Governors’ Races Put State Power in Play

The fight for control of governors’ offices is a major part of the November 3 midterms, alongside the contests for Congress. Republicans currently hold 26 governorships and Democrats 24; Democrats hope to secure a majority for the first time since 2006. Nineteen of the 36 races are for open seats, and about a dozen are considered especially competitive.

The contests span large states, presidential battlegrounds and traditionally Republican states. Close races include those in Texas and Florida, as well as Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia and Nevada. Democrats see opportunities in Alaska, Georgia, Iowa and Ohio, while Republicans are targeting Kansas and Wisconsin, among other states.

The outcome could influence more than state leadership. President Donald Trump has clashed with Democratic-led states over National Guard deployments, immigration operations, federal aid and federal authority over election rules. Governors elected this year could have a role in administering the 2028 presidential election.

Economic concerns, including inflation, healthcare and the cost of everyday essentials, are shaping the campaign environment. Trump campaigned alongside Republican gubernatorial candidates in heavily Republican areas, while Democrats have pointed to voter discontent as a chance to gain ground.

Some races could make history. In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa is seeking to become the state’s first Latina governor; in New Mexico, Deb Haaland is seeking to be the first woman from a Native American nation to govern a state. Seven Black major-party gubernatorial nominees are on ballots, in addition to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.

Voters Can Check Trump’s Reach Through the States

Democrats have a chance to capture more governors’ offices than Republicans for the first time since 2006, as voters weigh inflation, healthcare and the cost of essentials. Republicans hold 26 governorships and Democrats 24, but roughly a dozen races are competitive, including contests in battleground states and deep-red states.

The stakes extend beyond party arithmetic. Trump has tested the limits of federal power in clashes with Democratic-led states over National Guard deployments, immigration operations, federal aid and election rules. Governors elected on November 3 could help shape how states administer the 2028 presidential election.

Democrats’ strongest pickup opportunities include Alaska, Georgia, Iowa and Ohio, while close contests in Nevada, Texas and Florida could also expand the party’s reach. The prospect of gains in states that have long favored Republicans reflects how the president’s standing and economic concerns are shaping the race.

Republicans are seeking to hold their advantage, but a campaign centered on Trump cannot avoid the consequences of his agenda for state authority. Voters will also decide whether more states should be led by women of color: Gina Hinojosa is running to become Texas’ first Latina governor, and Deb Haaland is seeking to be New Mexico’s first woman from a Native American nation to serve as governor.

Governors’ Races Test Democrats’ State-Level Power

Republicans enter Election Day holding 26 governorships to Democrats’ 24, but close races across the country threaten that edge. Democrats are hoping to regain a majority for the first time since 2006, buoyed by concerns about prices and the economy and by President Donald Trump’s low approval ratings.

The contest is not simply a referendum on Washington. Governors control state governments, and the election could determine whether more states have leaders willing to resist Trump’s agenda. His disputes with Democratic-led states have involved immigration operations, National Guard deployments, federal aid and election rules.

Republicans are defending seats in competitive states and see opportunities in Kansas and Wisconsin. Democrats are targeting Alaska, Georgia, Iowa and Ohio, and are also competing in Texas and Florida. The breadth of the map gives Democrats an opening, but a projected wave does not guarantee wins: some Democratic candidates are struggling to hold expected advantages.

The results will also affect state election administration ahead of 2028. In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa is seeking to become the first Latina governor; in New Mexico, Deb Haaland is aiming to be the first woman from a Native American nation to govern a state. Those historic candidacies do not change the central test: whether voters want Democratic governors to gain more power over state policy.