2025 United States Gubernatorial Election (Pear's Future III)

The 2025 United States Gubernatorial Elections took place in the start of Joe Biden's second term. Altough the two states with Governors up for re-election, Virginia and New Jersey, had both voted for Biden by double digit margins, the Democrats had been heavily hurt by the 2025 economic recession. As such, President's Biden's approval had plummeted, along with concerns with his health and scandals with his Vice President, Kamala Harris. As such, Republicans were able to hold the governorship in Virginia, as well as flip New Jersey. Both seats this cycle were open, as Governors Glen Youngkin and Phil Murphy were both term limited and no able to seek re-election.

New Jersey
Incumbent Governor Phil Murphy was term limited and unable to seek re-election to a third term. Jack Ciattarelli, who narrowly lost to Murphy in 2021, announced he would run in the 2025 Election during his concession speech, and easily won the Republican primary. Former State Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who announced he would run for Governor shortly after his defeat for re-election in 2021, narrowly won the Democratic primary. Although Sweeney was expected to win handily, as he lead in most polls and out fundraised Ciattarelli, he lost in a major upset. Ciattarelli's victory was attributed to the Democrat's unpopularity due to the 2025 Economic Recession, as well as Ciattarelli's strong campaign focusing on crime and taxes.

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Stephen Sweeney, former President of the New Jersey Senate (2010-2022), former State Senator from the 3rd District (2002-2022)
 * Running Mate: Vin Gopal, State Senator
 * Sheila Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
 * Steven Fulop, Major of Jersey City

Republican Primary
Nominee Withdrew
 * Jack Ciattarelli, former State Assemblyman, candidate for Governor in 2017 and nominee for Governor in 2021
 * Running Mate: Simon Fraser, former Trenton School Board Official
 * Jon Bramnick, state Senator, former minority leader of the New Jersey State Assembly

Virginia
Incumbent Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin is term limited and unable to seek re-election to a second consecutive term. Lieutenant Governor Windsome Sears won the Republican primary against State Senator Amanda Chase, while Democrat Justin Fairfax defeated a crowded field to be his parties nominee.

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary Withdrew
 * Windsome Sears, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia (2022-2026)
 * Amanda Chase, state Senator and candidate for Governor in 2021
 * Jason Miyares, Virginia Attorney General (ran for re-election)

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Justin Fairfax, former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia (2018-2022) and candidate for Governor in 2021
 * Elaine Luria, former U.S. Representative from Virginia's 2nd Congressional District
 * Tom Provone, attorney
 * Eileen Filler-Corn, state delegate and former speaker of the state House of Delegates
 * Simon Lau, physicist
 * Fred Weaver, former State Delegate