36 Governor Races: 18-18 Split, 19 Open Seats, and 9 Battlegrounds

Voters across the United States are heading to the polls on Tuesday to decide the fate of the executive branch in thirty-six states. The governor’s office is a powerful position that sets the tone for state policy and often signals the direction of national politics. This year’s midterms present a complex landscape for state leadership, with the balance of power hanging in the balance. Republicans currently hold twenty-six governor’s offices nationwide, while Democrats control twenty-four. However, the specific races on the ballot this year offer a perfectly even starting line for the two major parties.

Each party holds eighteen of the thirty-six governorships up for election. This 18 to 18 split creates a high-stakes contest for a nationwide majority. Democrats would need to secure a net gain of two governorships to take control of the majority of statehouses. Republicans have held a majority of governorships since 2010, making this a pivotal moment for the party seeking to maintain its grip on state government. The outcome of these races will shape the political landscape for the next two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Nineteen of the thirty-six races are considered open seats because no incumbent is on the ballot. Fifteen governors are term-limited and must step aside after their current terms. In Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds chose not to seek another term. In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz is not running again, and in Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers has also decided to leave office. Additionally, Rhode Island’s Governor Daniel McKee lost his primary race and is not in the general election. These departures open the door for new leaders to take charge of their states.

Nine states are identified as battlegrounds for governor. These include Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In these states, the outcome remains uncertain as polls are open. Democrats are defending five governorships in states where Donald Trump won in 2024. These states include Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Republicans are defending two governorships in states where Kamala Harris won in 2024, specifically New Hampshire and Vermont.

Several key matchups have drawn national attention. In Georgia, Republican health care executive Rick Jackson is competing against Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. This race is particularly significant as it is an open seat following the departure of Brian Kemp. In Nevada, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo faces Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford. The Associated Press describes this race as competitive. In Ohio, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is running against Democrat Amy Acton. Ramaswamy’s campaign has faced scrutiny over a recent advertisement featuring Acton’s estranged mother, adding a layer of personal conflict to the political contest.

Texas, Florida, and Iowa are also viewed as competitive governor races. These states are critical for determining which party will control more state governments. Democrats are hoping to hold a majority of governorships for the first time in two decades. This would mark a significant shift in state-level power. Republicans, on the other hand, are focused on maintaining their current advantage. The results of these races will influence local policies on issues such as the economy, border security, and infrastructure.

Voters are weighing in on a range of issues that define the current political climate. The Associated Press describes this election as a referendum on President Trump’s second term. Many voters are struggling with high prices and are angry over an unpopular war with Iran. The AP-NORC poll shows that 35% of U.S. Adults approve of Trump’s job performance. Only 25% approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in ten people say the country is heading in the wrong direction. Most of these voters blame the president for the high cost of living.

More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote of four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of early participation suggests that turnout is a major factor in this election. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated that everything depends on turnout. He said that if they turn out their voters, they will win. DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene countered that the American people are angry and want change. Voter Mark Barker of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, expressed his support for the president, saying he thinks he is doing an awesome job. In contrast, voter James Moore, a librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, cited rising taxes and healthcare costs as reasons for his vote.

The 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees, helped by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. An AP analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024. This includes more than $850 million in states where he won by ten points or more. This strategic spending highlights the focus on consolidating Republican support in areas where they have a strong base.

A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting. Critics argue this risks disenfranchising eligible voters and infringes on states' authority over elections. A judge also ordered the administration to stop demanding that California election officials segregate ballots cast by people on lists of suspected noncitizens. The U.S. Postal Service added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. These administrative moves are part of a broader effort to ensure the integrity of the voting process.