citizen journal Covers Key 2025 Election Races

MCPHERSON — citizen journal is providing coverage tonight as voters across the country decide several races with possible implications for the 2026 midterm elections and the balance of power in Washington.

Virginia Governor

Democrat Abigail Spanberger holds a significant polling advantage over Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in a race that will produce Virginia's first female governor. The contest follows a pattern where 11 of the past 12 Virginia gubernatorial elections have been won by the party not holding the White House.

New Jersey Governor

Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill faces Trump-endorsed Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a competitive race centered on affordability and soaring utility costs in the high-tax state. A Republican upset is possible, but Sherrill leads in the polls.

NYC Mayor

Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, leads in a rare three-way race against independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa after President Trump endorsed Cuomo. The contest in the nation's largest city will determine whether progressive policies focused on affordability can succeed in a heavily Democratic city still grappling with economic pressures, potentially setting the tone for urban Democratic politics nationwide.

Proposition 50 (California)

California voters are deciding whether to reject an established non-partisan redistricting process and approve new congressional district maps that could deliver Democrats up to five additional House seats in direct response to Republican gerrymandering efforts in Texas. The ballot initiative represents Democrats' first major redistricting counteroffensive ahead of the 2026 midterms and could serve as a blueprint for similar efforts in other blue states seeking to offset Republican gains in the battle for House control.