With Republicans holding the reins of power in Washington come 2025, all eyes will be on the upcoming gubernatorial elections, particularly in Virginia. These off-year elections will serve as a key indicator of the political landscape and whether the GOP can maintain its momentum.
Historically, Virginia's gubernatorial race often reflects national sentiment towards the party occupying the White House. The incumbent party has typically lost this election, making it a significant bellwether. Current Governor Glenn Youngkin, who broke a 12-year Democratic hold on the governorship in 2022, is ineligible to run for re-election due to state term limits.
Stepping into the arena is Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears. A victory for Sears would be historic, marking her as the nation's first elected Black female governor. In a recent conversation, Sears emphasized her focus on improving Virginia and creating equal opportunities for all, rather than solely on making history. Sears, a Jamaican immigrant, boasts a distinguished background, having served in the Marines and the state legislature. She previously broke barriers as Virginia's first female lieutenant governor.
Her Democratic opponent, three-term Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, brings her experience as a former CIA officer to the table. Spanberger currently represents a district with a conservative lean. Either Sears or Spanberger will become the first woman elected as Virginia's governor, regardless of party affiliation.
Adding to the intrigue, all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates are up for grabs in 2025. Republicans are aiming to regain control of both the House and the state Senate, where special elections will be held for two seats vacated by newly elected members of Congress. With such high stakes, significant financial investment from outside groups is anticipated in both the gubernatorial and legislative races.
Simultaneously, New Jersey’s gubernatorial race is also heating up. Following Trump's improved performance in the state during the 2024 presidential election, Republicans are feeling optimistic about their chances of flipping the governorship, despite Democrats holding a strong voter registration advantage. The current Democratic governor, Phil Murphy, is term-limited, creating an open field for a diverse group of candidates from both parties.
Similar to Virginia, New Jersey’s gubernatorial contest is expected to draw substantial external funding. Other notable 2025 elections include state Supreme Court races in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, along with the mayoral election in New York City, where incumbent Eric Adams faces federal corruption charges and potential challenges, including possibly from former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
