On Election Day in the US, several significant votes are taking place, including mayoral, gubernatorial, and a state-level redistricting proposition. New York City is electing its next mayor, while Virginia and New Jersey are holding gubernatorial elections. In California, voters are deciding on a proposition concerning congressional district maps.
New York City Mayoral Race
New York City voters are electing a new mayor. State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, is seeking to become the city's youngest mayor in over a century. Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Cuomo is continuing his campaign as an independent candidate, while Republican Curtis Sliwa remains in the race. If Mamdani wins, he would be the city's first Muslim mayor.
Mamdani's campaign has focused on cost-of-living issues such as rent, groceries, and wages. Polling suggests Mamdani holds a lead, though the margin between him and Cuomo has narrowed. In the latter stages of the campaign, Cuomo has raised concerns about crime and public safety, and has questioned Mamdani's experience for leading the city.
California Redistricting
California's Democratic leadership has put forward Proposition 50, which asks voters for permission to redraw the state's congressional districts mid-decade. California typically uses a nonpartisan committee to draw congressional maps once every ten years, based on census data. This mid-decade redistricting is an unusual step for the state.
Governor Gavin Newsom's administration has cited redistricting actions in Republican-led states like Texas and Missouri, which are redrawing maps in ways that could benefit their party in future midterm elections, as a reason for the California initiative. Proposition 50 would allow the temporary use of new congressional district maps through 2030.
The campaign surrounding Proposition 50 has seen significant financial contributions, with Democratic proponents contributing $158 million, according to the Los Angeles Times, an amount that surpasses Republican opposition efforts. California Republicans, who currently hold nine of the state's 52 US House seats, oppose the plan. A University of California Berkeley/IGS Poll indicated that 60% of likely California voters support Proposition 50, with 38% opposing it. Support was largely partisan, with 93% of Democrats favoring it and 91% of Republicans opposing it.
New Jersey Governor's Race
New Jersey, a state generally considered Democratic-leaning, is holding a gubernatorial election with polls indicating a close contest. The candidates are Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who represents New Jersey's 11th District in Congress, and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman. While New Jersey typically leans Democratic, it has previously elected Republican governors, including Chris Christie who served from 2010 to 2018.
Campaign rhetoric has been pronounced. Ciattarelli's campaign and supporters have released advertisements featuring clips of Sherrill discussing her policies. The race has drawn attention from national figures; former President Barack Obama and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have campaigned with Sherrill. Former President Donald Trump participated in a virtual rally for Ciattarelli, who has also received support from conservative activist Jack Posobiec.
Virginia Governor's Race
Virginia's gubernatorial elections are often seen as indicators of the electorate's mood, as the state's leadership frequently alternates between Democrats and Republicans. This year, the state will elect its first female governor. The candidates are Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a US congresswoman, and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the state's current lieutenant governor. If Earle-Sears wins, she would become the first black woman elected to lead a US state.
Virginia's demographics include areas bordering Washington, D.C., where many residents work for the federal government, contributing to a liberal-leaning northern region. However, the state also contains conservative voters in its rural districts and a notable segment of swing voters. Spanberger has focused on the economic effects of federal government policy changes. Earle-Sears has highlighted Virginia's economy during Republican leadership and has addressed cultural topics, including transgender issues.