Westchester voters face open governor race and local offices Tuesday

Polls are open across Westchester County on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with voting hours running from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, according to Ballotpedia. Residents in towns such as Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, and White Plains are heading to the polls to cast ballots in a statewide midterm election that determines control of the U.S. Congress. The Associated Press notes that this election occurs halfway through President Donald Trump's second term, with the results deciding which party controls the legislative branch for his final two years.

A major focus for New York voters is the race for governor, which is an open seat this year because no incumbent is on the ballot. Ballotpedia confirms that the Democratic and Republican parties are the primary contenders in this statewide contest. The governor's office is one of 36 governorships up for election across the country, where Republicans currently hold 26 offices and Democrats hold 24. Democrats need a net gain of two governorships to achieve a nationwide majority, a position Republicans have held since 2010.

In addition to the governor, every U.S. House seat in New York is on the ballot. Westchester County voters will select representatives for their specific congressional districts. The Associated Press reports that all 435 U.S. House seats are up for election nationwide. Republicans hold 218 seats and Democrats hold 214, with one independent and some vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority in the House, while Republicans can lose no more than two seats to maintain their current majority.

Local elections are also being held in Westchester County today. According to Ballotpedia, the ballot includes state and local offices that vary by county, as well as municipal government positions and school board races. While there are no state or local ballot measures in New York this year, voters in various towns across the county will choose officials for municipal governments. These local races are part of the broader slate of offices that vary by jurisdiction.

The Associated Press describes the national mood as a referendum on President Trump's performance, with many voters expressing concern over high prices and an unpopular war with Iran. Recent polling from AP-NORC indicates that 35 percent of U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance, while about seven in ten say the country is heading in the wrong direction. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states.

In New York, U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the incumbent Democratic House leader, is on the ballot for his seat in the state's 8th congressional district. The Associated Press notes that if Democrats win the House, Jeffries would be the first Black speaker of the House and has outlined a 100-day agenda focused on the cost of living and oversight. Other New York incumbents on the ballot include U.S. Representatives Tom Suozzi, Gregory W. Meeks, Grace Meng, and Yvette D. Clarke, all of whom are seeking reelection in their respective districts.

The election also features contests for other state executive offices in New York, as well as races for the State Senate and State House. Ballotpedia lists these as part of the statewide elections occurring on November 3. There is no U.S. Senate election in New York this year, as the state's senators are not up for reelection in this midterm cycle. The next Senate elections in the state will occur in future cycles.

Across the nation, 35 of 100 U.S. Senate seats are up for election. Republicans hold 53 seats and Democrats hold 45, with two independents who caucus with Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control of the Senate. The Associated Press highlights several battleground states, including Georgia, Michigan, and North Carolina, where the outcome could determine the balance of power in the upper chamber. In New Hampshire, the seat of retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen is a key contest, with Democratic Representative Chris Pappas facing former Republican Senator John E. Sununu.

Voters in Westchester should check their specific polling place locations using vote.gov or their local election office. The Associated Press reminds voters that ID rules vary by state, and anyone in line when polls close at 9 p.m. is entitled to vote. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time, according to Reuters. This logistical support is part of broader efforts to manage the high volume of votes cast in the 2026 midterms.

The Associated Press notes that the 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history, with Republican committees outraising and outspending Democratic committees at the committee level. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents. The Associated Press reports that 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that Trump won in 2024. This spending strategy reflects the national focus on holding key seats in the House and Senate.

As polls open, the Associated Press quotes RNC Chairman Joe Gruters, who stated that everything depends on turnout and that Republicans are planning to win by turning out their voters. In contrast, DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene said the American people are angry and want change. The Associated Press reports that Republicans are bracing to lose the House and fighting to hold the Senate, while Democrats are cautiously optimistic. The outcome of the day will determine the balance of power in Washington for the next two years.