Races to watch on Election Day 2025

What key national, statewide, and local races can tell us about voters’ mindsets heading into 2026

by OSTA DAVIS

(November 4, 2025) — Leading up to the election, I collect every snippet of political mail that lands in my mailbox. By the time Election Day rolls around, I find myself queasy and curious about the dramas playing out amongst campaigns, and eager to discover what the results will reveal.  Will anti-incumbent sentiment pervade? Will fissures form among the coalition that elected President Trump? How will government action or inaction–whether the government shutdown, I.C.E. raids, or Medicaid cuts–impact voter behavior? Which candidates will emerge as leaders in this new era?

Here are some races that I’m watching that may lend answers to the questions above:

Nation:

• California’s Proposition 50: While historically the redrawing of political boundaries occurred every ten years following the census, these political norms were ruptured when the Supreme Court’s LULAC v. Perry decision paved the way for mid-decade redistricting. California’s Proposition 50 asks voters how they want to maneuver in a post-norms society. Will folks opt for redistricting this cycle or stick with their independent commission model?
• Virginia: Unlike Washington State, Virginia’s state legislature is elected in odd years, serving as an early pulse on the political climate and a glimpse into how the federal environment translates into state races. In an interesting turn, the races for Governor and Attorney General may result in state executive leadership from both parties.

A canvass in support of State Rep. Edwin Obras this past weekend.

Washington State:

• Legislative District 26: The district spanning portions of Pierce and Kitsap counties has gained the reputation of being among the most competitive in the state. Longtime Republican legislator Michelle Caldier takes on labor-endorsed Senator Deb Krishnadasan in a nailbiter race.
• Legislative District 33: In South King County, Labor-endorsed Edwin Obras faces Kevin Schilling. This Democrat-on-Democrat race will speak to voters’ appetite for progressive solutions as a path forward.

Local:

• Olympia’s Proposition 1: Referred to as the Workers’ Bill of Rights, this measure advances wages and adds work schedule predictability. The proposition will be before Tacoma voters in February, so Olympia is providing a preview of what’s to come.
• Mayoral Races: Across Washington cities, voters will decide who they want behind the driving wheel.
• Union Candidates: Across the state, union members are stepping up to run for office. Alumni from WSLC’s Path to Power candidate training program appeared on my ballot, and likely yours too. I am heartened by these candidates’ tenacity, courage, and drive, and look forward to cheering on their victories.

A canvass in support of two more Labor-endorsed candidates, Victoria Hunt and Vandana Slatter.

If you are reading this, YOU have an opportunity to answer the deeper question about who we are in this moment. You can do this by filling out your ballot and returning it to your nearest ballot drop box by 8 p.m. If your voter registration has lapsed, you may register at your local County Auditor’s office and voting centers until 8 p.m. as well.

If I have learned anything about who we are as a labor movement over the last year, it’s this: We are the people who show up. We show up in the pouring rain. We show up at the ballot box. We show up when our brothers, sisters, and siblings are in need.

Week after week after week, I have had the pleasure of spending evenings and weekends with members who continue to show up because they understand the political power of our presence. I’m filled with gratitude and appreciation for all those who joined us at the doors and on the phones this election session.

Osta Davis is Political & Strategic Campaigns Director at the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO.