Watch live: Key takeaways from the 2025 election

It’s the first big election day of Trump’s second term in the White House.

Although this is an off-election year, there are a number of key races to keep an eye on:

• Virginia: The governor and attorney general, along with House Districts 21 and 22, could determine control of the Virginia House of Delegates. Live results here.
• Pennsylvania: There are three state Supreme Court justices on the ballot, presenting an opportunity to shift the balance of the court. Live results here.
• New Jersey: Running for governor could be a close race. Live results here.
• New York City: This mayor’s race made national headlines with New York Rep. Zahran Mamdani (Democrat), former Governor Andrew Cuomo (Independent), and Republican Curtis Saliwa on the ballot. Live results here.
• who: Voters are considering statewide votes on a red flag measure.
• California: Proposition 50 would redraw congressional district maps. Live results here.

Join PBS News’ Lisa Desjardins and Liz Landers at 11 a.m. EST on Wednesday for a live conversation about this year’s election results. Do you have questions? Send them here.

Election Day this year coincides with a government shutdown that is expected to break the record for the longest period in US history. President Donald Trump has supported Republicans in several key races.

Here are three specific things we’re watching.

1. Northern Virginia

Many know the suburbs outside Washington, D.C., as a blue spot in the state. That’s true in many places, but Northern Virginia is also where President Donald Trump has made inroads in 2024. The University of Virginia’s suburban and suburban counties swung 8 points to the right in 2024, the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics found.

At the time, Trump was on the ballot. Now that he’s in the White House, will the numbers fluctuate again?

Additionally, keep an eye on any separation between Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger and Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones.

Jones was embroiled in a scandal involving text messages he sent in 2022 in which he openly suggested shooting a political rival.

This is a test for Democrats in Northern Virginia. Are they voting for the party, in light of the recent development of three-year-old texts? Or was it the state closest to the January 6 attack that decided things had gone too far?

Live results: 2025 Virginia gubernatorial election

2. Turnout in California

Watch the results of Proposition 50, which could allow Democrats to gain up to five congressional seats in the state by redrawing district lines.

In this competition, close attention must be paid to turnout.

The ballot measure has attracted at least $100 million — and perhaps $200 million by the San Francisco Examiner’s count — in campaign spending.

How motivated are state Democrats to not only vote, but to vote against their previous commitment to nonpartisan maps?

Live results: 2025 California elections on Proposition 50

3. Spanish territories in Virginia and New Jersey

Both parties recognize that Hispanic voters are one of the fastest growing demographic segments. Democrats and progressives want to regain their footing here.

Watch for results from some of the areas with the largest Hispanic populations.

In Virginia: Prince William County.

In New Jersey: Passaic and Hudson counties.