In New Jersey, voters will decide who succeeds Governor Phil Murphy in a closely watched gubernatorial contest. Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and current U.S. Representative, faces Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a businessman and former state legislator. Sherrill has campaigned on expanding education funding and protecting reproductive rights, while Ciattarelli emphasizes tax reform and small business support. Polls show a narrowing gap between the two, with suburban turnout expected to play a decisive role. The race is seen as a referendum on Murphy's legacy and a preview of national political trends heading into 2026.
Virginia's gubernatorial election presents another high-stakes battle as Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears vie to replace outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin. Spanberger, a former CIA officer and congresswoman, has focused on healthcare access and bipartisan governance. Earle-Sears, currently lieutenant governor, has emphasized parental rights in education and economic growth. Virginia's off-year elections often serve as a national bellwether, and this contest is no exception. With both candidates holding strong regional bases, the outcome may hinge on turnout in Northern Virginia and the Richmond suburbs.
Meanwhile, California voters will weigh in on Proposition 50, a controversial measure that would temporarily suspend the state's independent redistricting commission and allow the legislature to redraw congressional maps. Governor Gavin Newsom has endorsed the proposition, framing it as a strategic response to Republican gerrymandering in other states. Critics argue that Prop 50 undermines voter-approved reforms and risks politicizing the redistricting process. The measure has sparked intense debate among legal scholars, civil rights groups, and political strategists. Its passage could reshape California's representation in Congress and influence national redistricting norms.