Posted June 2, 2023 | by KimS | in 2023 Elections, DemDaily, Democratic Party, Elections, State Issues, State Legislature

DemDaily: June Election Preview!

June 2, 2023

June will see a number of important elections on the 2023 calendar -- in New Jersey, Colorado and Virginia.

There are three gubernatorial races up in 2023 -- in Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi -- as well as legislative, mayoral, municipal, judicial, and/or local elections in nearly 40 states. That includes regular elections in eight legislative chambers in four states in 2023 -- the Louisiana State Legislature, the Mississippi Legislature, the New Jersey Legislature, and the Virginia General Assembly.

There are three gubernatorial races up in 2023 -- in Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi -- as well as legislative, mayoral, municipal, judicial, and/or local elections in nearly 40 states. That includes regular elections in eight legislative chambers in four states in 2023 -- the Louisiana State Legislature, the Mississippi Legislature, the New Jersey Legislature, and the Virginia General Assembly.

June 2023 Election Calendar
June 6: New Jersey Statewide Primary
Elections Up: State Senate, State House, School Boards and Municipals

In New Jersey, where Democrats hold a trifecta (control over both legislative chambers and the Governor's Mansion), all 40 seats in the State Senate and 80 in the Assembly are on the ballot this year.

While a majority of the parties' primary candidates are unopposed, the contested races will determine the landscape of the top general election battles in November.

Traditionally a blue state, awarding Biden a triumphant 16-point win over Trump in 2020, some of the Garden State's 2021 elections were remarkably close. Democratic Governor Phil Murphy (D) fended off a challenge by Republican Jack Ciattarelli 50.12% to 49.14%, and Democrats narrowed their control of General Assembly by six seats, now at a 46-34 majority going into the 2023 elections.

New Jersey Senate Democrats entered the 2021 elections with a 25-15 majority, the same control they have presently.

While Democrats expect to maintain their majorities in both chambers, there is some uncertainty around the large number of open seats on the ballot after redistricting shifted new legislative lines, forcing a number of lawmakers not to seek reelection.

Early Voting: June 2 to June 4
Absentee Ballot Deadline: Postmarked June 6
Find Your Polling Place & Voter Information

June 6: Denver, Colorado Mayoral General Runoff

In Denver, where Incumbent Mayor Michael Hancock (D) is term-limited, former Metro Chamber of Commerce President Kelly Brough (D) and former State Senator Mike Johnston (D) are competing for control of the state's largest city and capital.

The two are facing off after advancing from a field of 22 candidates in the April 4 general election, where Johnston received 24.5% to Brough's 20.1%. Emerge Colorado Executive Lisa Calderon, who followed with 18.1%, has endorsed Brough.

An April 11-12, 2022 bipartisan poll conducted by Chism/Cygnal showed Johnston leading Brough 38.9% to 34.1% among likely voters. 27% of voters remain undecided (MOE: +/- 4.8%).

Find Your Polling Place & Voter Information

June 20: Virginia Statewide Primary
Elections Up: State Senate, State House, School Boards and Municipals

Voters across Virginia will head to the polls on June 20 to determine the candidates who will run in the high-stakes election for control of the Virginia General Assembly this November.

This is the first time Virginia residents will cast their ballots under the new legislative lines drawn by the Virginia Supreme Court in late 2021, after the state's redistricting commission failed to produce a bipartisan plan.

Democrats currently control the State Senate, 22-18, while Republicans hold the House of Delegates, 52-48, including four vacancies. The governship, however, is held by far-right Republican Glenn Younkin who was elected in an upset victory in 2021, defeating former Governor Terry McAuliffe by 2% and helping flip the State House to a GOP majority.

With a two-thirds majority in each house required to override a Younkin veto, every Democratic victory will be crucial to the future of issues like gun safety legislation, LGBTQ rights, climate change mitigation measures, voting rights and reproductive freedom.

A Republican majority in both chambers would likely mean passage of a 15-week or all-out abortion ban.

Youngkin has said he will "gleefully" sign any bill "in order to protect life."

Early Voting: Has Started! Ends June 17
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: June 9
Same Day Voter Registration Allowed
Find Your Polling Place & Voter Information