2021 United States elections

2021 United States elections

← 2020          2021           2022 → Off-year elections
Election day	November 2
House elections
Seats contested	6 early-term vacancies
Net change	0
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Election to be held      Republican hold      Democratic hold
Gubernatorial elections
Seats contested	3 (including a recall election in California)
Template:2021 United States gubernatorial elections imagemap
Democratic incumbent      Republican gain      No election

The 2021 United States elections were held, in large part, on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. This off-year election included the regular gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia. In addition, state legislative elections were held in New Jersey and the Virginia House of Delegates (the lower house of the Virginia General Assembly), along with numerous state legislative special elections, citizen initiatives, mayoral races, and a variety of other local elections. Two of six special elections to the United States House of Representatives also took place on November 2 or earlier as a result of either deaths or vacancies. The first of these was held on March 20.

Widely characterized as a "red wave" election, Republican candidates made significant gains up and down the ballot. Glenn Youngkin, the Republican nominee in the Virginia gubernatorial election, prevailed against Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe in a massive upset. Youngkin promised to ban the teaching of critical race theory within public schools on "day one" of his administration, push back against certain COVID-19 mandates and restrictions, and advocate for a low tax and small government agenda within the state of Virginia. Within the Democratic Party, moderate nominees generally prevailed against left-wing candidates, and progressive policies by and large saw rejection; a proposal to defund and replace the Minneapolis police department was defeated by an overwhelming margin.

The results were widely seen as a backlash against the social, racial, and COVID-19 migration policies of the Biden administration; its perceived economic interventionism; as well as cultural liberalism and "wokeism" within the Democratic Party.

Federal elections

Senate

Main articles: 2020–21 United States Senate election in Georgia and 2020–21 United States Senate special election in Georgia

As part of the 2020 United States Senate elections, Georgia held run-off elections for both of its Senate seats on January 5, 2021. The run-off elections were triggered because of a Georgia law requiring a second round when no individual wins a majority of the vote in most federal, state, and local elections. Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock were the victors in those special elections, which gave the Democrats a total of 48 seats to the Republicans' 50. However, the victories resulted in a shift of power to the Democrats; the other two Senators, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine, are both independents who belong to the Democrats' caucus, and since any tied vote is broken by the President of the Senate — in this case Vice President Kamala Harris, also a Democrat — the Democrats technically hold a one-seat majority.

House of Representatives

Main articles: 2021 United States House of Representatives elections and Special elections to the United States House of Representatives during the 117th United States Congress

Six special elections were held throughout 2021 to fill vacancies during the 117th U.S. Congress.

• Louisiana's 5th congressional district: Republican Julia Letlow defeated Democrat Sandra Christophe and fellow Republican Chad Conerly to succeed her husband Luke Letlow after his death from COVID-19 on December 29, 2020, five days before he would have taken office for the next session of Congress. The district has a partisan index of R+17.
• Louisiana's 2nd congressional district: Democrat Troy Carter defeated fellow Democrat Karen Carter Peterson to succeed Cedric Richmond, who resigned on January 15, 2021 to become the director of the Office of Public Liaison and a Senior Advisor to Joe Biden. The district has a partisan index of D+25.
• New Mexico's 1st congressional district: Democrat Melanie Stansbury defeated Republican Mark Moores to succeed Deb Haaland, who resigned on March 16, 2021 to serve as the United States Secretary of the Interior. The district has a partisan index of D+9.
• Texas's 6th congressional district: Republican Jake Ellzey defeated fellow Republican Susan Wright to succeed Ron Wright, who died on February 7, 2021 from COVID-19 during the pandemic in Texas. The district has a partisan index of R+6.
• Ohio's 11th congressional district: Democrat Shontel Brown defeated Republican Laverne Gore to succeed Marcia Fudge, who resigned on March 10, 2021 to serve as United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The district has a partisan index of D+30.
• Ohio's 15th congressional district: Republican Mike Carey defeated Democrat Allison Russo to succeed Steve Stivers, who resigned on May 16, 2021 to become the president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. The district has a partisan index of R+9.

Puerto Rican shadow delegation

In May, Puerto Rico held a shadow congressional delegation election to elect two senators and four representatives to replace the shadow delegation first appointed in 2017. The shadow senators and representatives are not seated in Congress, but are charged with advancing Puerto Rico's statehood efforts. In the preliminary results from election night, former at-large senator Melinda Romero and lawyer Zoraida Buxo earned the most votes for senator, and conservative commentator Elizabeth Torres, municipal lawmaker Roberto Lefranc Fortuño, former Ponce Mayor María Meléndez, and Junventud PNP director Adriel Vélez earned the most votes for the House delegation. However, former governor Ricardo Rosselló earned enough write-in votes to gain a seat in the House delegation over Vélez. Voter turnout was at a record low level — 3.92% — in the election.

State elections

Gubernatorial

Main article: 2021 United States gubernatorial elections

Two states held regularly scheduled gubernatorial elections in 2021, and one more state held a recall election:

• California: A recall petition was launched against first-term Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, mainly for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis scheduled the recall election for September 14, 2021; voters began receiving their mail ballots in August. The election featured two questions: whether to recall Newsom, and who would replace him if he were recalled. A large number of candidates were listed on the replacement ballot, with major candidates including talk show host Larry Elder, financial analyst Kevin Paffrath, businessman John H. Cox, former mayor of San Diego Kevin Faulconer, state assemblyman Kevin Kiley, media personality Caitlyn Jenner, and former U.S. Representative Doug Ose, among others. The recall was unsuccessful and Newsom stayed in office.
• New Jersey: One-term Democrat Governor Phil Murphy is eligible for re-election, and is seeking a second term. Former State assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli won the Republican primary. The Libertarian Party nominated Gregg Mele, the Green Party Madelyn Hoffman, and the Socialist Workers Party Joanne Kuniansky.
• Virginia: Virginia's term limit laws do not allow sitting governors to serve consecutive terms, so incumbent Democrat Governor Ralph Northam is precluded from running again for the office until the next gubernatorial election in 2025. Former governor Terry McAuliffe won the Democratic primary and former co-CEO of The Carlyle Group Glenn Youngkin was nominated at the Republican convention. Liberation Party candidate Princess Blanding ran unsucessfully in the race as well. Major media sources, including DDHQ projected the Republican Nominee Glenn Youngkin to have won the election.

Lieutenant gubernatorial

One state will hold a lieutenant gubernatorial election in 2021:

• Virginia: One-term Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax was eligible to run for a second term, but instead ran unsuccessfully for Governor. State delegate Hala Ayala won the Democratic primary and former state delegate Winsome Sears was nominated at the Republican convention. On November 2, 2021, Sears prevailed and was elected lieutenant governor of Virginia.

Attorney general

One state will hold an attorney general election in 2021:

• Virginia: Two-term Democrat Attorney General Mark Herring initially ran for governor but withdrew to run for a third term. He defeated state delegate Jay Jones in the Democratic primary. State delegate Jason Miyares was nominated at the Republican convention. On election day, it was projected that Miyares would defeat Herring, and would be the next attorney general of Virginia.

Legislative

Main article: 2021 United States state legislative elections

Legislative elections will be held for both houses of the New Jersey Legislature and the lower house of the Virginia General Assembly. Democrats currently hold majority control of the New Jersey Senate and the General Assembly. The Virginia House of Delegates is also held by Democrats, though by only a few seats, giving Republicans an opportunity to regain control.

• 2021 New Jersey General Assembly election
• 2021 New Jersey State Senate election
• 2021 Virginia House of Delegates election

Local elections

Mayoral elections

A number of major U.S. cities have held mayoral elections in 2021:

• Burlington, Vermont: On March 2, three-term Democrat Miro Weinberger narrowly won re-election against Progressive Max Tracy.
• Springfield, Missouri: On April 6, two-term independent Ken McClure won re-election against independent Marcus Aton.
• St. Louis, Missouri: On April 6, Democrat Tishaura Jones narrowly defeated Democrat Cara Spencer to succeed retiring one-term Democrat Lyda Krewson.
• San Antonio, Texas: On May 1, two-term independent Ron Nirenberg won re-election against Greg Brockhouse.
• Anchorage, Alaska: On May 11, Republican Dave Bronson narrowly defeated Democrat Forrest Dunbar in a runoff to succeed acting mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson.
• Omaha, Nebraska: On May 11, two-term Republican Jean Stothert won re-election against Democrat RJ Neary in a runoff.
• Arlington, Texas: On June 5, Jim Ross defeated Michael Glaspie to succeed term-limited three-term Jeff Williams.
• Fort Worth, Texas: On June 5, Mattie Parker defeated Deborah Peoples to succeed retiring five-term Betsy Price.
• Jackson, Mississippi: On June 8, one-term Democrat Chokwe Antar Lumumba won re-election against independents Les Tannehill and Charlotte Reeves.
• Birmingham, Alabama: On August 24, one-term Democrat Randall Woodfin won re-election against Democrats Lashunda Scales and William A. Bell.
• Mobile, Alabama: On August 24, two-term Republican Sandy Stimpson won re-election against Democrats Fred Richardson and Karlos Finley.
• Albuquerque, New Mexico: On November 2, one-term Democrat Tim Keller won re-election against county sheriff and fellow Democrat Manuel Gonzales. Republican radio host Eddy Aragon came in third.
• Boston, Massachusetts: Acting Democratic mayor Kim Janey, who succeeded Marty Walsh after his resignation to become U.S. Secretary of Labor, lost the primary for election to a full term. On November 2, former City Council president Michelle Wu defeated City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George.
• Cincinnati, Ohio: Two-term Democrat John Cranley is ineligible to run due to term limits. Hamilton County, Ohio Clerk of Courts Aftab Pureval defeated former mayor David S. Mann.
• Cleveland, Ohio: Four-term Democrat Frank G. Jackson announced that he is not seeking re-election. Nonprofit executive Justin Bibb defeated City Council president Kevin J. Kelley to replace him.
• Detroit, Michigan: On November 2, two-term Democrat Mike Duggan won re-election against former deputy mayor Anthony Adams, also a Democrat.
• Miami, Florida: On November 2, one-term Republican Francis X. Suarez decisively won re-election, defeating businessman Max Martinez.
• New York City, New York: Two-term Democrat Bill de Blasio was ineligible to run due to term limits. The Democratic nominee, Brooklyn president Eric Adams, defeated Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa.
• Toledo, Ohio: On November 2, one-term Democrat Wade Kapszukiewicz defeated independent former mayor Carty Finkbeiner.

Eligible incumbents

• Albany, New York: Two-term Democrat Kathy Sheehan is running for re-election.
• Alexandria, Virginia: One-term Democrat Justin Wilson is running for re-election.
• Atlantic City, New Jersey: One-term Democrat Marty Small Sr.
• Buffalo, New York: Four-term Democrat Byron Brown is running as a write-in candidate after losing the Democratic nomination to former executive director of Fruit Belt Community Land Trust India Walton
• Hoboken, New Jersey: One-term Democrat Ravinder Bhalla.
• Jersey City, New Jersey: Two-term Democrat Steven Fulop.
• Lansing, Michigan: One-term Democrat Andy Schor is running for re-election.
• Lancaster, Pennsylvania: One-term Democrat Danene Sorace is running for re-election.
• Manchester, New Hampshire: Two-term Democrat Joyce Craig is running for re-election.
• Minneapolis, Minnesota: One-term Democrat Jacob Frey is running for re-election.
• New Orleans, Louisiana: One-term Democrat LaToya Cantrell is running for re-election.
• Syracuse, New York: One-term independent Ben Walsh is running for re-election.

Ineligible or retiring incumbents

• Allentown, Pennsylvania: One-term Democrat Ray O'Connell lost renomination to Matt Tuerk.
• Atlanta, Georgia: One-term Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that she is not running for re-election.
• Columbia, South Carolina: Three-term Stephen K. Benjamin announced that he is not seeking re-election.
• 2021 Harrisburg mayoral election in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Two-term incumbent mayor Eric Papenfuse, a member of the Democratic Party, ran for a third term, but lost re-nomination to City Council President Wanda Williams. On September 15, 2021, Papenfuse formally announced that he would run a write-in campaign in the November General Election.Williams won the general election against Papenfuse by more than a 2–1 margin.
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Two-term Democrat Bill Peduto lost renomination to state representative Ed Gainey.
• Rochester, New York: Two-term Democrat Lovely Warren lost renomination to at-large city councilor Malik Evans.
• Seattle, Washington: One-term Democrat Jenny Durkan announced that she is not running for re-election.
• St. Petersburg, Florida: Two-term Democrat Rick Kriseman is ineligible to run due to term limits.
• Dayton, Ohio: Two-term Democrat Nan Whaley won't run for re-election and is instead running for Governor of Ohio.

Other municipal elections

• Boston, Massachusetts: City Council
• Dallas, Texas: City Council
• Minneapolis, Minnesota: City Council
• New York City, New York: Comptroller, Public Advocate, City Council, borough presidents
• Seattle, Washington: City Attorney, City Council

Tribal elections

Several notable Native American tribes will hold elections in 2021 for tribal executives, including the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

The Cherokee Nation is holding elections to its Tribal Council on June 5.

In July 2021, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe voters elected Ronald LaFrance Jr. chief in a special election, ousting incumbent chief Eric Thompson. Thompson had narrowly beaten LaFrance, who ran as a write-in candidate in the regular June election, but appeals called that election into question, resulting in the special election.