RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia voters are deciding a history-making race for governor Tuesday that will serve as a barometer of attitudes toward President Donald Trump and Democrats’ attempts to regain their footing on the national stage.

He’s not on any ballots, but the president was a key figure in campaigns in New Jersey and Virginia. In California, a ballot measure to redraw House districts is a direct response to Texas gerrymandering he pushed.

The governors race in New Jersey has tightened in the runup to Election Day, but Democrat Mikie Sherrill still maintains her lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

The first polls will close Tuesday night in Virginia, where the state will elect a new governor, one of several major races throughout the country.

Elections in 2 key states expected to test parties' strength ahead of 2026 midterms and some 10 months into President Donald Trump's return to White House - Anadolu Ajansı

The race for lieutenant governor started with a crowded Democratic primary and a Republican nominee who the governor initially called on to drop out.

All eyes are on Virginia ahead of Election Day — and one of the country’s most accurate political forecasters says the Commonwealth’s top race may already be all but decided.

With one day left to go before the 2025 Virginia election, both candidates continue to campaign across the state.

Virginia voters will either elect the first openly gay Republican or the first Muslim woman to statewide office in the country.

Democrat Abigail Spanberger is facing Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia governor's race, seen as a critical bellwether.

Results of Virginia gubernatorial election is often viewed as a political bellwether for competitive races in the midterms the following year.