Off‑Year Elections: NJ Tightens, National Tests Loom

Millions of voters in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia and parts of California are casting ballots in off‑year contests seen as an early referendum on President Trump’s second term and a barometer for 2026. New Jersey’s governor’s race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli has tightened, with reports of increased Republican early voting and sharp campaign attacks as Democrats try to tie GOP nominees to Trump policies. In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger holds a steady lead over Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle‑Sears in a race that could produce the commonwealth’s first female governor and will be watched for signals from federal‑workforce heavy Northern Virginia. New York City’s mayoral contest — including whether progressive contenders like Zohran Mamdani can reach 50 percent — and California’s redistricting measure, along with consequential ballot questions on guns, elections and food assistance in several states, are shaping national narratives. Voters cite economic pressures, public‑safety concerns and disillusionment, and high early‑vote totals and multiple down‑ballot contests mean results may be slow but will be intensely analyzed for lessons ahead of next year’s midterms.