The States In 2025

Following a recent giving circle meeting led by The States Project, we received great insight about what to expect for the states in 2025. Though this is an off year for elections, 2025 will still have plenty of action within the state legislatures, which will keep us busy as we navigate a new political landscape at the national level.

Not only will the usual work and attention be required to support state level elections, but this movement will be all the more important whilst up against radical and extreme agendas. In the long term, we have the opportunity to create stronger state legislatures, implement policies and influence some important gubernatorial races.

The year is already off to a great start, with two special elections in Virginia that were supported by State Fair having been won: one for the House and one for the Senate, with both chambers defended (see our previous blog for details).

The States Project stressed that although these districts were typically left leaning, they had trended right in polling and therefore wins were not guaranteed. By supporting state level elections like these, where the margins are within 20% points, we can see the power our investment delivers and how holding these critical majorities will benefit future elections.

What makes it possible for lawmakers to pass policy depends on the level of governing power and too often power-grabs go under the radar.

In Virginia, which has a Republican governor, policy that matters in the state and neighboring states (such as access to reproductive healthcare) successfully passed, because of the majorities we helped build.

Even in the states outside those we choose to support, whether red, blue or purple, we can have an impact.

There are some great stories about how states have enacted policy with concern to healthcare, support for families and safety against gun violence:

Additionally, The Michigan Senate majority passed more than 90 life-improving policies in a historic 29-hour session. These policies included gun safety measures, mental health resources for students, and quality healthcare for Michigan families:

These and other policies - relating to employment, education and environmental concerns - protect and improve lives and are all decided at the state level.

You can also read The States Project's 2025 Policy Agenda to learn more about policy work in the states, and plans for 2025.

Investment in candidate campaigns helps to deliver successful campaigning tools such as door knocking, ad testing and local press. Because candidates often stand for these roles alongside their existing jobs, they rely on the generous donations made through giving circles like State Fair to run their campaigns.

To build a strong electoral program, early money will be key. In 2023, we had tremendous success in Virginia, with tight elections and margins that proved how vital investment in this work is and how funding ensures lawmakers have the tools and the training required.

More information about how donations fuel this work can be found in The States Project's Stories of Impact

We were reminded how special elections this year will affect the future of the legislature make-up. Building power by focusing on the states and supporting the work of The States Project, we can help break supermajorities, build supermajorities, hold majorities and flip majorities where required, all with the aim of shifting the balance of power.

Being able to support the legislature elections in Virginia for instance, could go a long way towards impacting the results of the November governor's race, where current Republican governor Glenn Youngkin is not up for re-election.

At a time where national level politics feels more and more chaotic and out of our control, we can take solace in the knowledge that work at the state level gives us a great deal of agency and will be the best line of defense.

Want to donate? We currently have a match running, where each dollar will be matched, so now is a great time to invest in this work and join our giving circle: Donate to State Fair

Not able to donate, but want to join our giving circle? Visit us here and sign up with your email or social account: Join State Fair