WASHINGTON (AP) – It’s been a year since Donald Trump took back the White House and launched a dramatic agenda. Expansion of executive powerthe Republican president is a prominent figure in Tuesday’s state and local elections.
The results of these races, the first general elections of President Trump’s second term, will be hailed by the victors as either a major repudiation or a wholesale approval of Trump’s second-term policies. That’s especially true in high-profile races. virginia and new jersey Governor, mayor of new york and california proposal Redrawing congressional district boundaries.
More than half of the states will hold contests on Tuesday. Let’s take a look at some of them here Major statewide and local races About the ballot:
Governor: New Jersey and Virginia
In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli are candidates to succeed him. Term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy. Sherrill is a four-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a former Navy helicopter pilot. Ciattarelli is a former state lawmaker backed by President Trump. In 2021, Ciattarelli came within about 3 percentage points of defeating Murphy.
In Virginia, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears and Democratic former Rep. Abigail Spanberger are seeking to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Although Spanberger has made several efforts to focus on: Topics other than Trump The president’s stump speeches continued to be a major talking point throughout the campaign. Comment from Earl Sears About him in 2022, some of his so-called polarizing policies, one big beautiful banknote Tax and spending cuts and far-reaching layoffs of federal employees;many of whom live in Northern Virginia.
President Trump was scheduled to participate in a conference call for candidates on Monday night.
As the only gubernatorial race to take place the year after the presidential election, the race has long served as the first major test of voters’ feelings about the party in control of the White House. In every gubernatorial election since 1973, one or both states have selected a governor from a party different from the incumbent president.
mayor of new york
The race to lead the nation’s largest city includes Democratic state Rep. Zoran Mamdani, independent candidate and former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani comfortable victory His defeat of Mr. Cuomo in the June primary sparked excitement within the party. more progressive wing and Concerns are growing among the party establishment.. Party leaders like Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries finally endorses A few months after he won the nomination, he declared himself a democratic socialist.
The winner will replace outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, who initially sought renomination as a Democrat. After losing the primary, Adams chose to run as an independent. dropped out of the race September and soon Support Mr. Cuomo. In February, the Trump Justice Department asked the court Corruption charges against Adams will be dropped, saying the incident “hindered President Trump’s actions.” Purpose of immigration” Trump later said he wanted to meet both Adams and Sliwa. drop out of the race To defeat Mamdani.
California Proposition 50
California voters will decide on a statewide ballot measure that would enact a new congressional map that could shift up to five Republican-held U.S. House seats to Democratic control.
Proposal 50, Supported by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsoma response to the new Texas map where Republicans said: Established in August as part of President Trump’s efforts The aim is to keep the US House of Representatives under Republican control in the 2026 midterm elections. The Texas plan could help Republicans flip five Democratic-held U.S. House seats; Gerrymandering arms race intensifies Interstate distribution of new maps outside of the normal once-a-decade schedule.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court
control of pennsylvania The Supreme Court will be challenged depending on whether voters vote yes or not. whether to keep three judges From the high court’s 5-2 Democratic majority.
Partisan control of the court could have a major impact on the 2028 presidential election, as justices could be called upon to rule on election disputes. Just like in 2020. Spending on Tuesday’s contest is on track over $15 million This is because the Republicans campaigned to eliminate their majority, and the Democrats responded.
If all three justices are removed, the process to confirm their replacements could stall and the court could end up in a 2-2 tie. Elections to fill the 10-year vacancy are scheduled to be held in 2027.
Other notable contests
Virginia Attorney General: Republican incumbent Jason Miyares is seeking reelection for a second term against Democrat Jay Jones. Many of our fall campaigns focus on: text message It hints at violence against political opponents that Jones sent in 2022.
TEXAS-18: 16 candidates seek full term vacant seat previously held Late Democratic Congressman Sylvester Turner.
State Legislatures: Control of state legislatures. minnesota Delegates in the Senate and Virginia House of Representatives are at stake, but New Jersey Democrats maintain a 52-28 majority in Congress.
Voting measures: maine Voters will decide on statewide questions on the ballot and “red flag” laws aimed at preventing gun violence. Texas’ 17 ballot measures include constitutional amendments regarding parental rights and voting restrictions for U.S. citizens. colorado and washington The ballot also includes statewide measures.
mayor: detroitIn Pittsburgh, Jersey City, and Buffalo, incumbents will elect new mayors. atlantaMinneapolis, cincinnati Look for another term.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the 2025 election. https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2025/.
