These state and local elections come amid a sharp decline in Trump’s approval ratings, which have fallen to -18%, far worse than Barack Obama’s -3% or Joe Biden’s -7% at the same point in their presidencies.
Analysts attribute the slump to mounting frustration over tariffs, persistent inflation, and Trump’s hardline immigration stance, which have alienated urban, suburban, and middle-class voters across the country.
New York: Indian-Origin Candidate Zohran Mamdani Leads by 14 Points
In New York City, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani, an Indian-origin Democratic Socialist and member of the New York State Assembly, has surged ahead with a 14-point lead in the mayoral race.
The son of Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani and acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, Mamdani has energized young voters, minorities, and progressives with pledges to tackle rising living costs and fund affordable housing through higher taxes on the wealthy.
His main rival is former governor Andrew Cuomo (67), who is making a political comeback as an independent candidate, four years after resigning over sexual harassment allegations.
In a surprise move, President Trump endorsed Cuomo, calling him “strategic and experienced,” in an attempt to block Mamdani’s momentum—even over his own party’s nominee.
Mamdani has dismissed Trump’s threat to cut federal aid to New York if he wins, framing the contest as a battle between Trumpism and the progressive left in America’s largest city.
Democrats Ahead in Virginia and New Jersey
In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger leads Republican Winsome Sears by seven points, with voter frustration over the recent federal government shutdown shaping the race.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill holds a slim three-point lead over Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Sherrill has turned Trump’s taunt calling her the “Trump of Trenton” into a rallying slogan against his economic and immigration policies.
ICE Raids Fuel Backlash Among Immigrant Communities
Trump’s immigration enforcement strategy may be backfiring in both states. Recent ICE raids in immigrant neighborhoods have triggered widespread anger among Latino and immigrant voters.
Federal officials insist the operations target only criminal suspects, but Democrats have accused the administration of using them as a voter suppression tactic.
Political observers say the backlash could drive higher voter turnout against Trump-aligned candidates, making these elections a referendum on the president’s divisive agenda rather than just local contests.
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