Ahead of the midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, the political battle between Democrats and Republicans extends beyond control of Congress to the leadership of American states, with elections for 36 governorships, v-news.it reported. The outcome could hand Democrats a majority of state governorships for the first time since 2010.
Current balance of state power
Republicans currently hold 26 governorships compared to 24 for Democrats. A political climate unfavorable to President Donald Trump has opened paths for Democrats to compete in traditional conservative strongholds. Assessments published on October 27 by the Cook Political Report indicate that Democrats could flip between two and four Republican-held seats. Four other races remain classified as toss-ups with no clear favorite.
High stakes in Georgia and key state battles
Governors wield significant authority over immigration, abortion, healthcare, education, taxation, and the administration of elections. The officials elected in November will also hold office during the 2028 presidential cycle, when states take center stage in redistricting and voting rule battles. In Georgia, where outgoing Brian Kemp cannot seek re-election, Keisha Lance Bottoms faces Rick Jackson. Jackson secured the GOP nomination by defeating Burt Jones in a primary backed by over $100 million of his own funds. The Cook Political Report classifies the race as a toss-up, and a victory by Bottoms would return Democrats to the governor’s mansion for the first time in 23 years while making her the first African American woman elected governor in U.S. history.
Toss-up races in Ohio and Nevada
In Ohio, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democratic former state health director Amy Acton are locked in a tight race. Nevada features Joe Lombardo facing Attorney General Aaron Ford. The Cook Political Report lists both state contests as toss-ups.
Related reading