The 2025 United States Elections: Defining Local Power

Did you know that elections that do not happen during a Presidential year often determine the daily lives of most Americans more directly than national contests?

The 2025 United States elections, which took place mostly on November 4, 2025, formed an election cycle that fell outside of the Presidential election year. These elections featured many important races at the state and local levels. These races include votes for governors, state lawmakers, as well as many mayors across the country.

What Are Off-Year Elections?

Off-year elections happen when voters elect officials in years between Presidential elections. Because these elections happen less frequently, voter numbers often drop compared to years when the country elects a President. Despite lower turnout, these races hold great importance for setting policy at state and local levels.

Key Gubernatorial Races in 2025

Several states will elect governors. The race in New Jersey drew special attention.

The New Jersey governor's race involved Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a congresswoman, also Navy veteran, going against Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker who had the support of former President Trump.
The governor now in office, Phil Murphy, a Democrat, cannot run again because state law limits his term.

Who Won Major Mayoral Elections?

Major cities across the U.S. held elections for mayor. Below shows the results:

New York City - Since the Democrat now in office, Eric Adams, retired, Democratic State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani won the election. This kept the city under Democratic control.
New Orleans, Louisiana - Helena Moreno, a member of the city council, won the election for mayor. She takes the place of Democrat LaToya Cantrell, whose term limits expired.
San Antonio, Texas - Democrat Gina Ortiz Jones won the election for mayor. She takes the place of Independent Ron Nirenberg, whose term limits expired.

Other cities with noteworthy mayoral elections include:

Garland, Texas
Gulfport, Mississippi
Oakland, California (a special election)
Springfield, Missouri

State Legislative Contests

Various states held elections for their state lawmaking bodies. The specific details differ by state and fit within the larger 2025 election schedule.

These contests decide which political party controls the state houses and senates. This control strongly influences laws concerning taxes, education, in addition to social issues within the state borders.

Important Ballot Measures and Local Votes

Several states and local areas voted on proposals that affect criminal justice, police work, next to court processes. Below are a few examples:

Maine - Voters considered a “red flag” gun law. This law would let family members ask courts to take away a person's gun ownership rights without needing police involvement first.
Texas - Voters decided on proposals that affect bail rules and groups that oversee how judges act. These votes reflect ongoing arguments about supervising judges and fixing the criminal justice system.
Other Local Measures: These included tax proposals for building jails in Montana and rules about law enforcement in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Why Do These Elections Matter?

These elections show a varied and active political situation in the United States during 2025. They hold great importance for how governance works at many levels. Since these elections happen outside of a Presidential election year, they often show the true feelings of local voters about local issues and policies.

FAQ

What does "term-limited" mean?

When an official is "term-limited," it means the law prevents them from running for that specific office again after their current term ends. This forces them to leave the position.

Where do off-year elections take place?

Off-year elections take place across the entire United States, but the specific offices up for vote are usually state, county, along with municipal positions, such as governor, mayor, state assembly seats, as well as local judge positions. You should check your local election schedule for details.

Is voter turnout always lower in off-year elections?

Generally, yes. Voter numbers usually drop in elections that do not include the Presidential race. However, highly contested or controversial local races sometimes increase participation in specific areas.

Resources & References:

Kolly 24/7

The 2025 United States Elections: Defining Local Power | List of Elections in 2025 USA

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