On November 4, 2025, several special elections will take place across various states, presenting vital opportunities for voters to fill key vacancies in both congressional and state legislative roles. Notably, a race in Texas’ 18th Congressional District, which has remained vacant since the death of Democrat Sylvester Turner in March, is expected to require a runoff due to a crowded field of candidates. Currently, the Democratic contenders are led by Christian Menefee, who has garnered significant support at 27%, followed by Amanda Edwards at 23% and Jolanda Jones at 15%, making it highly likely that the top two candidates will face off in a runoff scheduled for late January. This extended vacancy could leave the seat unrepresented in Congress for nearly a year.
In addition to the Texas race, significant special elections are set to occur in Minnesota, where the outcome could alter the partisan balance in the state Senate. Both Districts 29 and 47 have vacancies, following the death of Republican Bruce Anderson and the resignation of Democrat Nicole Mitchell, respectively. These elections could play a crucial role in determining control of the Minnesota Senate, which is currently narrowly divided.
Georgia will also see elections for the Public Service Commission, which oversees utility regulation in the state. A court ruling related to the Voting Rights Act has prompted statewide special elections, resetting the election timeline for the commission’s five districts. The winners will serve terms with varying durations, affecting Georgia’s utility governance significantly.
Several state legislative seats will also be contested in special elections, which could bolster voter turnout given the concurrent high-profile races on the ballot. Notable contests include a vacancy in Georgia’s House District 106, where a runoff is possible if no candidate secures a majority. Similarly, in Mississippi, the state’s Senate and House districts will hold special elections due to legal changes from a court ruling on redistricting that affected minority voting power.
Election day presents an opportunity for voters to choose representatives in New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington, and South Carolina, with polling times varying by state. As these elections approach, they underline the dynamic nature of American politics and the ongoing engagement of voters in filling legislative roles that impact their communities and states. The results of these special elections could not only reshape individual legislative bodies but also influence broader partisan dynamics leading into the 2026 elections.