The latest on Minnesota's 2025 election

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One year after Donald Trump retook the White House and set into motion a dramatic 

, the Republican president figures prominently in state and local elections being held Tuesday.

The results of those contests — the first general election of Trump's second term — will be heralded by the victors as either a major repudiation or resounding stamp of approval of his second-term agenda. That's especially true in high-profile races for 

 to redraw its congressional district boundaries.

More than half of the states will hold contests on Tuesday. Here's a look at some of the 

In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli are the nominees to succeed 

. Sherrill is a four-term U.S. representative and former Navy helicopter pilot. Ciattarelli is a former state Assemblyman backed by Trump. In 2021, Ciattarelli came within about 3 percentage points of toppling Murphy.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill wins N.J. governor in Tuesday's second victory for Democrats

In Virginia, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Democratic former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger look to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. While Spanberger has made some efforts to focus on 

 in stump speeches, the president remained a major topic of conversation throughout the campaign, from 

 about him in 2022 to some of his more polarizing policies, such as the so-called 

 tax and spending cut measure and the widespread 

, many of whom live in northern Virginia.

Democrat Spanberger wins Virginia governor race with message on DOGE, cost of living

Trump was scheduled to participate in telephone rallies for the candidates on Monday night.

As the only gubernatorial races held in the year following a presidential election, the contests have long served as the first major test of voter sentiment toward the party holding the White House. In every race for governor since 1973, one or both states have elected a governor from a party different than that of the sitting president.

The race to lead the nation’s largest city features Democratic state legislator Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate and former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

 over Cuomo in the June primary generated excitement from the party’s 

apprehension among the party establishment

. Party leaders like Gov. Kathy Hochul and U.S. House Democratic leader 

 the self-described democratic socialist months after he won the nomination.

The winner will replace outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, who initially sought renomination as a Democrat. After losing the primary Adams opted to run as an independent, but 

. In February, the Trump Justice Department 

 to drop corruption charges against Adams because the case impeded Trump’s “ 

.” Trump later said he’d like to see both Adams and Sliwa 

Mamdani wins New York City mayoral race, in a historic victory for progressives

California voters will decide a statewide ballot measure that would enact a new congressional map that could flip as many as five Republican-held U.S. House seats to Democratic control.

championed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom

, is in response to a new Texas map that state Republicans 

 to keep the U.S. House under Republican control in the 2026 midterms. The Texas plan, which could help Republicans flip five Democratic-held U.S. House seats, has sparked an 

 among states to pass new maps outside of the regular once-a-decade schedule.

 Supreme Court will be at stake when voters cast Yes or No votes on 

 from the high court’s 5-2 Democratic majority.

Partisan control of the court could have major implications for the 2028 presidential race, since justices might be asked to rule on election disputes, 

. Spending on Tuesday's contests is on track to 

 as Republicans have campaigned to end the majority and Democrats have responded.

If all three justices are ousted, a deadlock in the confirmation process to replace them could result in a court tied at 2-2. An election to fill any vacant seats for full 10-year terms would be held in 2027.

 and Virginia House of Delegates is at stake, while New Jersey Democrats defend their 52-28 General Assembly majority.

What will you be voting on?

Answers to your voting questions

Virginia Attorney General: Republican incumbent Jason Miyares seeks a second term against Democrat Jay Jones. Much of the fall campaign has focused on 

 suggesting violence against political rivals that Jones sent in 2022.

Texas-18: Sixteen candidates hope to fill a 

late Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner

 voters will decide statewide questions on voting and a “red flag” law aimed at preventing gun violence. Texas’ 17 ballot measures include constitutional amendments on parental rights and limiting voting to U.S. citizens. 

 also have statewide measures on the ballot.

, Pittsburgh, Jersey City and Buffalo will elect new mayors, while incumbents in 

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Election 2025

The Associated Press

Author

Democrats pick up big wins in the first general election since the reelection of President Donald Trump, with gubernatorial victories in Virginia and New Jersey and Zohran Mamdani being elected as New York City mayor.

Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks to the media after voting on election day.

Nationwide results: Mamdani elected NYC Mayor, Democrats win in Virginia and New Jersey

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