Wisconsin and Florida Voters Set the Stage in 2025: Key Insights Needed Now
Over 150 million Americans cast a ballot In last year's highlight election that led to President Donald Trump returning to the White House and observed Democrats in Congress face significant defeats. .
Although 2025 might appear less dramatic in contrast, the year still boasts several significant races carrying national importance.
A number of special elections held in several states have resulted in struggling Democratic candidates performing admirably, even managing to win state Senate seats. Iowa and Pennsylvania .
Begin your day with more knowledge. Receive all the essential news directly in your mailbox every morning.
"That should invigorate Democrats because it shows there's still some vitality in the party, even though they seem somewhat adrift in Washington," said Barry Burden, a political science professor and director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The result has left Democrats optimistic, however, experts argue that the true challenges are still ahead, beginning with a contentious decision from the Wisconsin State Supreme Court race Tuesday and a couple of extraordinary elections for U.S. House positions in northern Florida to fill vacancies created during the transition from the Trump administration .
In November, voters in Virginia and New Jersey will have the task of electing new governors since the current officeholders in these states are unable to seek another term due to term limits.
Here’s what you should be aware of regarding this year's selection of crucial elections.
Coming next: Wisconsin and Florida
On Tuesday, Wisconsin voters will decide If Trump-supported judge Brad Schimel or liberal circuit court judge Susan Crawford should fill the vacant seventh position on the state’s Supreme Court. Surveys indicate a tight contest. with no clear leader.
Florida also has two major contests on the ballot Tuesday: A special election will be held to fill the U.S. House seat left vacant by Matt Gaetz , who resigned in November When Trump appointed him as attorney general; the victor from the remaining contest will take over the role. Mike Waltz, Who departed from Congress to serve as Trump’s national security advisor?
While both congressional districts in the Sunshine State lean towards the Republican Party, recent reports indicate that GOP nominees continue to hold an advantage. lagging in fundraising AndDemocratic officials are making sounds as though they might pull off an unexpected victory.
I believe we're poised to exceed expectations," Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, stated to USA TODAY in Florida. "There's definitely a possibility that we might emerge victorious.
On Friday, Trump admitted that Democratic candidates are outspending their Republican counterparts in Florida by significant margins.
"So the airwaves are covered, and one can only wonder about the outcomes in such situations," the president stated to journalists in the Oval Office.
In Wisconsin, the competition to establish whether the state’s top court will lean liberal or conservative on topics ranging from abortion to redistricting has turned into a costly affair.
Elon Musk A wealthy supporter and associate of Trump has invested approximately $20 million in supporting Schimel. Combined spending from both parties has shattered records as the nation's costliest judicial election, potentially surpassing $100 million.
Musk's significant contribution — roughly ten times larger than that of Democratic donor George Soros — underscores the gravity and anticipation surrounding this election, according to Burden.
"He has somewhat energized the competition and made it even more closely tied to the Trump administration," Burden stated.
Musk has expressed his concerns about "activist judges," but his critics highlight an ongoing lawsuit filed by his electric car maker, Tesla, against the state of Wisconsin.
But," Burden said to USA TODAY, "the more significant aspects are the symbolic weight of this election. It could either endorse the new conservative agenda in Washington within a crucial swing state or serve as a rejection of what’s currently occurring in Washington.
Democrats look at this week with optimism.
Should Republicans aim to uphold their claimed mandate, Democrats are seeking key victories as they recover from a challenging end to 2024.
"The electorate is clearly backing state legislative Democrats who consistently deliver results amid seismic political shifts and outperform expectations, even as Republicans advocate for disorder and extreme policies at both federal and state levels," stated Heather Williams, President of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.
One of the prominent figures circling the Wisconsin election is Tim Walz , the Democratic governor from adjacent Minnesota who has similarly embarked on national tours after emerging as the loser alongside Kamala Harris in the 2024 electoral race as her vice-presidential candidate.
The 60-year-old Walz has brushed off his campaign shoes To campaign vigorously for Crawford signifies the critical importance Democrats attach to this election as they seek uplifting news stories following the previous year’s events.
Walz, who has kept the possibility open for herself launching a 2028 White House bid said Wisconsin continues to serve as an indicator for the nation’s economic concerns and embodies middle America's values. However, he also noted that it might now function as "a testing ground for the most negative outcomes" due to the influence of special interests' funding in the state’s elections, which includes partisan spending in supposedly nonpartisan judicial races.
"It astonishes me that a Supreme Court seat could cost nearly $100 million," Walz said to USA TODAY.
“And so here’s the thing, I didn’t want to be drawn into the discussion about a Supreme Court vacancy,” Walz said. “However, I was there arguing that Judge Crawford stands for upholding the law—not siding with Democrats, but supporting the law itself.”
Gubernatorial races intensify in New Jersey and Virginia
By November, residents of two states will be choosing their new governors.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin , a Republican, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, both encounter term limits this year, making their spots available for new candidates.
However, before anything else, the primary elections will take place in June for both states. In Virginia, the Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger is running uncontested. Meanwhile, although Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears faces several competitors within the GOP, she is widely expected to secure victory this coming summer.
Should Spanberger or Earle-Sears prevail in the general election, the commonwealth will see its first female governor take office.
In New Jersey, the race has drawn many participants from both major political parties. For Democrats, U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer and Representative Mikie Sherrill have joined the contest. Meanwhile, among Republican hopefuls, State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and former radio personality Bill Spadea head up an array of aspirants.
Virginia's campaigns held in odd years have frequently been considered a national indicator because they typically occur soon after a presidential election. However, Burden suggests that this perception may no longer be accurate.
I believe Virginia receives more attention than it actually warrants," he stated. "In the past, it was considered a swing state, making it an indicator of national sentiment. However, with it becoming consistently Democratic-leaning, a win for someone like Youngkin has gained significance.
Although New Jersey generally trends more Democratic, the state managed to elect Republican Chris Christie for two consecutive terms as governor. This occurred in successive elections held shortly after Barack Obama secured victories in both 2008 and 2012 presidential races.
"Republicans in Virginia and New Jersey hold a favorable stance as they've shown their dedication to enacting constructive legislation, whereas Democrats persist in impeding advancement," stated Mason Di Palma, the communication director for the Republican State Leadership Committee, in an official release.
What implications might this have for 2026?
Even though Democrats saw favorable results in 2025, Burden warned that this success may not necessarily carry over to 2026.
Partly, he explained, this is due to the shift within the Democratic base towards more college-educated voters, who generally have higher turnout rates during off-year elections. exit poll According to an NBC survey from last year of voters in 10 key states, 56% of college-educated individuals cast their votes for the Democrats, whereas the same proportion of those without a college education supported the Republicans.
Ever since becoming Harris' running mate, Walz has been traveling across the nation discussing with voters ways in which Democrats might reclaim their influence. He noted that municipal elections could act as a fresh start for the party, which currently lacks control in Washington. However, he also mentioned that regardless of what occurs on election day, Democrats face a broader challenge: bridging the gap between themselves and voters at the national stage.
"It’s a distinct group of voters who turn out for midterm and special elections," Walz stated.
“If you plan to head to the polls on April 1 for the special election for a Supreme Court position in Wisconsin, you’re clearly staying attentive,” Walz said. “The challenge we haven’t solved yet is related to these presidential elections, particularly involving Trump; there’s an entirely new group of voters who aren’t receiving our messages.”
Last month, Martin was chosen to head the DNC and stated that the party is currently working hard to construct an infrastructure throughout various states and districts.
Listen," Martin stated, "at present, as Democrats, since we lack influence in Washington, our sole focus should be on winning elections.
We're witnessing a significant amount of enthusiasm across the nation at the moment," he remarked. "If this zeal persists throughout the year and carries over into '26, it would be highly favorable for the Democratic party.
Contributors: Phillip Bailey, USA TODAY
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: In 2025, Wisconsin and Florida voters will have their turn: Here’s what you should be aware of.
Comments
Post a Comment