California Redistricting

Proposition 50 in California seeks to redraw congressional maps mid-decade to mitigate losses for Democrats seen in Republican-led states.

3. New Jersey Governor's Race

Polling suggests a close contest between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a critical indicator of current political sentiments.

4. Virginia Governor's Race

This race will likely reveal voter mood swings as they choose between Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears—potentially the first female governor of the state.

5. The Trump Factor

Although not on the ballot, Donald Trump's influence looms large, especially in the NYC mayorial election, impacting voter sentiment and media narratives.