Key Elections on November 7: New York, New Jersey, Virginia, California

Election Day on November 7, 2025, will feature significant races in **New York City**, **New Jersey**, and **Virginia**, alongside a crucial redistricting measure in **California**. These contests are widely regarded as indicators for the midterm elections scheduled for next year.

New York City Mayoral Race

The mayoral election in New York City has drawn considerable attention, particularly due to its unique three-candidate format. **Zohran Mamdani**, a state Assemblyman from Queens, has emerged as the Democratic nominee after winning the primary in June. Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, has focused his campaign on issues of affordability, resonating with grassroots voters.

In a competitive primary, Mamdani triumphed over former Governor **Andrew Cuomo**, who had initially been the frontrunner. Cuomo’s campaign faced challenges after he resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations in 2021, and he subsequently opted to run as an independent. Despite previous struggles with fundraising, Cuomo’s financial support improved significantly after Mamdani’s victory in the primary.

Mamdani’s fundraising efforts have been notable, with his campaign reportedly reaching the **$8 million** cap for New York City’s matching funds by early September. Recent polls indicate that Mamdani holds a strong lead, although other surveys suggest an uptick in support for Cuomo. Early voting has surged, with over **730,000** New Yorkers having cast ballots by October 30, a substantial increase from the **170,000** early voters in 2021. Should Mamdani win, he would become New York City’s second-youngest mayor and its first Muslim mayor.

Cuomo has attempted to frame Mamdani as an elitist due to his family background, while Mamdani counters that his experiences living in a rent-stabilized apartment reflect the struggles of many New Yorkers. The Republican nominee, **Curtis Sliwa**, who previously ran in 2021, is also on the ballot, although some within the GOP have urged him to withdraw in support of Cuomo.

New Jersey Governor’s Race

In New Jersey, a highly competitive gubernatorial race is taking shape between former state representative **Jack Ciattarelli** and Democratic incumbent **Mikie Sherrill**. Ciattarelli, making his third bid for the governorship, previously lost to **Phil Murphy** in 2021. Sherrill, a former congresswoman, is seeking to secure a third consecutive term for the Democrats, a feat that has not been achieved by either party since the 1970s.

Both candidates are addressing the pressing issue of the high cost of living in New Jersey. Ciattarelli promotes his campaign under the slogan “Make New Jersey Affordable Again,” while Sherrill emphasizes her “Affordability Agenda.” Tensions have escalated in the race, particularly after the inadvertent release of Sherrill’s military records, which her opponents are scrutinizing, despite her record being unblemished.

Sherrill’s campaign has focused on her moderate stance and appeals to bipartisan support, while Ciattarelli has aligned himself with former President **Donald Trump**, who has publicly criticized Sherrill.

Virginia Gubernatorial Contest

Virginia’s gubernatorial race is particularly noteworthy as it occurs without incumbent **Glenn Youngkin**, who is barred from consecutive terms under state law. Both **Winsome Earle-Sears**, the Republican nominee, and former Democratic Representative **Abigail Spanberger** are vying to make history as Virginia’s first female governor. If Earle-Sears wins, she would also become the first Black woman to hold the position.

The election is seen as a potential referendum on the current administration, with the president’s party often struggling in Virginia elections following a presidential race. Earle-Sears has attempted to draw parallels between Spanberger and unpopular progressive issues, while Spanberger has positioned herself as a centrist with endorsements from influential groups, including the Virginia Police Benevolent Association.

The race for attorney general in Virginia is also heated, with incumbent **Jason Miyares** facing a challenge from **Jay Jones**, who was previously leading in polls until text messages he sent in 2022 resurfaced, causing controversy.

California’s Proposition 50

In California, voters will decide on Proposition 50, which would enable Democrats to change congressional district boundaries temporarily. This initiative is a strategic response to the redistricting efforts by Republican-controlled states, aiming to secure more favorable conditions for the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.

California hosts **52 congressional districts**, where Democrats currently hold **43** seats. The initiative has garnered a notable level of support, with **62%** of likely voters in favor, according to a recent poll. Over **$167.9 million** has been raised in support of Proposition 50, highlighting its significance in the political landscape.

As Election Day approaches, the outcomes of these races and measures will likely shape the political narrative leading into the 2026 midterm elections, making November 7 a pivotal date in American politics.