Major Elections Underway in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey
Millions of Americans are casting their ballots today, November 4, 2025, in off-year elections that feature several high-profile gubernatorial and mayoral races across the country. Polling places opened early in states such as New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, where voters will decide contests that could signal national trends heading into the 2026 midterms.
Key Races:
- New York City Mayoral Election: Independent Andrew Cuomo, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, and Republican Curtis Sliwa are facing off in one of the most closely watched city elections in years.
- Virginia Governor’s Race: Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, currently lieutenant governor, is running against former Democratic congresswoman Abigail Spanberger.
- New Jersey Governor’s Race: Republican Jack Ciattarelli challenges Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill in a race that could flip the state’s leadership.
Voters in California are also weighing Proposition 50, which would temporarily replace the state’s independent redistricting commission with legislative control over congressional district maps through 2030—a move critics call a partisan power grab.
Security and Integrity at the Polls
Officials in New Jersey temporarily closed several polling places early Tuesday after email threats were received. Authorities quickly determined there were no credible threats, and all polling stations have since reopened. The state’s attorney general reaffirmed that “voters can cast their ballots safely and securely.”
Meanwhile, in New York City, controversy surrounds candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has faced backlash for past remarks about law enforcement and support from foreign political figures. Critics say these associations raise concerns about his judgment and ideological alignment.
Trump Endorses Cuomo as Republicans Reassess Strategy
Former President Donald Trump made headlines by endorsing Andrew Cuomo’s independent mayoral bid, calling on Republicans in New York to vote strategically to prevent a socialist victory. Cuomo, who has positioned himself as a centrist alternative, told Fox News that the endorsement reflects “a pragmatic recognition of political reality.”
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, known for founding the Guardian Angels, has vowed to continue his campaign despite pressure from party leaders to consolidate conservative votes behind Cuomo.
Battleground State Highlights
- Virginia: Democrat Jay Jones, running for attorney general, criticized Trump’s policies while incumbent Jason Miyares defended his record on public safety and immigration enforcement.
- New Jersey: Polls show a tight race between Ciattarelli and Sherrill, with immigration, taxes, and public safety dominating voter concerns. Ciattarelli pledged to end sanctuary policies on his first day in office.
- California: Prop 50’s outcome could reshape congressional representation nationwide. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opposes the measure, warning it undermines voter accountability, while Governor Gavin Newsom and former President Barack Obama support it.
Media and Voter Engagement
Election coverage will continue throughout the day and evening, with major networks and digital outlets reporting live results. Polling sites in most states will remain open until at least 7:00 p.m. local time, and any voter already in line at closing time will still be permitted to cast a ballot.
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and U.S. bond markets remain open for trading, with normal banking and postal operations continuing as Election Day is not a federal holiday.
The Stakes Ahead
Though 2025 is an off year for congressional elections, the day’s results could shape both parties’ strategies heading into 2026. Republican candidates are emphasizing law and order, border security, and economic relief, while Democrats are focusing on abortion rights, climate policy, and housing affordability.
Observers view these elections as a test of whether post-pandemic political realignment continues to shift voter loyalties, particularly in suburban and urban battlegrounds.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
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