By Harshit, WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2025 9 AM EDT
As millions of Americans cast their ballots today in a series of closely watched races across the nation, the first major electoral test of President Donald Trump’s second term is unfolding amid political uncertainty, economic strain, and a late-breaking tragedy — the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney at age 84.
The day’s outcomes could reshape state leadership from coast to coast, signal shifts in public mood ahead of next year’s midterm elections, and determine the balance of political influence in states like New York, Virginia, and California.
The First Big Test of Trump’s Second Term
Election Day 2025 comes less than a year into Trump’s renewed tenure in the White House — a presidency marked by fierce partisanship, a prolonged government shutdown, and lingering debates over immigration and foreign policy.
From mayoral contests to gubernatorial showdowns, the results will serve as a barometer for voter confidence in the administration’s leadership. The White House has framed the elections as a referendum on “strong borders and economic revival,” while Democrats are pitching them as a fight for “democracy and working families.”
Polls will close first in Virginia at 7 p.m. ET, followed by New Jersey, New York, and finally California, where a redistricting measure could reshape Congress in 2026.
New York: Progressive Candidate Leads Tight Three-Way Mayoral Race
In the nation’s largest city, voters are choosing between three high-profile figures: Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, has energized young and working-class voters with promises of rent freezes, free transit, and expansive climate investments. However, critics question his experience in city governance.
Former Gov. Cuomo, seeking a political comeback, has leaned on his record of infrastructure expansion and crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday, Trump endorsed Cuomo, calling him a “leader who gets results,” but Cuomo quickly brushed off the gesture, saying, “I don’t need advice from Washington.”
Polls show Mamdani holding a narrow lead, though turnout in outer boroughs could decide the race. Voting ends in New York at 9 p.m. ET.
New Jersey: Tight Contest in Traditionally Blue State
In New Jersey, Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill faces a tough challenge from Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who has tied his campaign closely to Trump’s economic and law-and-order agenda.
Despite New Jersey’s Democratic tilt, the governor’s race remains competitive. Sherrill, endorsed by Barack Obama and several national unions, has campaigned on expanding public education and rebuilding storm infrastructure. Ciattarelli, meanwhile, has appealed to disaffected suburban voters frustrated by high taxes and rising living costs.
Public polls show Sherrill leading by single digits. “This race will tell us if Trumpism still has reach in blue states,” said Rutgers University political scientist Jennifer Duffy. Polls close at 8 p.m. ET.
Virginia: Spanberger Poised to Make History
In Virginia, voters could elect their first female governor as Democratic former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger faces Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the state’s lieutenant governor.
Spanberger, a centrist Democrat and former CIA officer, leads comfortably in most polls. Her campaign has focused on healthcare access and protecting abortion rights, issues that have galvanized suburban voters.
President Trump held a last-minute tele-rally for Earle-Sears on Monday night but stopped short of a formal endorsement. Analysts say a strong Republican showing here could indicate resilience for the GOP heading into 2026.
Polls close at 7 p.m. ET.
California: Redistricting Measure Could Shape Congress
Farther west, California voters will decide Proposition 50, a ballot measure that could dramatically alter the state’s congressional map. Backed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, the measure aims to create five new House districts favoring Democratic candidates — potentially offsetting Republican gains in other states.
Republicans have already enacted favorable maps in four states, yielding a potential net gain of nine seats nationally. The California measure, if passed, could reshape the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of 2026.
Polls close at 11 p.m. ET. “This is the biggest single ballot initiative of the cycle,” said CNN analyst Harry Enten. “The stakes for control of Congress couldn’t be higher.”
Aviation Delays Raise Concerns Amid Shutdown
While voters queue at polling places, the ongoing government shutdown continues to strain federal operations. Air traffic controllers working without pay have reported fatigue and burnout, leading to intentional flight spacing at major airports to maintain safety.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy assured travelers that safety remains the top priority, but travelers in Chicago, Denver, and Newark have faced hours-long delays. “We’re stretched thin, but safety is non-negotiable,” Duffy said Monday.
Aviation analysts told CNN that while safety isn’t compromised, “efficiency has taken a hit.” The Federal Aviation Administration has not indicated when full staffing will resume.
Food Stamp Reductions Deepen Shutdown Fallout
The Trump administration announced Monday that food stamp recipients will receive only half of their typical benefits in November, citing a depleted contingency fund amid the ongoing budget standoff.
Nearly 42 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides an average of $350 per month per household. Advocacy groups warn that reduced assistance could worsen hunger rates nationwide, especially as colder weather increases household expenses.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it lacks sufficient funds to issue full benefits without congressional action. Democrats accuse the administration of using “economic coercion” to force a budget deal.
FBI Raid in Michigan Foils Alleged Halloween Terror Plot
Federal investigators say they thwarted an ISIS-inspired terrorist plot in Dearborn, Michigan, over the Halloween weekend.
Authorities arrested two men and detained three others after monitoring online chatrooms where participants allegedly discussed carrying out a mass-casualty attack on U.S. soil. FBI agents moved in after the group was seen at a shooting range practicing “high-speed reloads” with AK-47-style rifles and referencing “pumpkin day” — believed to be code for Halloween.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said investigators seized weapons, tactical gear, and “detailed plans” for an attack potentially modeled after the 2015 Paris bombings.
Dearborn and Inkster police confirmed multiple raids in coordination with federal agents. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer praised the FBI’s “swift action” in preventing what could have been “a devastating tragedy.”
Dick Cheney, Towering Political Figure, Dies at 84
Amid the political frenzy, America paused to mourn former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died Monday at age 84.
Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern U.S. politics. A staunch advocate of expanded executive power, he helped steer the country through the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and into the Iraq War — decisions that continue to shape American foreign policy.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement, saying he “died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.” Cheney had battled heart disease for decades, undergoing a heart transplant in 2012.
President Trump called Cheney “a fierce patriot who defined an era of American strength,” while former President Bush said in a statement, “America has lost a statesman of unmatched resolve.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
As the votes are counted and tributes pour in, Election Day 2025 encapsulates both the turbulence and transformation of America’s political landscape — a day when democracy, security, and history collide.
Results are expected to begin trickling in shortly after 8 p.m. ET, with several races likely to be called overnight.