Ten months into Donald Trump's second presidential term, several major U.S. states and cities are holding elections that observers see as more than just local races; they are set to shape the pace of the American political scene for the coming year, serving as a vital indicator of how the Republican and Democratic parties are preparing for the crucial midterm elections. Others, however, view these races as an "early verdict" by voters on the policies of the Trump administration. Overall, the competition for the mayor's office in New York, the governorships of New Jersey and Virginia, and the redistricting of electoral districts in California has, to varying degrees, revolved around how the Democratic party should rebuild itself and respond to the power play.
