As we often say, every year is an election year. And every election gives us an opportunity to improve prospects for the lives of millions of animals. Last year, HSLF proudly supported 775 candidates up and down the ballot, and a substantial number of them—736, or 95%—won their races. Now, we’re ready to continue the fight in 2025, and we’re asking you to join us at the ballot box for animals, because with the new year comes a new set of elections for federal, state, and local offices.
In 2024, the entire U.S. House of Representatives was up for election. While that’s not the case for all 435 seats again this year, already some special elections for Congress are scheduled. Two will occur on April 1 to fill the U.S. House seats for Florida’s 1st and 6th districts, vacated by representatives Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, respectively. HSLF’s political team will be reviewing candidates’ positions, and we encourage Florida voters in those districts to research their policy platforms, and to ask them where they stand on animal issues—this is a vital chance to elect new leaders to Congress ready to support our companion animals, wildlife, and beyond.
At HSLF, we’re engaged at every level of government to elect allies. Electing humane candidates to federal office is critical in our fight against cruelty, but we know that state and local offices are also important in creating a more humane society. We’re paying close attention to some of these races, because in nearly every one of them, there is the potential for us to re-elect champions of animal protection and to elect new humane candidates to office.
On November 4, Virginians will vote for their next governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates. New Jersey will also hold sweeping state-level elections this year, including elections for a new governor, lieutenant governor, and each of the 80 seats of the New Jersey General Assembly.
Local governments are also strong sources of substantive policy reform in our areas of focus. Hundreds of municipal elections will be taking place in 2025, determining future policies for animals in communities across the nation. For example, on November 4, elections are scheduled for the New York City Council—this council has produced powerful ordinances including to prohibit the sale of guinea pigs and rabbits in pet stores, reducing the alarming burdens faced by overcrowded animal shelters.
When we have allies we can rely on in the halls of Congress, at state capitols, and in local bodies, we build coalitions with the ability to enact progress for all animals. Our federal and state teams are already hard at work advocating for legislation to strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, crack down on horse soring, protect endangered species, and more. And as voters, we choose the ultimate decisionmakers in these instances. Animals need us to use our civic power for humane change by electing candidates who share our drive for animal protection.
As in every year, there are actions you can take to be “vote ready.” We encourage you to update your voter registration status by using this fast and simple tool, and share it with family and friends so they can do the same. Mark your calendars with any upcoming elections. Make a plan to vote. And if any candidates come knocking at your door, ask them what they plan to do to support our nation’s animals—those without a voice, who rely on us to speak in their defense. You can also volunteer for a campaign you believe in, as every vote makes a difference towards a candidate’s election. When we all take these actions together, we can ensure that animal protection is not overlooked as the important political issue it is. Let’s get political for animals in 2025.
