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Tuesday marks the first significant Election Day since President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, with his leadership and policies dominating the discourse in nearly every contest, despite his absence from the campaign trail.

The most prominent battles are unfolding in Virginia and New Jersey, the only states holding gubernatorial elections this year. Although Donald Trump lost both states last autumn, they possess a history of electing Republicans to statewide office.

GOP candidates have closely aligned themselves with the President, betting that his substantial victory last year can still pave their way to success, even as the party occupying the White House typically faces challenges in off-year elections.

Meanwhile, strong performances from Democrats could offer the party a route back to national prominence. Their leading candidates have adopted diverse strategies, ranging from a moderate stance to a full embrace of government spending aimed at improving citizens' lives.

In New York City, a self-described democratic socialist, already a target of Trump’s criticism, could emerge as a national figure if elected mayor. Furthermore, Californian voters are set to decide on redrawing the state's House map, as Democrats seek to counter President Trump's efforts to reshape the balance of congression