The upcoming holiday season will be a critical time to rest and regroup. A second Donald Trump presidency is going to test all of us politically and emotionally, and we need to prepare ourselves for the fight ahead. 

But we did want to get on your radar two very important off-year governor races happening next year that we absolutely can win. They’ll be critical to maintaining Democratic power during the next four years and growing women’s representation in statewide office:

• Rep. Mikie Sherrill announced last month she is running for Governor of New Jersey, entering an already-crowded race that includes heavy hitters like fellow Rep. Josh Gottheimer and the mayors of both Jersey City and Newark. The action here will be in the Democratic primary next June.
  
• Rep. Abigail Spanberger has been running for Governor of Virginia since she announced last year that she would not run for re-election to the House. Her seat there was held by a Democrat, by the way. So far, she has no primary challengers, but will likely face current Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears in the general election. And this race will be high-profile: Virginia is always considered a bellwether in the off-year and that will especially be the case in 2025.

When you come up for political air after the holidays, remember these two races and take heart in just how winnable they are.

And please give now to help Mikie and Abigail get a jump on campaigning.