There are state and local elections happening right now where we can help fortify Democratic power in key offices. Our local groups will support some of these statewide races. Others are for your information in case you’d like to support candidates beyond your local group. You can give to all listed candidates via womencount.org.
Governors
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey. This is a crowded race that includes heavy hitters like fellow Rep. Josh Gottheimer and the mayors of both Jersey City and Newark. Recent polling has Mikie in the lead at 10 percent, with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Rep. Gottheimer and former New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney trailing by only a couple points. The Democratic primary is on June 10.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia: She has no primary challengers, but will likely face current Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears in the general election. And this race will be high-profile: Virginia is always considered a bellwether in the off-year and that will especially be the case in 2025. The most recent polling has them tied. The general election will be November 4.
Other Statewide
Susan Crawford, Justice of the WI Supreme Court: Liberals ended gerrymandering with their one-seat majority, which resulted in Democrats flipping 14 state legislative seats last year. Dems can flip the Senate in 2026 by winning two more seats. But one of the Court’s liberal justices is retiring, and with control of the Court at stake, these gains could be cut short if we don’t hold this seat now. This special election is April 1.
Ghazala Hashmi, Virginia Lieutenant Governor: Ghazala is a two-term state senator who won her first race in 2019. With the current lieutenant governor vacating the seat to run for governor, this normally competitive race becomes even more challenging for Republicans to hold. The governor and lieutenant governor are elected separately in Virginia. Aaron Rouse, a state senator from the 22nd district, is shaping up to be Ghazala’s most formidable primary opponent, especially among those concerned about having two (or even three) women leading the ticket.
Shannon Taylor, Virginia Attorney General: Shannon has been the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Henrico County since 2012. Former state delegate Jay Jones is her only primary challenger so far. If she makes it into the general, she’ll face first-term incumbent Jason Miyares.
Mayors
Barbara Lee, Mayor of Oakland, CA: Former Rep. Lee currently has 14 opponents in this race but can clear the field if she posts solid early fundraising numbers. We have an opportunity to keep a woman of color at the head of city hall. This special election is April 15.
Tishaura Jones, Mayor of St. Louis, MO: Tishaura won a tough primary in 2021 to become the city’s first Black female mayor. Following the March 4 primary, 8th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer advanced as Mayor Jones’ main challenging, setting up a 2021 rematch. The general election is April 8.
Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor of San Antonio, TX: The incumbent is term-limited, leaving this seat open for the first time since 2009. As such, 15 candidates have officially declared. Elections are nonpartisan, but one “Republican” and one “Democratic” candidate usually make it into a top-two runoff. Gina ran for Congress in 2018 and 2020; we featured her both times. The primary is May 3.