Polls open in NYC mayoral race - here are five things to watch in US elections

November 4, 2025

The United States is holding off-year elections featuring several critical state and local races that could signal voter sentiment ahead of next year's congressional midterms. New York City's mayoral contest pits progressive Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani against independent Andrew Cuomo, with the winner potentially becoming either the city's youngest or most experienced leader in generations. Gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey are closely watched, with Virginia poised to elect its first female governor regardless of outcome.

Who is affected

New York City residents voting for mayor between Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa
California voters deciding on Proposition 50 for congressional redistricting
New Jersey voters choosing between Mikie Sherrill (Democrat) and Jack Ciattarelli (Republican) for governor
Virginia voters selecting between Abigail Spanberger (Democrat) and Winsome Earle-Sears (Republican) for governor
Democratic and Republican parties nationally monitoring results as bellwethers
Virginia federal government employees impacted by Trump administration cuts
California Republicans holding 9 of 52 House seats opposing redistricting

What action is being taken

Polls are open in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey
California polling centers are opening later
Voters are casting ballots in mayoral, gubernatorial, and redistricting referendum races
Campaigns are ongoing with candidates making final appeals to voters
Andrew Cuomo is campaigning as an independent candidate after losing the Democratic primary

Why it matters

These off-year elections serve as important indicators of voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 congressional midterm elections. The outcomes could demonstrate whether progressive messaging on cost-of-living issues resonates with voters or whether traditional experience and public safety concerns prevail. California's redistricting vote represents a critical battleground in the national partisan fight over congressional map-drawing that could determine House seat distribution. New York's mayoral race has implications for how cities navigate relationships with the Trump administration, while the gubernatorial contests will reveal whether traditional political patterns hold or shift in response to current political dynamics.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC