Democrats Pivot to Moderates Amid National Crises

Democrats are pinning hope on pragmatic, national-security–experienced gubernatorial nominees Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey as models for broader electoral appeal; Sherrill has pledged legal fights over withheld funding while Spanberger is courting fired federal workers. The U.S. has sharply escalated tensions with Venezuela, threatening possible on‑land strikes and deploying an aircraft carrier amid accusations of President Maduro’s ties to narcotrafficking. California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned that GOP control of the House under a Speaker like Mike Johnson could effectively enable prolonged Trump influence and high‑stakes partisan control of Congress. Local races remain volatile: a West Hartford Republican slate’s shift toward MAGA messaging has drawn criticism, and New Jersey shows signs of Democratic erosion as some immigrant and ethnic voters and local Democrats back GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli. The Department of Justice announced election‑monitoring operations in multiple jurisdictions ahead of Nov. 4, while the federal government shutdown continues to strain officials. Separately, Hurricane Melissa strengthened to Category 5 near Jamaica, and Game 3 of the World Series was scheduled for tonight.