By Kathy Groob, Publisher, ElectWomen Magazine

2009 is an off year for elections in most states, but there are important statewide and municipal elections in several states.   Women are running for state legislative seats in Virginia and New Jersey and for the top executive post in a few of the nation’s largest cities.  Judy Chu was a top 2009 candidate but she won her special election to California’s 32nd Congressional on Tuesday with 62% of  the vote.  Chu becomes the ecome the first Chinese American woman in the House of Representatives.  

Updated  hottest 2009 women candidate races:

#1 – Virginia Lt. Governor

Jody Wagner won her primary election on June 9th and is running in Virginia’s general election on November 3, 2009 for Lt. Governor against Republican Lt. Governor Bill Bolling.  Wagner served as state treasurer and secretary of finance until August 2008. Jody Wagner is a small business owner from Virginia Beach, VA. 

#2 – Houston Mayor

Annise Parker is a Houston-area politician currently holding office as the Controller of the City of Houston. This position is second only to the Mayor. Previously, she served as an at-large member of the Houston City Council since 1997. Parker was victorious in her run for controller in 2003. She ran unopposed in 2005 and 2007; as of September 2008, she is into her final term.

Parker faces Peter Brown, Gene Locke, Roy Morales and TJ Huntley.  If elected, Annise Parker would become the 2nd female mayor of Houston.

#3 – Atlanta Mayor

The 2009 race for Atlanta, Georgia’s top official is currently a three-way contest.  The candidates are Atlanta CouncilmemberMary Norwood, State Senator Kasim Reed, and City Councilmember Lisa Borders.  Borders announced late, on April 2, 2009 after being urged by many political heavyweights and is considered to hold a slight edge over the other candidates although she trails in frundraising.  Atlanta currently has a female mayor, Mayor Shirley Franklin.  The election is November 3, 2009 and if a run-off is necessary, it will be December 1st.

#4 Syracuse Mayor

In a crowded field for Syracuse mayor, Stephanie Miner is the only female candidate.  With three Democrats and two Republicans, there will be a primary election on September 15th with the general election being held on November 3rd.  Stephanie Miner won the Democratic designation by an overwhelming 73% of the vote of the party delegates.  This nomination does not prohibit a primary election from happening.  In addition to party support, Stephanie Miner leads the pack in the latest fundraising reports. 

#5 Memphis Mayor

Following the recent resignation of the sitting mayor of Memphis, Tennessee, a special election has been called for October 27, 2009.  Carol Chumney, who narrowly lost the race for mayor in 2007 has thrown her hat into the ring along with seven men.

#6 California’s 10th Congressional District Seat 

A special election has been called for September 1st for a primary election to replace Rep. Ellen Tauscher.  14 contenders from all parties appear on the ballot together.  California Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan is the endorsed EMILY’s List candidate and is the only Democratic woman in the race.  In the July filing reports, Joan posted the largest fundraising numbers with over $300,000 raised.