2025 is the year of the mayor
See a preview of what’s at stake for city governments across the country.
Introduction
A recent study from the Yankelovich Center for Social Sciences Research demonstrates the significant gap in voter turnout across big cities for presidential elections versus city mayoral races.
Compare 2024 presidential turnout in major cities against their most recent mayoral election data:
New York City: 54% vs 23%
San Antonio: 58% vs 15%
Charlotte: 70% vs 15%
Detroit: 59% vs 19%
Seattle: 80% vs 55%
Millions of voters in cities who just cast ballots across the country are primed to vote in local elections this year – but most are also unlikely to do so.
At BallotReady, it’s a core part of our mission to bridge this turnout gap as millions of voters have the chance to transform their city governments this cycle (including in each of the cities listed above).
We’re starting by offering an early look at which cities require investment this year in order to mobilize voters for mayoral and city council races.
Have questions for our team? From filing deadlines to candidate research, we have the data. Request a 2025 strategy call to learn more.
Over 5,000 cities will hold elections for mayor in 2025. Here are the 50 biggest:
There are over 30,000 open city council seats in 2025 including in major cities like Minneapolis, Boston, Dallas, and Cleveland.
5 mayoral races this cycle to keep an eye on:
The mayoral race in New York City, the largest of the year impacting 8.8 million people, is set to be highly consequential as incumbent mayor Eric Adams faces reelection amid criminal charges for bribery and campaign finance violations. With a crowded Democratic field including prominent officials like Brad Lander and the potential entry of controversial former governor Andrew Cuomo, this race promises to shape the future of the city while reflecting broader political dynamics.
The 2025 San Antonio mayoral election, affecting 1.4 million residents, features 17 candidates vying for the first open seat since 2009. Some consultants estimate this could be one of the most expensive mayoral races in the country.
Voters in Oakland, California successfully voted to recall Sheng Thao as mayor during the 2024 election cycle amid rising crime rates and personal controversy. This triggered a 2025 special election to pick a replacement for the remaining two years of Thao’s term.
Early polls show a competitive mayoral race in Pittsburgh with Ed Gainey, the city’s first African American mayor, facing a primary challenge from Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Conner, the son of former Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O’Connor.
Incumbent Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. and his wife face criminal charges on accusations of physically and emotionally abusing their teenage daughter. No opponents have formally filed to run, but rumors of challengers are swirling.
Seattle’s 2025 mayoral election marks a potential milestone as Mayor Bruce Harrell seeks to become the city’s first two-term mayor in nearly 15 years. His campaign emphasizes achievements in public safety, housing, and climate legislation.