Key Elections to Watch in 2025: Gubernatorial and Supreme Court Races

The 2025 elections will spotlight gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey, a Supreme Court election in Wisconsin, and key mayoral races, with significant implications for political control and voter turnout nationwide. Additionally, special elections will test the balance of power in the U.S. House amid ongoing legal challenges faced by certain incumbents.

In 2025, pivotal elections include gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, as well as a critical Supreme Court contest in Wisconsin. The outcomes will be significant, especially considering historical trends favoring the party out of the White House in off-cycle elections. In Virginia, the gubernatorial race will feature Democratic former Rep. Abigail Spanberger against Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, potentially marking a historic election of the first woman governor for the state. New Jersey’s open gubernatorial contest could see Democratic candidates like Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer running against Republicans, including former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli. Additionally, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race is expected to come down to two well-backed candidates. Voter participation in these races is crucial, as statewide elections historically impact political dynamics ahead of the next presidential election. Furthermore, several major cities, including New York, will conduct mayoral elections that may draw significant national interest, particularly with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams facing legal challenges. Lastly, at least three special elections for the House will occur, influencing the narrow split in Congress and possibly shifting political power.

The electoral landscape in 2025 is set against the backdrop of past presidential elections and state-level political trends. Following a presidential election, state races often provide the opposition party an opportunity to regain or maintain control, which has been evident in Virginia and New Jersey’s shifting political fortunes. The Virginia gubernatorial race is notable for its open-seat nature, with incumbent limits pushing for dynamic contests. In New Jersey, a challenging electoral climate for Democrats presents an opportunity for Republicans to regain ground. Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, having recently shifted control, will be under scrutiny as it addresses pivotal societal issues. Nationwide, mayoral elections in significant urban centers like New York will also play a critical role in the political narrative. Special elections within the House are anticipated to have substantial implications due to the closely divided Congress, marking 2025 as a crucial year politically.

In summary, the key elections of 2025, particularly the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, along with the Supreme Court election in Wisconsin, will be emblematic of the current political climate and voter sentiment. Rising challenges in urban mayoral elections and impending special elections for the House will further underscore the shifts in political power across the United States. The outcomes of these races will undoubtedly set the stage for the broader political landscape heading into the next presidential election cycle.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com