Up First from NPR Four Big Races To Watch, Partial SNAP Funding, Sudan Famine, Dick Cheney Dies at 84
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Nov 4, 2025 
Ashley Lopez, NPR political correspondent, delves into crucial elections in California, New York City, Virginia, and New Jersey, highlighting the stakes and potential power shifts. Jennifer Ludden, food and nutrition policy expert, discusses the partial restarting of SNAP benefits and the looming uncertainty for millions of families. Emmanuel Akhenwotu provides harrowing on-the-ground insights into the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, focusing on the dire consequences of recent violence and the urgent needs of trapped civilians.
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California Vote Could Shift Congressional Balance
- California voters may let state lawmakers redraw congressional maps to counter Republican gains in Texas.
- Allowing partisan redistricting could create up to five extra Democratic-leaning seats in 2026.
Unexpected Mayoral Front-Runner In New York
- New York City's mayoral race features newcomer Zoran Mamdani versus Andrew Cuomo running as an independent.
- Mamdani energized young voters around affordability and surprised by winning the Democratic primary.
Governors As Bellwethers For Midterms
- Gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey test Democratic resilience amid a Republican presidency.
- Results will signal which Democratic coalition messages resonate ahead of next year's midterms.