Virginia New Jersey Elections Test Trump's Influence Midterm Control

The 2025 elections in key states like Virginia and New Jersey are serving as crucial indicators of voter sentiment toward President Donald Trump's second term and his policy agenda. In Virginia, the gubernatorial race between Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears has become a referendum on issues ranging from federal workforce layoffs, government shutdowns, and redistricting to broader political violence and economic concerns. Spanberger campaigns on protecting federal workers affected by Trump's government downsizing, while Earle-Sears embraces Trump's cuts but criticizes Spanberger's approach. These off-year races, along with mayoral contests in cities like New York and Minneapolis, are seen as bellwethers for the 2026 midterm elections, although historical trends caution against reading too much into immediate results. The elections are closely watched as they may reveal whether suburban voters have accepted or rejected Trump's aggressive cost-cutting policies and could influence the balance of power in Congress ahead of the midterms. Overall, the contests highlight the ongoing national political tension and the pivotal role these state-level elections play in shaping the future political landscape under President Trump.