With less than two months until Election Day, various races are heating up across the country. These include mayoral and gubernatorial contests, as well as a vote on new congressional maps. Although no presidential candidates are on the ballot this fall, some elections may indicate how Americans view a potential second term for Donald Trump and the future of the Democratic Party.

One of the most closely watched races is New York's mayoral election. State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won the crowded Democratic primary in June. His campaign focuses on a progressive economic platform and has gained traction through effective social media outreach. However, Mamdani has faced criticism regarding the practicality of his proposals and his past views on policing and Israel. Notably, some prominent Democratic officials have yet to endorse him.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is attempting a political comeback as an independent candidate. He resigned in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. Cuomo claims he has the experience needed to challenge Trump and support the city. However, he has struggled to gain momentum since losing the Democratic primary.

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is also running as an independent after federal bribery charges against him were dismissed. He is asking voters for four more years to continue his efforts to improve the city. Adams faces skepticism from some New Yorkers who feel he is too closely aligned with Trump. Recently, he confirmed he would continue his reelection bid despite reports that Trump advisers have urged him to withdraw.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, who previously ran against Adams in 2021, has rejected calls to exit the race, asserting that he remains above the fray of his opponents.

In addition to the mayoral race, the only gubernatorial elections this year are in Virginia and New Jersey. These races are attracting national attention and significant outside funding, serving as early indicators for the 2026 midterms. In Virginia, Democratic Representative Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer, is competing against Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears. The winner will become Virginia's first female governor and could give Democrats their first state trifecta since 2013. Spanberger has raised over $27 million and has the endorsement of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association. Earle-Sears is notable for being the first Black woman elected statewide in Virginia.

In New Jersey, Democratic U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill is facing off against Republican former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli. This race is significant as New Jersey has not elected the same party for three consecutive terms since 1961. Key issues include affordability and taxes, with Republicans hoping to capitalize on Trump's previous success in the state.

Californians will also vote in November on a proposed redrawn congressional map. This map could make five U.S. House districts more favorable to Democrats, a response to new Republican-friendly maps enacted in Texas. Governor Gavin Newsom, who is seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, supports this move, arguing that Democrats must react to Texas' new map. Critics, including Republican legislators and former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, contend that this redistricting effort undermines voters' ability to choose their representatives and exacerbates the ongoing conflict between red and blue states.

Several special elections for vacant U.S. House seats are scheduled for this fall. With Republicans holding a narrow majority, these outcomes could influence the balance of power heading into 2026. In Virginia's 11th District, voters will select a successor to the late Representative Gerry Connolly on September 9. Democratic candidate James Walkinshaw, a Fairfax County supervisor and Connolly's former chief of staff, will face Republican Stewart Whitson, an Army veteran and former FBI agent.

Arizona's 7th District will hold an election on September 23 to fill the seat left vacant by the late Representative Raúl Grijalva. His daughter, Adelita Grijalva, is among the candidates. In Texas, a contest on November 4 will fill the 18th District seat vacated by the late Sylvester Turner. Tennessee's 7th District will have a general election on December 2 following an October 7 primary.