Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum is gearing up for a busy Election Day, balancing her morning run with her responsibilities as one of the network’s key election anchors. Alongside Bret Baier, MacCallum will cover a significant off-cycle election as residents in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, and California head to the polls in what is expected to be a historic turnout. While CNN and MSNBC initiate their election coverage earlier in the evening, Fox will present a special program from 10-11 p.m., interrupting Greg Gutfeld’s show, followed by “Fox News @ Night” with Trace Gallagher taking over from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
This year, interest in the off-year elections is notably heightened, partly due to the ongoing impact of former President Donald Trump’s policies. Significant early voting has been reported in states like New Jersey and Virginia, where Democrats are competing for leadership positions. California also has a notable proposition on the ballot aimed at altering congressional district maps.
In New York City, early voting numbers have surpassed those recorded in previous non-presidential elections, particularly as Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani strives to become the city’s first socialist mayor. MacCallum expressed excitement about the local races, noting the evolving political landscape in New Jersey and focusing on Mamdani’s campaign.
As she prepared for the broadcast on Election Day, MacCallum reiterated the importance of maintaining energy and focus throughout the day, sharing her routine habits. Included in her coverage discussion were anticipated tight races in New Jersey and Virginia, with a specific interest in the outcomes and projections ahead of the results.
With the potential effects of a looming government shutdown, MacCallum emphasized its possible influence on statewide voting, particularly in Virginia, where many voters are affected by federal employment. There’s ongoing speculation that Democrats might leverage the shutdown as a motivational factor for those impacted.
The ballot initiatives, including Proposition 50 in California addressing redistricting, will also be under scrutiny as anchors aim to analyze their implications and the political climate leading to the upcoming 2026 midterms.
Looking ahead, MacCallum anticipates the conversations surrounding a possible Democratic socialist mayor in New York City could reshape the discourse regarding the Democratic Party’s future. This potential shift in political dynamics highlights an evolving landscape in American politics.
As the role of media in politics shifts and transforms, MacCallum acknowledged Fox’s ongoing commitment to providing fair and comprehensive news coverage, reflecting a larger trend where traditional networks are striving to connect with audiences beyond their established bases.
In a notably active political environment, MacCallum’s insights suggest that the elections today may play a crucial role in shaping the narrative that leads into future electoral cycles. The outcomes could serve as indicators of broader voter sentiment across the nation, further emphasizing the importance of these local races.