ANKARA
Key election races in the US states of New Jersey and Virginia, as well as New York City’s mayoral contest, are entering their final stretch as the latest polls point to decisive battles that have captured the attention of the entire country.
In New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, a new AtlasIntel poll conducted on Oct. 25–30 shows Democrat Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by just 0.9 percentage points, 50.2% to 49.3%, within the 2-point margin of error, according to News Talk 780 KOH.
The survey, based on responses from over 1,600 likely voters, highlights a nearly even split in the Garden State.
Former US President Barack Obama appeared at a Nov. 1 rally for Sherrill, underlining the race’s importance for Democrats.
Democrats are slightly outperforming their 2024 benchmarks in early voting.
CNN reported that Democratic mail-in ballot returns are outpacing Republicans by over 41 points, compared to a 39-point lead at the same stage last year, News Talk 780 KOH reported.
In Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger appears poised for reelection.
A Hill/Emerson poll gives the Democrat a 56% to 44% lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears.
However, the state’s attorney general race remains close, with Democrat Jerra Jones polling at 51% against incumbent Jason Miyares’ 49%.
Early voting trends in Virginia also show an increase in Democratic engagement compared to 2024, though party officials caution that past elections have seen major shifts on Election Day.
In New York City’s mayoral race, AtlasIntel shows incumbent Zohran Mamdani leading former Governor Andrew Cuomo 41% to 34%, with Republican Curtis Sliwa at 24%.
The 7-point margin has narrowed since earlier polling, largely due to Cuomo gaining support among older, moderate Democrats.
CNN analysis found higher turnout among older voters than in the primaries, though younger voter participation has also increased, suggesting Mamdani’s base may be reenergizing, according to News Talk 780 KOH.
‘Far worse than a socialist’
According to a CBS 60 Minutes interview aired Sunday, US President Donald Trump criticized Mamdani during a segment focused on the New York City race.
The interview featured Trump calling Mamdani a “communist,” and claiming that “he’s far worse than a socialist.”
The president also made a personal jab at Mamdani’s appearance, saying, “I think I'm a much better-looking person” in a remark that drew media attention.
The CBS interview marked Trump’s first appearance on the program since settling a lawsuit involving a previous episode.
Trump’s comments come as Mamdani continues to campaign alongside progressive figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, positioning himself as an opponent to the current administration’s policies.
‘Sounding board’
Also, Obama personally called Mamdani on Saturday, praising his campaign and offering to serve as a “sounding board” in the future, according to ABC News.
The 30-minute phone call, first revealed by The New York Times and confirmed by ABC News, also touched on the challenges of staffing a new administration and implementing policy goals.
“Your campaign has been impressive to watch,” Obama told Mamdani, according to the outlet.
This marked their second conversation and included discussions about meeting in person after the election.
Though Obama has not formally endorsed Mamdani, his outreach came during an East Coast swing that included rallies with gubernatorial candidates Sherrill and Spanberger.
In contrast to statewide races, Obama generally avoids involvement in mayoral elections, making his private contact with Mamdani noteworthy.
Mamdani, a New York state assemblyman and self-identified democratic socialist, has also secured endorsements from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
He is running against former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is campaigning as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Trump’s sharp criticisms highlight the growing national attention on the local contest, which has become a flashpoint for ideological clashes within both major parties.
A separate poll published on Sunday by The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos found that 46% of registered voters said they would vote for the Democratic candidate in their district if the midterms were held that day, compared to 44% for the Republican candidate, with 9% undecided or saying they would not vote.
The same poll also showed 59% of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s job performance, and 64% believe he is expanding presidential power too far.
ABC News also noted that key swing blocs like young Hispanic men, who leaned Republican in 2024, are now split between parties on the generic ballot.
While early-voting trends hint at slight Democratic momentum, analysts urge caution, emphasizing that high Election Day turnout could reshape any of the races.