United States to Face Local Elections, Trump Faces Major Test in Early Term

On November 4th, voters across the United States will head to polling stations for the first major local elections during President Trump's second term. This election will not only determine several new governors and mayors but also serve as an early political test for the Trump administration's policy agenda.

After concluding his whirlwind visit to Asia, Trump returned home, facing a series of challenges: local elections, the second month of a federal government shutdown, and a Supreme Court hearing on his trade emergency powers. This week is one of the most critical political moments since Trump took office.

The focus of Tuesday's election is on the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Democrat former federal congressman Swann is favored to win the governorship of Virginia. Her contest with Republican Lieutenant Governor Evers is seen as a litmus test for whether Democrats can regain control of the state's political landscape.

Virginia has long relied on federal agencies and military spending. Now, due to the government shutdown, tens of thousands of civil servants and contractors are affected, causing public resentment. Swann's campaign emphasizes reopening the government and securing jobs, while the Republican campaign attempts to downplay the impact of the shutdown, focusing instead on local economic and law enforcement issues.

In New Jersey, the competition is equally intense. Democrat candidate, former Navy pilot Shea and Republican Chiaramonte are locked in a fierce battle. Chiaramonte received Trump's endorsement, aiming to appeal to moderate voters by portraying himself as "a true New Jerseyan." Shea criticizes the Trump administration for rising living costs and promises to declare a state of economic emergency on her first day in office to curb utility costs.

If Shea wins, it will be the first time since the 1960s that New Jersey elects three consecutive governors from the same party; however, if the Republicans reclaim the capital, it would be seen as a vote of confidence in Trump. Regardless of who is elected, it will be the first female governor in Virginia.

The mayoral election in New York City, the largest city in the United States, is also closely watched. 34-year-old democratic socialist Mendoza defeated former governor Cuomo in the Democratic primary, and the two will face off again on Tuesday. Trump has repeatedly criticized Mendoza's leftist policies, calling him a "communist," and in a CBS interview yesterday, he said, "As president, I would find it hard to give New York a lot of money" if Mendoza wins.

In California, voters will decide whether to approve Proposition 50, which authorizes the state government to redraw congressional districts. If passed, it could help the Democrats win the 2026 midterm elections. Democratic Governor Newsom is pushing this bill, trying to offset the redistricting advantages of Republican states like Texas. The Republicans, however, accuse the proposal of being "political manipulation" and claim it could undermine the fairness of the election.

Meanwhile, the federal government shutdown has now entered its second month, setting a historical record for the longest duration. Millions of Americans are unable to receive food assistance, medical benefits, and civil service salaries, and social pressure continues to mount. Trump and Democratic leaders in Congress have yet to hold substantive negotiations on the budget bill, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case on Wednesday regarding the legality of Trump invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. This case is considered likely to redefine the scope of presidential economic power in times of emergency. Trump originally planned to attend the trial but canceled at the last minute. Analysts point out that if the court rules to limit the president's power, it would be a significant blow to Trump's trade policy.

With only one year until the 2026 midterm elections, the results of the voting on the 4th will serve as an important indicator of the balance of power between the Democratic and Republican parties. Democratic National Committee Chairman Martin stated, "Our winds have changed, and voters have once again resonated with the Democratic economic agenda." Republican National Committee Chairman Gootes countered that even if the Democrats win the gubernatorial elections in the two states, "that does not represent any trend, because these states are already Democratic strongholds."

The Democratic Party mainly appeals against Trump's policies, while the Republican Party tries to mobilize its supporters to vote. On Monday evening, Trump will host a phone rally from the White House to boost support for the Republican candidates in New Jersey and Virginia.

Although Trump's name is not on the ballot, he remains the central figure of the election. If the Republicans hold one state or achieve an unexpected victory, it will be seen as a symbol of Trump's stable support. However, if the Democrats win both Virginia and New Jersey, it would send a political warning to Trump, possibly repeating his loss in local elections in his first term in 2017, ultimately leading to the loss of the House of Representatives.

Source: rfi

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847820033636364/

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