It's election day in the US. Polls have opened in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey, while California polling centres will open later. This off year election doesn't feature presidential or congressional races, but there are still several critical votes to watch tonight. New York City will choose its next mayor, in a battle between a younger, progressive Democrat and a member of the old guard. The states of Virginia and New Jersey will elect new governors, and these contests could serve as bellwethers for next year's congressional midterm elections. California voters will also decide on a rare mid-decade redistricting plan. Here are five things to keep an eye on.
### 1. New York City Mayoral Race
All eyes will be on the Big Apple as Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman, is in a tight race to become New York City's youngest mayor in over a century. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, stunned the political establishment by defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Meanwhile, Republican Curtis Sliwa is also in the mix. If Mamdani wins, he will be the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
### 2. California Redistricting
California voters will have the opportunity to decide on Proposition 50, a proposal that allows temporary redrawing of congressional district maps until 2030. This redistricting is seen as a strategy to counter GOP efforts following aggressive redistricting in states like Texas.
### 3. New Jersey Governor's Race
In New Jersey, the election between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli is a close one. The state leans Democratic, but previous Republican governors mean this race could reflect broader national sentiments.
### 4. Virginia Governor's Race
Virginia's election history shows a pattern of swinging between parties, and this year’s race between Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears will elect the first female governor from either party. Each candidate has unique ways to address the state's diverse political leanings.
### 5. The Trump Influence
Former President Donald Trump may not be on the ballot, but his presence is felt across various races, particularly in NYC and New Jersey. His endorsements and comments will likely impact voter sentiments.
These elections are not without significance; the outcomes could resonate far beyond state lines and into the national political landscape.
### 1. New York City Mayoral Race
All eyes will be on the Big Apple as Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman, is in a tight race to become New York City's youngest mayor in over a century. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, stunned the political establishment by defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Meanwhile, Republican Curtis Sliwa is also in the mix. If Mamdani wins, he will be the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
### 2. California Redistricting
California voters will have the opportunity to decide on Proposition 50, a proposal that allows temporary redrawing of congressional district maps until 2030. This redistricting is seen as a strategy to counter GOP efforts following aggressive redistricting in states like Texas.
### 3. New Jersey Governor's Race
In New Jersey, the election between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli is a close one. The state leans Democratic, but previous Republican governors mean this race could reflect broader national sentiments.
### 4. Virginia Governor's Race
Virginia's election history shows a pattern of swinging between parties, and this year’s race between Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears will elect the first female governor from either party. Each candidate has unique ways to address the state's diverse political leanings.
### 5. The Trump Influence
Former President Donald Trump may not be on the ballot, but his presence is felt across various races, particularly in NYC and New Jersey. His endorsements and comments will likely impact voter sentiments.
These elections are not without significance; the outcomes could resonate far beyond state lines and into the national political landscape.
