The government shutdown has caused significant disruptions, including missed paychecks, mass firings, and threats of delayed public benefits. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are skeptical about the impact of the upcoming elections in New Jersey and Virginia on resolving the impasse. These elections, occurring in less than two weeks, are expected to be closely contested and could offer a test of the electorate’s response to the crisis. However, many lawmakers believe that the election outcomes will not significantly change their positions on the issue. The article highlights the skepticism among both parties, with Democrats like Rep. James Walkinshaw suggesting that the results will validate their existing stances rather than alter them. Republicans, including Rep. Jeff Van Drew, express similar doubts, predicting that the shutdown’s influence on the elections will be minimal. The shutdown’s impact on the elections is further subdued by other political issues, such as the Trump administration’s approach to government spending and its effects on federal jobs. The article also explores the broader political implications, including the potential for these elections to reflect public sentiment towards the administration’s handling of the shutdown. In addition, the article notes the role of Trump’s policies in New Jersey and the impact of cost-of-living concerns on voter behavior. With Nov. 4 approaching, lawmakers remain divided on the potential of the elections to resolve the ongoing stalemate, with some expressing confidence that the results will serve as a clear indicator of public dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s actions.