Thirty-Six States Hold Governor Elections as Parties Compete for State Power and Future Political Talent
The 2026 U.S. midterm elections include gubernatorial contests in 36 states, along with elections for governors in three U.S. territories. Republicans and Democrats each held 18 of the state governorships up for election before voting began. The results will shape state policy, the balance of political power and each party's bench of future candidates. The Washington Post says Democrats would need to defend their current seats and flip at least two Republican-held governorships to regain a national majority of state governors.
The Guardian's live results page lists 36 gubernatorial elections across states ranging from reliably Republican territory to competitive battlegrounds. The Washington Post reported that Republicans and Democrats each held 18 of the governorships being contested this year, while Republicans still had an advantage in the nationwide total. If Democrats hold their own seats and win at least two Republican-held states, they could change the overall party balance among governors.
The significance of these contests goes beyond control of state executive offices. Governors have influence over budgets, education, health care, immigration-policy implementation, public safety and election administration. They also frequently become candidates for the U.S. Senate or the presidency.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking a fourth term against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa. In Ohio, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is facing Democrat Amy Acton. Georgia, Florida, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are also among the states receiving national attention.
The Washington Post described Texas as one of the major prizes of the cycle. Abbott faces a challenge from Hinojosa, and polls have suggested a closer contest than some observers expected. Democrats are also mounting competitive challenges in Ohio and other states that have generally leaned Republican. The issues vary by state, with local economic conditions, health care, education, immigration and views of the Trump administration all playing roles in voter decisions.
A governorship gives a politician experience running a large public administration and provides a platform for national visibility. Democratic governors have gained national profiles in recent years through lawsuits and policy disputes with the Trump administration. Some are viewed as potential contenders for the 2028 presidential race. Republicans, meanwhile, are seeking to retain control of state executive offices and preserve influence over local policy and election administration.
The results could shape policy conflicts over the next two years and influence the pool of candidates for the next congressional cycle and presidential primaries. Even where a governor's race does not directly determine control of Congress, it can have major consequences for state policy and party organization.
As of Election Day on November 3, the Guardian and other outlets were updating their live pages as polls closed and ballots were counted. Results will not arrive at the same time in every state. Some states count most ballots quickly, while states with larger mail-voting shares or longer ballot-receipt deadlines can take more time. The Associated Press and state election authorities update results as counting proceeds, but media projections are not the same as official certification.