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Key State and Local Elections to Watch in Early 2025
As the new year begins, several significant down-ballot elections will offer early insights into the political landscape following Donald Trump and the Republican Party’s victories in November. These races may not command the same attention as the presidential contest, but they will play a critical role in shaping the political momentum for both parties in the months ahead.
Here’s a breakdown of the key races to watch in the opening months of 2025:
Virginia Legislative Special Elections
Virginia’s Loudoun County will host two pivotal special elections on January 7 that could reshape the state legislature’s balance of power.
One election will fill the state Senate seat left vacant by Suhas Subramanyam, who was elected to Congress in November. The other will replace a state House member who resigned to run for Subramanyam’s seat.
In the Senate race, Democratic Delegate Kannan Srinivasan faces Republican Tumay Harding. Meanwhile, Democrat JJ Singh and Republican Ram Venkatachalam will compete for the House seat. Both districts historically favor Democrats, but the results could signal broader political trends in Virginia, a state where Republicans have recently regained traction.
The outcomes are especially critical for determining legislative control. Currently, Democrats hold a slim majority in the state Senate and a slight edge in the House of Delegates. A Republican win in either chamber could bolster Governor Glenn Youngkin’s agenda as he eyes potential national ambitions.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
On April 1, Wisconsin voters will decide the ideological direction of the state Supreme Court in a high-stakes race to replace retiring liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.
Liberal candidate Susan Crawford, a Dane County judge, will face conservative Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general now serving as a Waukesha County judge. While the court is officially nonpartisan, the candidates’ stances on key issues like abortion and redistricting have drawn clear ideological lines.
The outcome could have far-reaching implications, as it would determine control of the court for several years. This race follows a similar one in 2023, when liberals gained a majority on the bench for the first time in over a decade.
Special U.S. House Elections
Several special elections will fill vacancies left by House members tapped for roles in Trump’s administration. Notable among these are the seats of Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, chosen as national security adviser, and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, selected as ambassador to the United Nations.
While these districts are solidly Republican, the results may reveal voter sentiment during Trump’s early days in office. Special primary elections for Florida seats are scheduled for January 28, with general elections on April 1.
These elections may not dominate national headlines but will provide valuable clues about the political environment as Democrats seek to regain footing and Republicans aim to consolidate their recent successes.