Election Day 2021: All Eyes Are On Virginia and New Jersey

During the last weeks of his campaign for Governor of Virginia, and well into the final hours leading up to Election Day, Glenn Youngkin did everything he could to distance himself from his connection to Donald Trump. Youngkin didn’t particularly appreciate the Lincoln Project’s reminder of what happened in Charlottesville, nor the nickname “Glenn Trumpkin” that’s stuck to him no matter how much he tries to distance himself from the former guy. Even President Joe Biden has picked up on Youngkin’s deliberate attempts to stay as far away from Trump as he possibly can. And a Youngkin aide confirmed to CNN that the Republican candidate did not call into a tele-rally held by Trump on Monday evening.

Conversely, his Democratic opponent, Terry McCauliffe, has welcomed the presence of former President Barack Obama and the endorsements he’s received from President Biden and other top Democrats. McCauliffe, who’s seeking a second nonconsecutive term, is hoping to break the curse of the opposite party taking control of Virginia whenever a new President is elected.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – JULY 23: U.S. President Joe Biden (L) speaks at a campaign event for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) (R) at the Lubber Run Community Center on July 22, 2021 in Arlington, Virginia. President Biden joined McCauliffe to help campaign, marking the President’s return to the campaign trail since he entered the White House. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

VIENNA, VIRGINIA – OCTOBER 14: Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) speaks to law enforcement officers during a breakfast marking Police Week October 14, 2021 in Vienna, Virginia. Youngkin is running against former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D-VA). (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

McAuliffe took new potshots at his opponent on Monday after Trump released another supportive statement that essentially got no response from his base. “Trump has now endorsed him for the tenth time today,” McAuliffe said. “What does that tell you? The little MAGA people, not as excited as you thought.”

Based on local turnout reports, VA is on track to break 3 million votes, which would surpass gubernatorial record of 2.6M set in 2017.

Not clear which side that benefits, but this isn't a scenario in which turnout in blue areas is falling through the floor. #VAGOV

— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) November 2, 2021

Elections around the country are traditionally light in the year after a Presidential election, with only Virginia and New Jersey holding gubernatorial elections. Democrat Phil Murphy should easily win his seat against the Trump-endorsed Jack Ciatterelli.

Barring the truly unforeseen, Phil Murphy will win comfortably tonight. Given that, here's how to watch the returns for hints on the national environment. pic.twitter.com/1mdmfFT99s

— Alex Clearfield (@AlexClearfield) November 2, 2021

In Boston, a historic mayoral race will decide between two women of color after traditionally electing white men to the position.

“The 400-year lock on the mayor’s office by a white man ends today,” @trymainelee reports on the historic Boston mayoral election, in which voters will decide between two women of color. pic.twitter.com/KUlAgTJOO0

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) November 2, 2021

[This is a continuing and developing story, please check back for updates]

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