Happy Election Day and welcome back to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco—your irreplaceable daily briefing on politics. Let’s break it down.
Election Day is Today….Voters across the country are heading to the polls today in one of the most consequential off-year election days in recent memory. In New Jersey, Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill is facing a challenge from Republican Jack Ciattarelli, in a race that could test whether Democrats can still hold suburban swing states. Down in Virginia, Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger is taking on Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for the governor’s mansion—a matchup between two women that’s also being watched as a referendum on Trump-era conservatism in purple states. In New York City, the mayoral race has turned into a national spectacle, with progressive Democrat Zohran Mamdani, former governor turned independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa battling for control of City Hall. Out west, California voters are weighing Proposition 50, a redistricting initiative that could reshape the state’s congressional map and shift as many as five seats toward Democrats—a major test of how far blue states will go to counter Republican gerrymanders nationwide. Closer to home, Pennsylvania has two key races: one for the state Supreme Court, where Democrat Daniel McCaffery is defending his seat against Republican challenger Carolyn Tornetta Carluccio, and another for Philadelphia District Attorney, where incumbent Larry Krasner—the face of progressive prosecution—is seeking a third term against former judge Pat Dugan, a Republican-backed challenger who entered the race through a write-in campaign after losing the Democratic primary. There are also special elections for congressional and legislative seats in Texas, Maine, and Michigan, as well as dozens of local ballot measures determining everything from school board control to abortion access protections.
Common Sense takeaway: So many elections to keep track of today, and they are all important and consequential in their own right. Personally, I will have all eyes on Virginia—my home-state—as we wait to see who will control Richmond. I also will have eyes on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court race that will determine control of the courts in a large purple state for the next 10 years and Prop 50 in California that will impact the results of the midterms in 2026. What elections are you focused on today?
Dick Cheney, Dead at 84….Former Vice President Dick Cheney died Monday at 84 from complications of pneumonia and heart disease. A powerful but divisive figure, Cheney shaped half a century of U.S. power—from serving as Defense Secretary under George H.W. Bush to Vice President under George W. Bush, where he drove the post-9/11 “War on Terror.” He championed the Iraq invasion, defended torture as policy, and helped cement the surveillance state that still defines modern security. His critics call him the architect of endless war; his allies call him a patriot who never flinched. In recent years, Cheney broke with his party, calling Donald Trump “the greatest threat to our republic” and backing Kamala Harris in 2024.
Common Sense takeaway: Cheney was a controversial figure—and still is. But when it came to the Trump era, he made it clear where he stood. The same can’t be said for George Bush. With that in mind, I am praying and thinking of his family as they mourn his loss.
Trump Endorses Andrew Cuomo….Donald Trump endorsed former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor—urging voters not to back Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, calling it “a vote for Mamdani.” Trump posted on Truth Social, “Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice.” The move comes as Mamdani leads with 44%, Cuomo trails by 10 points, and Sliwa languishes at 11%, according to a Suffolk poll. Trump doubled down in a “60 Minutes” interview, threatening to withhold federal funds if Mamdani wins and labeling him a “communist.” Cuomo, for his part, insists he doesn’t want or accept Trump’s support—despite benefiting from it. He also held tele-rallies for candidates in Virginia and New Jersey, talking up New Jersey GOP gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli and Republican candidates in Virginia, but without mentioning the name of Virginia’s GOP nominee for governor, Winsome Earle-Sears. Trump has endorsed Ciattarelli but hasn’t done the same for Earle-Sears.
Common Sense takeaway: No matter what the circumstances are, a Trump endorsement is never something you should want or get. Honestly, it feels like the elites are sticking together to try to stop the people from electing whom they want. Either way, I don’t think the endorsement will help Cuomo’s campaign. Side note—I find it very telling that Trump would rather endorse Cuomo than the Republican candidate for governor in Virginia, Winsome Earle-Sears.
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense. Check back tomorrow for more.