CNN has revealed its broadcasting strategy for the 2025 off-cycle election, an event anticipated to garner substantial attention. The network will broadcast a “CNN Election Night 2025” special on November 4, 2025, providing updates on prominent races nationwide, including the closely-monitored New York City mayoral race, the California special election, and the gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia.
Anchoring CNN’s coverage will be Jake Tapper from Washington, D.C., alongside Anderson Cooper and Erin Burnett from New York City. Tapper will be joined by Dana Bash and Kasie Hunt in D.C., commencing at 5 p.m. eastern time. Burnett will lead from New York, moderating a panel of political analysts, including CNN’s Audie Cornish. Cooper will join the broadcast at 8 p.m. eastern, contributing alongside a panel of specialists for the remainder of the evening. John King will analyze election outcomes from the Magic Wall, while Kaitlan Collins will report from the White House. Abby Phillip will also contribute as an anchor. David Chalian will dissect exit polls, voting statistics, and redistricting results.
Phillip will take over the broadcast at midnight eastern, with Harry Enten managing the Magic Wall. Subsequently, at 2 a.m. eastern, Elex Michaelson will host a special edition of “The Story Is” from Los Angeles, focusing on a critical redistricting issue facing California voters. The network will also present an exclusive “Election Livecast” on its CNN All Access tier, launched in late October 2025. This stream, available from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., will feature “an unexpected and diverse group of influential voices reacting in real-time” to results as they are released.
CNN will also deploy a team of anchors, correspondents, and reporters to key states for on-site reporting, real-time reactions, and up-to-the-minute updates. The network plans to extend coverage via its website and app, using video explainers, live articles, and analysis of results. Comprehensive coverage of the election will be available leading up to and throughout election day.