(MENAFN- Newsfile Corp) Middleton, Wisconsin--(Newsfile Corp. - October 16, 2025) - While this year may not be a major election year, the 2025 elections will shape the political landscape heading into 2026 and beyond. From governors' mansions to city halls, and from state courts to Congress, Ballotpedia's editorial staff will be covering hundreds of races on election night for offices up and down the ballot. The organization's elections coverage team has selected 10 of those races that they see as the most important, compelling, and competitive in the country.

"There are several key trends we're watching this year," said Cory Eucalitto, Ballotpedia's Associate Director of Features. "Trifecta* status is something to keep an eye on-Virginia could either become a Democratic trifecta or remain a divided government, while New Jersey could either maintain its Democratic trifecta or shift to a split government. Races like the Georgia Public Service Commission, Virginia Attorney General, and Virginia House of Delegates are significant because they occur the year after a presidential election, serving as bellwethers that point to where voters' minds and priorities are heading into the midterms. We're also seeing an interesting dynamic in the mayoral races we're highlighting. All three cities historically lean Democratic, but this year there seems to be a real battle between the moderate and more progressive wings of the party."

Ballotpedia's Top 10 Races to Watch:

• Virginia Governor
  • Democrat Abigail Spanberger Winsome Earle-Sears Glenn Youngkin Donna Charles
  • New Jersey Governor
    • Democrat Mikie Sherrill Jack Ciattarelli Phil Murphy Vic Kaplan Joanne Kuniansky
    • Virginia House of Delegates
      • In Virginia, all 100 seats in the House of Delegates are up for election.
      • Democrats currently hold a narrow 51 to 48 majority, with one vacant seat. Republicans need to gain three seats to take control of the chamber.
    • New York, N.Y. Mayor
      • In New York City, Democrat and Working Families Party candidate Zohran Mamdani Curtis Sliwa Andrew Cuomo
      • Pennsylvania Supreme Court
        • Three Democratic justices - Christine Donohue Kevin Dougherty David Wecht retention. Democrats currently hold a 5-2 majority on the court. To keep that majority, at least two of the three Democratic justices must be retained.
        • Texas 18th Congressional District special election
          • Former Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner Sheila Jackson Lee
          • The race features more than a dozen candidates, including Democrats Amanda Edwards Christian Menefee Jolanda Jones
          • The winner will finish Turner's term under the district's current boundaries - but the district will use new boundaries for 2026.
          • Virginia Attorney General
            • Republican Jason Miyares Jay Jones
            • Minneapolis Mayor
              • Incumbent Jacob Frey Omar Fateh
            • Seattle Mayor
              • Incumbent Bruce Harrell Katie Wilson
              • Georgia Public Service Commission
                • There are special elections for two seats on the state's Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities like energy and telecommunications. A general runoff (if necessary) will be held on December 2.
                • Republican incumbents Tim Echols Fitz Johnson Alicia Johnson Peter Hubbard

                  *State government trifecta is a term to describe single-party government, when one political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.

                  About Ballotpedia
                  Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is the nation's most trusted source of unbiased information on politics, elections, and policy. Founded in 2007, Ballotpedia has grown from a small group of dedicated volunteers working on a handful of ballot measures to an essential resource for voters, media, and researchers. Ballotpedia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the public interest in creating an educated, engaged electorate, and building a strong, healthy democracy. For free access to 610,000+ encyclopedic, professionally authored, and curated articles, visit Ballotpedia.

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