As Election Day 2025 approaches, President Trump’s influence looms large over key gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, alongside significant ballot measures in California and Pennsylvania.
The upcoming elections in November 2025 feature crucial gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia, alongside significant ballot propositions regarding congressional redistricting in California and state Supreme Court races in Pennsylvania. Although Donald Trump’s name will not appear on the ballot, his unprecedented second-term agenda and the ongoing federal government shutdown are central themes on the campaign trail as candidates prepare for the pivotal day.
New Jersey and Virginia are the only two states holding gubernatorial elections in the year following a presidential election, making these races critical early indicators of Trump’s popularity and agenda. They serve as important barometers ahead of the midterm elections for the U.S. House and Senate scheduled for the following year.
In New Jersey, the gubernatorial race has become a battleground where Trump’s influence is palpable. Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli, who has the backing of the former president, argues that his opponent, Democratic nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill, is using Trump as a political weapon. “Listen, if you get a flat tire on the way home from work today, she’s going to blame it on the president. There isn’t anything she doesn’t blame on the president,” Ciattarelli stated in a recent interview.
Sherrill, on the other hand, has accused Ciattarelli of enabling Trump’s agenda, asserting in a fundraising email, “As Trump has inflicted all this damage on our country, Republican politicians like Jack Ciattarelli have cheered him on every step of the way.” During their first debate, she claimed that Ciattarelli would “do whatever Trump tells him to do,” further intensifying the rhetoric surrounding the race.
The candidates have also exchanged barbs over the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has significant implications for New Jersey. Ciattarelli pointed to Sherrill’s congressional vote against a bipartisan effort to keep the government open, while Sherrill placed the blame for the shutdown squarely on Trump, stating, “This is precisely the extreme MAGA agenda that @Jack4NJ wants to bring to NJ.”
As the two candidates prepare for their second and final debate, Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker and certified public accountant, downplays the notion that Trump is the dominant issue in the race. He seeks to link Sherrill to the policies of term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and the long-standing Democratic control of the state legislature.
The race has also been marred by controversy, particularly after reports surfaced regarding Sherrill’s military records. Two weeks ago, it was revealed that the United States Naval Academy had blocked her from attending her graduation in 1994 due to a cheating scandal. Ciattarelli’s campaign has called for Sherrill to release her military records to clarify the situation. However, a subsequent report indicated that the National Personnel Records Center mistakenly released her redacted military files, prompting calls for an investigation from top Democrats.
In Virginia, the gubernatorial race features Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears competing against former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger. Earle-Sears, who made history as Virginia’s first female lieutenant governor, is vying to succeed GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is ineligible for re-election due to state law prohibiting consecutive terms.
Both candidates are poised to make history, as the winner will become Virginia’s first female governor. If Earle-Sears prevails, she will also be the first Black woman elected as governor in the United States. Trump’s policies and influence are significant factors in this race, particularly as the federal government shutdown is expected to impact Virginia’s economy.
In New York City, the mayoral election is drawing considerable attention, especially with the potential for the city to elect its first Muslim and first millennial mayor. Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state lawmaker, emerged victorious in the Democratic primary, creating political waves across the nation. He faces challenges from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after resigning amid scandals, and two-time Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
Despite dropping out of the race, current Mayor Eric Adams remains on the ballot, adding to the complexity of the election. Trump’s influence in the race has been notable, given his New York roots and ongoing presence in political discourse.
In California, voters will decide on Proposition 50, which seeks to temporarily suspend the nonpartisan redistricting commission and allow the Democrat-controlled legislature to determine congressional redistricting for the next three election cycles. This move is seen as an effort by Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Democrats to create additional left-leaning congressional seats, countering recent redistricting efforts in Texas that were influenced by Trump.
Finally, in Pennsylvania, three Democrat-leaning justices on the state Supreme Court are facing retention elections after completing their ten-year terms. The outcome of these elections could significantly alter the court’s composition and impact critical issues such as voting rights and reproductive rights in a key battleground state.
As Election Day approaches, the interplay of Trump’s influence and the various races across the country will be closely watched, with implications that could shape the political landscape for years to come.
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