WASHINGTON — The 2025 off-year elections in Virginia, New Jersey, New York City and California provided an early barometer of how some U.S. voters view President Donald Trump’s second term and the Democratic Party’s efforts to revive its political fortunes.

Here are some takeaways from election night:

Tacking to the Middle

Abigail Spanberger’s decisive victory in the Virginia governor’s race showed there may be a reward for Democrats who position themselves at the moderate center, while illustrating the limits of Trump’s MAGA movement.

Spanberger’s opponent, Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the state’s lieutenant governor, has been a strong supporter of Trump’s agenda, including the move to slash thousands of federal jobs, Trump’s support for the federal government shutdown and his impo

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