Voters are likely to give their verdict on his leadership and policies — even though he was absent from the campaign trail.

The biggest contests are in Virginia and New Jersey, the only states electing governors this year.

Mr Trump lost both last autumn, but voters in each have a history of electing Republicans.

The GOP candidates have closely aligned themselves with the president, betting that his big win last year can still provide a path to victory this time. Strong Democratic showings, meanwhile, could provide the party a pathway back to national relevance.

In New York City, a self-described democratic socialist who already has been a target of Trump’s criticism could emerge as a national star if elected mayor.

And California voters will decide whether to redraw the state’s House

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