Polls Open in NYC Mayoral Race: Five Key Things to Watch in the U.S. Elections

Polls Open in NYC Mayoral Race: Five Key Things to Watch in the U.S. Elections

Election Day has arrived across parts of the United States, with polls now open in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey. Later today California voters will also head to the polls to decide on key ballot measures.

Although this is considered an “off-year” election meaning there are no presidential or congressional contests several major races could have significant political ripple effects ahead of next year’s midterms.

Here are five important things to watch in today’s elections.

 1. New York City Mayoral Race: A Generational Showdown

All eyes are on New York City, where voters are choosing their next mayor. The race has become a dramatic contest between Zohran Mamdani a 34-year-old progressive state assemblyman, and Andrew Cuomo the former governor who is running as an independent.

Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist made national headlines when he defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary earlier this year. Now, Cuomo is hoping to make a comeback outside the party system, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa remains in the mix despite pressure to step aside.

If Mamdani wins, he would become New York City’s first Muslim mayornand its youngest in over a century. His campaign has focused heavily on cost-of-living issues such as rent, grocery prices, and wages themes that resonate widely among urban voters.

Polls suggest Mamdani holds a narrow lead, but Cuomo has gained ground in the final weeks, emphasizing crime and public safety while questioning Mamdani’s experience.

 2. California Redistricting Battle: Proposition 50

In California, voters are deciding whether to approve Proposition 50 a controversial measure that would allow the state to redraw congressional districts before the next census.

Traditionally, California uses a nonpartisan citizens’ commission to create district maps every ten years. However, as Republican-led states like Texas and Missouri push through mid-decade redistricting to strengthen their positions in Congress, Democratic leaders in California led by Governor Gavin Newsom are trying to counterbalance those moves.

The measure has attracted over $150 million in campaign donations mostly from Democratic organizations. Polls from the University of California, Berkeley suggest 60% of likely voters support Proposition 50 while 38% oppose it. The divide is largely partisan: 93% of Democrats favor the proposal, compared with only 9% of Republicans.

 3. New Jersey Governor’s Race: A Tight Contest in a Blue State

The New Jersey governor’s race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the country. Democrat Mikie Sherrill a current U.S. Representative, is facing Republican Jack Ciattarelli a former state assemblyman.

Although New Jersey leans Democratic, history shows it’s willing to elect Republicans former Governor Chris Christie served two terms not long ago.

Sherrill has drawn major Democratic figures like Barack Obama and Pete Buttigieg to campaign with her, while Donald Trump has virtually rallied for Ciattarelli. Both campaigns have exchanged sharp attacks, with political ads and social media clashes dominating the final stretch.

 4. Virginia Governor’s Race: A Historic Choice

Virginia’s gubernatorial race is another one to watch and it’s already making history. For the first time, voters will elect a female governor.

The contest features Democrat Abigail Spanberger a sitting U.S. congresswoman, against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the state’s current lieutenant governor. If Earle-Sears wins, she would become the first Black woman ever elected as governor in the United States.

The outcome may reflect the political mood ahead of 2026. Spanberger has focused her campaign on the economy and criticized the impact of Trump-era federal cuts, while Earle-Sears has emphasized traditional conservative values and cultural issues, hoping to energize Republican turnout.

 5. The Trump Factor: Still Dominating the Political Landscape

Even though former President Donald Trump isn’t on the ballot, his influence looms large over this election cycle.

In New York, Trump has publicly endorsed Andrew Cuomo and warned that federal funding for the city could be affected if Mamdani wins. “It’s hard to send money to a city run by a communist,” Trump said during a recent interview a statement Mamdani strongly rejected.

Trump has also backed Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey and indirectly fueled California’s redistricting debate by supporting similar moves in Republican-led states.

As the polls close tonight, analysts will be watching whether Trump’s endorsements help or hurt the GOP in a changing political landscape.

While this year’s elections don’t include the presidency or Congress, the results could shape the 2026 midterms and even the 2028 presidential race. From New York’s progressive wave to California’s redistricting showdown, voters are setting the tone for America’s political future.

Stay tuned for live results and updates as polls close across the country tonight.

Also Read on Trumps Suggestion on Limiting Federal Funding to NYC if Zohran Mamdani Wins