In New Jersey, the governor’s race is set to capture considerable attention. The contest will see Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who presently serves as a U.S. House representative, face off against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Ciattarelli was the GOP nominee in the 2021 election, and both candidates are vying to succeed the term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.

While these elections may not dominate the national news as presidential years do, they are critical in assessing the strength and strategy of both major political parties. The outcomes could serve as a barometer for party influence and voter sentiment, making them pivotal in shaping the political narrative leading into the midterms.

Here’s a look at the states holding elections in November 2025:

• Governor race: Democrat Mikie Sherrill, currently a U.S. House member, and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, the 2021 GOP nominee, will challenge one another to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.

• Jersey City Mayor race: Seven candidates are running in an all-party primary. If no candidate receives a majority, the top two will move to a runoff election scheduled for Dec. 2.

• Governor race: Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle‑Sears are vying to replace term-limited Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The winner will become the state’s first female governor.

• Lieutenant Governor race: Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, a state senator, is challenging Republican John Reid, a talk-radio host.

• Attorney General race: Incumbent Republican Jason Miyares faces Democrat Jay Jones, a former state delegate in an intense race.

• Proposition MM: This measure proposes raising income taxes on households earning at least $300,000 annually. The revenue would fund a program to provide free meals for public-school students statewide.

• Question 1: This measure would overhaul the state’s election rules by requiring photo ID for all voting, shortening the absentee voting period, and banning absentee ballot requests by phone.

• Question 2: This measure would allow family or household members to petition courts to temporarily restrict someone’s access to weapons if they’re deemed a threat to themselves or others.

• New York City Mayor race: Democrat Zohran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa are on the ballot, but former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is also running as an independent after a loss in the Democratic primary. Incumbent Eric Adams has dropped out but also remains on the ballot.

• Cincinnati Mayor race: Incumbent Aftab Pureval runs for re-election against challenger Cory Bowman, the half-brother of Vice President JD Vance, in this officially non-partisan city race.

• Supreme Court Retention: Voters will decide whether to retain three Democratic justices. With Democrats holding a 5-2 majority, the outcome could shift the court’s ideological balance.

• Pittsburgh Mayor race: Democrat Corey O’Connor, having defeated incumbent Ed Gainey in the primary, faces Republican Tony Moreno in the general election.

• U.S. House, 18th District: A special election is set following the sudden death of Rep. Sylvester Turner. If no candidate earns over 50 % of the vote, the top two will go to a runoff.

• Proposition 15: A constitutional amendment to affirm parents as primary decision-makers for their children and protect choice in education and child-rearing.

• Proposition 16: This measure would add language explicitly requiring U.S. citizenship to vote in Texas.