There are only two off-year gubernatorial elections this fall, and they’re both seen as bellwethers for next year’s midterm elections. The results of the governors’ races in Virginia and New Jersey may serve as a referendum on the president’s first 10 months in office. A lesser known trio of votes for Democratic justices on the state Supreme Court in swing state Pennsylvania could eventually decide the fate of election laws, redistricting and abortion. In New York, Zohran Mamdani has vaulted from relatively unknown state legislator to being the frontrunner for mayor in the largest city in the U.S., while drawing frequent attacks from Trump.
READ MORE: Here’s what to watch for on the first major Election Day of Trump’s 2nd term
You can watch the PBS News Hour’s election coverage on your local PBS station or on our YouTube channel.
You can also find ongoing coverage on our website and social platforms, including live updates and election results.
For post-election analysis, join PBS News’ Lisa Desjardins and Liz Landers live at 11 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
What races are we watching?
Follow along with live election results on our website from The Associated Press:
What time do polls close?
7 p.m. EST: Virginia
8 p.m. EST: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas
9 p.m. EST: New York
11 p.m. EST: California
A voter in Pennsylvania on Nov. 4, 2025. Photo by Hannah Beier/ Reuters
Who else is voting?
Other notable elections are being held across the country. Here’s what to expect in:
Find more of our Vote 2025 coverage
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