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8h ago

Off-Year Races Tighten as Democrats Face Tests in Blue Strongholds

Tuesday’s results will quickly define the messages parties carry into 2026.

"Vote" signs are seen near an early voting site in the Flatbush neighborhood of New York's Brooklyn borough on October 25, 2025. Early voting has begun in the general elections, where voters in NYC will select the next mayor to replace Mayor Eric Adams, as well as the next Public Advocate, Comptroller, and Borough President for all five boroughs, and all 51 City Council districts.
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Overview

  • In New York City, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani leads for mayor, yet polling shows many voters view him as too extreme.
  • Virginia’s contests have been reshaped by violent texts from attorney general candidate Jay Jones, with Republicans contending in races once seen as comfortably Democratic.
  • In New Jersey, polls show a competitive governor’s race with Democrat Mikie Sherrill holding a narrow edge over Republican Jack Ciattarelli.
  • California’s Proposition 50 is polling well and, if approved, could redraw congressional maps to give Democrats roughly five additional U.S. House seats.
  • National surveys show President Trump’s approval in the high 30s and many voters blaming him for the ongoing shutdown, a backdrop both parties aim to leverage in framing Tuesday’s outcomes.