US off-year elections 2025: Key mayoral and gubernatorial races to watch
American voters are set to head to the polls for pivotal off-year elections, including high-profile mayoral contests in New York, Minneapolis, Seattle, and Detroit, as well as gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Several local elections and ballot measures across the country will also be decided, offering an early gauge of voter sentiment less than a year into President Donald Trump’s second term.
Mayoral elections
In New York City, attention is on 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who stunned the political establishment with a primary victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo, now running as an independent, remains Mamdani’s main challenger but is trailing in polls. Mamdani’s rise has made him a prominent national figure and a focal point in the ongoing debate between progressive and conservative forces.
In Minneapolis, incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey faces a challenge from democratic socialist Omar Fateh. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, a moderate, is being contested by progressive community organizer Katie Wilson, while Detroit’s race features front-runners Mary Sheffield and Solomon Kinloch Jr., both vying for the mantle of leading progressive candidate.
Gubernatorial elections
Two key states will elect governors this year:
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Virginia: With Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin term-limited, the race to succeed him features Democrat Abigail Spanberger, former U.S. Representative, against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the state’s current lieutenant governor.
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New Jersey: Democratic Rep Mikie Sherrill seeks to maintain her party’s hold on the governor’s office as Phil Murphy reaches his term limit. Her Republican challenger is state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli. While polls favor Sherrill, Ciattarelli could mount an upset.
Key election dates and schedules
New York City (Mayor, Comptroller, City Council)
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US date: Tuesday, 4 November 2025
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Polls: 6am – 9pm EST / 4.30pm (Nov 4) – 7.30am (Nov 5, IST)
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Early voting: 25 Oct – 2 Nov 2025 / 6pm (25 Oct) – 2.30am (Nov 3, IST)
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Results: Unofficial tallies begin 9.30–10.30pm EST (8–9am IST, Nov 5)
California (Ballot measures)
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US date: 4 November 2025, 7am – 8pm PST / 8.30pm – 9.30am IST
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Results expected: 11pm PST / 12.30pm IST, Nov 5
Mississippi (State House of Representatives – 5 special seats)
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US date: 4 November, 7am – 7pm CST / 6.30pm – 6.30am IST
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Results: 9pm CST / 8.30am IST, Nov 5
Georgia (Public Service Commission, Districts 2 & 3)
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US date: 4 November, 7am – 7pm EST / 5.30pm – 5.30am IST
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Results: 10pm EST / 8.30am IST, Nov 5
Texas (18th Congressional District Special Election)
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US date: 4 November, 7am – 7pm CST / 6.30pm – 6.30am IST
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Results: 10pm CST / 8.30am IST, Nov 5
Tennessee (7th Congressional District Special Election)
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US date: 2 December, 7am – 7pm CST / 6.30pm – 6.30am IST
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Results: 9pm CST / 8.30am IST, Dec 3
These elections will provide early insight into voter trends and the political climate ahead of the 2026 midterms, testing both party strength and the appeal of emerging progressive and moderate candidates in urban centers and key states.
