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2026 United States gubernatorial elections

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2026 United States gubernatorial elections
November 3, 2026
39 governorships
36 states; 3 territories
  Majority party Minority party
 
Party Republican Democratic
Seats before 26 24
Seats up 18 18
     Democratic incumbent      Term-limited or retiring Democrat
     Republican incumbent      Term-limited or retiring Republican
     Retiring Independent
     No election

The United States gubernatorial elections are scheduled to be held on November 3, 2026. This election will take place in 36 states and three territories. The previous gubernatorial elections for this group of states took place in 2022, except in New Hampshire and Vermont, where governors serve two-year terms and elected their governors in 2024.

Fifteen of the thirty-six states and two of the three United States territories with elections in this cycle have officially term-limited incumbents.

Partisan composition

Going into the election, there are 26 Republican governors and 24 Democratic governors in the United States. This class of governors is made up of 18 Republicans and 18 Democrats. Republicans are defending two governorships in states that Kamala Harris won in 2024 (New Hampshire and Vermont). Democrats are defending five governorships in states that Donald Trump won in 2024 (Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin).

Retirements

As of June 2026, five governors—three Democrats, one Republican, and one Independent—have announced they will not seek election or reelection.

State/Territory Governor Age at
end of term		 Assumed
office		 Ref
District of Columbia Muriel Bowser 54 2015 [1]
Iowa Kim Reynolds 67 2017 [2]
Minnesota Tim Walz 62 2019 [3]
Northern Mariana Islands David M. Apatang 78 2025 [4]
Wisconsin Tony Evers 75 2019 [5]

Predictions

Several sites and individuals published predictions of competitive seats. These predictions looked at factors such as the strength of the incumbent (if the incumbent was running for reelection) and the other candidates, and the state's partisan lean (reflected in part by the state's Cook Partisan Voting Index rating). The predictions assigned ratings to each seat, indicating the predicted advantage that a party had in winning that seat. Most election predictors used:

  • "tossup": no advantage
  • "tilt" (used by some predictors): advantage that is not quite as strong as "lean"
  • "lean": slight advantage
  • "likely": significant, but surmountable, advantage
  • "safe" or "solid": near-certain chance of victory
Constituency Incumbent Ratings
State PVI[6] Governor Last
election[a]		 Cook
May 21,
2026[7]		 IE
June 25,
2026[8]		 Sabato
June 2,
2026[9]		 WH
June 29,
2026[10]		 RCP
May 24,
2026[11]
Alabama R+15 Kay Ivey
(term-limited)		 66.91% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Likely R Solid R
Alaska R+6 Mike Dunleavy
(term-limited)		 50.29% R Likely R Likely R Likely R Tossup Tossup
Arizona R+2 Katie Hobbs 50.32% D Tossup Tossup Lean D Lean D Tossup
Arkansas R+15 Sarah Huckabee Sanders 62.96% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Safe R Solid R
California D+12 Gavin Newsom
(term-limited)		 59.18% D Solid D Solid D Safe D Safe D Solid D
Colorado D+6 Jared Polis
(term-limited)		 58.53% D Solid D Solid D Safe D Likely D Solid D
Connecticut D+8 Ned Lamont 55.97% D Solid D Solid D Safe D Likely D Solid D
Florida R+5 Ron DeSantis
(term-limited)		 59.37% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Lean R Likely R
Georgia R+1 Brian Kemp
(term-limited)		 53.41% R Tossup Tossup Tossup Tossup Tossup
Hawaii D+13 Josh Green 63.21% D Solid D Solid D Safe D Safe D Solid D
Idaho R+18 Brad Little 60.52% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Safe R Solid R
Illinois D+6 JB Pritzker 54.91% D Solid D Solid D Safe D Safe D Solid D
Iowa R+6 Kim Reynolds
(retiring)		 58.04% R Tossup Tossup Tossup Lean D (flip) Tossup
Kansas R+8 Laura Kelly
(term-limited)		 49.54% D Lean R (flip) Tossup Lean R (flip) Tilt R (flip) Lean R (flip)
Maine D+4 Janet Mills
(term-limited)		 55.69% D Likely D Likely D Lean D Tilt D Lean D
Maryland D+15 Wes Moore 64.53% D Solid D Solid D Safe D Safe D Solid D
Massachusetts D+14 Maura Healey 63.74% D Solid D Solid D Safe D Safe D Solid D
Michigan EVEN Gretchen Whitmer
(term-limited)		 54.47% D Lean D Tilt D Tossup Lean D Tossup
Minnesota D+3 Tim Walz
(retiring)		 52.27% DFL Solid D Likely D Safe D Safe D Solid D
Nebraska R+10 Jim Pillen 59.74% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Likely R Solid R
Nevada R+1 Joe Lombardo 48.81% R Tossup Tilt R Lean R Tilt R Tossup
New Hampshire D+2 Kelly Ayotte 53.64% R Likely R Solid R Likely R Lean R Lean R
New Mexico D+4 Michelle Lujan Grisham
(term-limited)		 51.97% D Likely D Likely D Likely D Likely D Likely D
New York D+8 Kathy Hochul 53.12% D Solid D Likely D Safe D Safe D Solid D
Ohio R+5 Mike DeWine
(term-limited)		 62.41% R Lean R Lean R Lean R Tilt R Tossup
Oklahoma R+17 Kevin Stitt
(term-limited)		 55.45% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Likely R Solid R
Oregon D+8 Tina Kotek 46.96% D Solid D Lean D Likely D Likely D Solid D
Pennsylvania R+1 Josh Shapiro 56.49% D Solid D Solid D Likely D Safe D Solid D
Rhode Island D+8 Dan McKee 57.92% D Solid D Solid D Safe D Likely D Solid D
South Carolina R+8 Henry McMaster
(term-limited)		 58.04% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Likely R Likely R
South Dakota R+15 Larry Rhoden 61.98% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Lean R Solid R
Tennessee R+14 Bill Lee
(term-limited)		 64.91% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Safe R Solid R
Texas R+6 Greg Abbott 54.76% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Lean R Solid R
Vermont D+17 Phil Scott 73.43% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Safe R Solid R
Wisconsin EVEN Tony Evers
(retiring)		 51.15% D Tossup Tossup Tossup Tossup Tossup
Wyoming R+23 Mark Gordon
(term-limited)		 74.07% R Solid R Solid R Safe R Safe R Solid R

Race summary

States

State Governor Party First
elected		 Last
race		 Status Candidates
Alabama Kay Ivey Republican 2017[b] 66.9% R Term-limited
Alaska Mike Dunleavy Republican 2018 50.3% R Term-limited
Arizona Katie Hobbs Democratic 2022 50.3% D Incumbent running
Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders Republican 2022 63.0% R Incumbent renominated
California Gavin Newsom Democratic 2018 59.2% D Term-limited
Colorado Jared Polis Democratic 2018 58.5% D Term-limited
Connecticut Ned Lamont Democratic 2018 56.0% D Incumbent running
Florida Ron DeSantis Republican 2018 59.4% R Term-limited
Georgia Brian Kemp Republican 2018 53.4% R Term-limited
Hawaii Josh Green Democratic 2022 63.2% D Incumbent running
  • ▌Josh Green (Democratic)
  • ▌Gary Cordery (Republican)
  • ▌Ken Fujiyama (Republican)
  • ▌Bu La'ia Hill (Independent)
Idaho Brad Little Republican 2018 60.5% R Incumbent renominated
Illinois JB Pritzker Democratic 2018 54.9% D Incumbent renominated
Iowa Kim Reynolds Republican 2017[c] 58.0% R Incumbent retiring[29]
Kansas Laura Kelly Democratic 2018 49.5% D Term-limited
Maine Janet Mills Democratic 2018 55.7% D Term-limited
Maryland Wes Moore Democratic 2022 64.5% D Incumbent renominated
Massachusetts Maura Healey Democratic 2022 63.7% D Incumbent running
Michigan Gretchen Whitmer Democratic 2018 54.5% D Term-limited
Minnesota Tim Walz DFL 2018 52.3% DFL Incumbent retiring[3]
Nebraska Jim Pillen Republican 2022 59.7% R Incumbent renominated
Nevada Joe Lombardo Republican 2022 48.8% R Incumbent renominated
  • ▌Christopher Battenberg (Independent)[62]
  • ▌Max Beck (Independent)[62]
  • ▌Aaron Ford (Democratic)[62]
  • ▌Danielle Ford (Independent)[62]
  • ▌Jordan Koteras (Independent)[62]
  • ▌Joe Lombardo (Republican)[62]
  • ▌Allen Rheinhart (Independent)[62]
  • ▌Emilio Rodriguez (Independent)[62]
  • ▌John Scott (Independent)[62]
  • ▌Gracie Vanburn (Independent)[62]
New Hampshire Kelly Ayotte Republican 2024 53.6% R Incumbent running
New Mexico Michelle Lujan Grisham Democratic 2018 52.0% D Term-limited
New York Kathy Hochul Democratic 2021[e] 53.2% D Incumbent renominated
Ohio Mike DeWine Republican 2018 62.4% R Term-limited
Oklahoma Kevin Stitt Republican 2018 55.4% R Term-limited
Oregon Tina Kotek Democratic 2022 47.0% D Incumbent renominated
Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro Democratic 2022 56.5% D Incumbent renominated
Rhode Island Dan McKee Democratic 2021[f] 57.9% D Incumbent running
South Carolina Henry McMaster Republican 2017[g] 58.1% R Term-limited
South Dakota Larry Rhoden Republican 2025[h] 62.0% R Incumbent advanced to runoff
Tennessee Bill Lee Republican 2018 64.9% R Term-limited
  • ▌Misam Abidi (Independent)[84]
  • ▌Santiago Asconape (Independent)[84]
  • ▌Carnita Atwater (Democratic)[84]
  • ▌Marsha Blackburn (Republican)[84]
  • ▌Carlton Boleyjack (Republican)[84]
  • ▌Dean Brewer (Independent)[84]
  • ▌Ray Brown (Independent)[84]
  • ▌Tim Cyr (Democratic)[84]
  • ▌Monty Fritts (Republican)[84]
  • ▌Jerri Green (Democratic)[84]
  • ▌Taylor Hafley (Independent)[84]
  • ▌David Hatley (Independent)[84]
  • ▌Rebecca Inman (Republican)[84]
  • ▌Wendell Jackson (Independent)[84]
  • ▌Martin Kennedy (Democratic)[84]
  • ▌Adam Kurtz (Democratic)[84]
  • ▌Kevin McCants (Democratic)[84]
  • ▌Charles Van Morgan (Independent)[84]
  • ▌Eddie Lee Murphy (Independent)[84]
  • ▌Lauren Pinkston (Independent)[84]
  • ▌John Rose (Republican)[84]
  • ▌Karl Smithson (Independent)[84]
  • ▌L. Webb Taylor (Independent)[84]
  • ▌Robert Vick (Independent)[84]
Texas Greg Abbott Republican 2014 54.8% R Incumbent renominated
Vermont Phil Scott Republican 2016 73.4% R Incumbent running
Wisconsin Tony Evers Democratic 2018 51.2% D Incumbent retiring[5]
Wyoming Mark Gordon Republican 2018 74.1% R Term-limited

Territories and federal district

Territory Governor Party First
elected		 Last
race		 Status Candidates
District of Columbia Muriel Bowser Democratic 2014 74.7% D Incumbent retiring[1]
Guam Lou Leon Guerrero Democratic 2018 55.5% D Term-limited
Northern Mariana Islands David M. Apatang Independent 2025[i] 54.1% I[j] Incumbent retiring[4]
U.S. Virgin Islands Albert Bryan Democratic 2018 56.0% D Term-limited

Alabama

Alabama gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Tommy Tuberville Doug Jones
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent Governor

Kay Ivey
Republican


Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 67.4% of the vote. She will be term-limited by the Constitution of Alabama in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive full term. Republican U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville entered the gubernatorial race in May 2025, joined by former candidate for Alabama's 6th congressional district in 2024 Ken McFeeters[13] and event center operations manager Will Santivasci.[111]

Democratic candidates include former U.S. Senator Doug Jones; the 2022 gubernatorial nominee Yolanda Flowers; Will Boyd, a former city councilor of Greenville, Illinois, and the nominee for Alabama Lieutenant Governor in 2018 and for U.S. Senate in 2022; pastor Ja'Mel Brown; candidate for governor in 2022 Chad Chig Martin;[12] and former state representative Nathan Mathis.[111]

As Jones and Tuberville won their respective primaries, the gubernatorial election will be a rematch of the 2020 United States Senate election, which saw Tuberville defeat Jones.

Alaska

Governor Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 50.3% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the Constitution of Alaska in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

Republican candidates include former state senator Click Bishop;[112] Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom;[112] Matanuska-Susitna Borough mayor Edna DeVries;[113] former state Attorney General Treg Taylor;[114] former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue Adam Crum;[115] state senator Shelley Hughes;[116] businesswoman Bernadette Wilson[112]; former Anchorage mayor Dave Bronson;[117] and Matt Heliala, a member of the Alaska State Medical Board.[118]

For the Democrats, Tom Begich, a former state senator who was the Democratic leader in the State Senate, has announced a campaign, as has District H state senator Matt Claman and former state representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.[119][120][121]

Despite filing to run for her former House seat,[122] former Democratic U.S. Representative Mary Peltola also considered a gubernatorial bid,[123][124] but in January announced a campaign for Alaska's U.S. Senate seat in 2026.[125]

Arizona

Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 50.3% of the vote. Starting with this election cycle, gubernatorial candidates will be required to nominate a running mate for the newly established office of Lieutenant Governor. Hobbs is running for re-election to a second term[126] and is the presumptive nominee, as no other candidates successfully filed for the Democratic primary.[127]

U.S. Representatives from Arizona's 5th congressional district Andy Biggs[128] and Arizona's 1st congressional district David Schweikert,[129] as well as business owner Ken Miceli[127] and concrete plumbing contractor Scott Neely[130] are running in the Republican primary.

Former Democratic state representative Leezah Sun and health care entrepreneur Hugh Lytlehas have announced a campaigns as independents.[16]

Arkansas

Arkansas gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Sarah Huckabee Sanders Fredrick Love
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent Governor

Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Republican


Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, was elected in 2022 with 63.1% of the vote. She is seeking re-election to a second term and ran unopposed for the Republican nomination.[131]

State senator Fredrick Love[132] defeated former Walmart executive Supha Xayprasith Mays[133] in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.[134]

Farmer Colt Shelby is running in the general election as a Libertarian.[135]

California

California gubernatorial election
 
Candidate Xavier Becerra Steve Hilton
Party Democratic Republican
Incumbent Governor

Gavin Newsom
Democratic


Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom was re-elected in 2022 with 59.2% of the vote. He is term-limited by the California Constitution in 2026, and cannot seek re-election to a third term. More than sixty candidates appeared on the June 2026 primary ballot. Democrat Xavier Becerra,[136] former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney General, and Republican political commentator Steve Hilton[137] advanced to the general election.[138]

Other Democratic candidates included San Jose mayor Matt Mahan;[139] former congresswoman for California's 47th congressional district Katie Porter;[140] businessman and 2020 presidential candidate Tom Steyer;[141] State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond;[142] and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.[143]

U.S. representative Eric Swalwell initially announced a campaign in November 2025, but withdrew and resigned from Congress in April 2026 amid sexual assault allegations, with his name still on the ballot.[144][145] Former state Controller Betty Yee also withdrew from the race in April 2026 and will remain on the ballot.[146][147]

Former Vice President of the United States and 2024 Democratic nominee for President Kamala Harris had considered running,[148] but ultimately decided not to enter the race.[149]

Other Republican candidates included Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco,[150] diplomat Tim Nelson and businessman Leo Zacky.[151]

Butch Ware, the Green Party's 2024 vice presidential nominee, announced his candidacy but did not meet the requirements to appear on the primary ballot and instead ran as a write-in candidate.[152]

Colorado

Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 58.5% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the Colorado Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

State Attorney General Phil Weiser[153] defeated U.S. Senator from Colorado Michael Bennet[154] for the Democratic nomination.

On the Republican side, state representative Scott Bottoms, state senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell have all announced campaigns.[155][156][157]

Former U.S. Representative for Colorado's 4th congressional district Greg Lopez initially announced his campaign as a Republican but later left the party in January 2026 and is continuing his campaign as an independent.[158][21]

Connecticut

Governor Ned Lamont, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 56% of the vote. Because Connecticut does not have gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution, Lamont has announced that he is running for a third term.[24] State representative for the 88th district Josh Elliott has announced that he is challenging Lamont in the Democratic primary.[22]

State senator for the 36th district Ryan Fazio is the Republican nominee.[23] Former lieutenant governor of New York Betsy McCaughey[159]initially announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination in March 2026 but withdrew after not receiving 15% of the convention vote in May. New Britain mayor Erin Stewart initially ran but dropped out of the race in May 2026, after allegations of misconduct during her tenure as mayor.[160][161]

Florida

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis was re-elected in 2022 with 59.4% of the vote. He is term-limited by the Florida Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

U.S. representative for Florida's 19th congressional district Byron Donalds announced his candidacy on February 25, 2025, becoming the first major Republican to enter the race.[162] Paul Renner, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, announced his candidacy in September 2025, and Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins joined the race in January 2026.[163][164] Other Republican candidates include Surfside mayor Charles Burkett and entrepreneur James Fishback.[162][165] There is also speculation that current First Lady of Florida Casey DeSantis might launch a bid to succeed her husband.[166]

Former Republican U.S. representative for Florida's 13th congressional district David Jolly, a staunch critic of Trump, joined the Democratic Party in 2025 and announced his candidacy June 2025.[167] Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is also running for the Democratic nomination.[168]

Former State Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo launched an independent bid for governor in May 2025,[169] while Moliere Dimanche announced his own independent campaign in July 2024, becoming the first Haitian candidate for governor in Florida's history.[170]

Georgia

Georgia gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Rick Jackson Keisha Lance Bottoms
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent Governor

Brian Kemp
Republican


Republican Governor Brian Kemp was re-elected in 2022 with 53.4% of the vote. He is term-limited by the Georgia Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

Attorney General Chris Carr,[171] Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones,[172], Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger[173], and healthcare executive Rick Jackson[174] all announced bids for the Republican nomination. Jackson and Jones advanced to a runoff that took place on June 16, which Jackson won, thus becoming the Republican nominee.

On the Democratic side, former Mayor of Atlanta and former director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Keisha Lance Bottoms[175] became the nominee on May 19 and defeated a crowded field, which included former state senator Jason Esteves[176], former DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer and 2010 nominee for U.S. Senate Mike Thurmond[177], and state representative Derrick Jackson.[178] Former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, a Republican critic of Donald Trump, switched to the Democratic Party and ran for governor.[179].

Hawaii

Governor Josh Green, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 63.2% of the vote. He is running for re-election to a second term.[180]

Idaho

Idaho gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Brad Little Terri Pickens
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent Governor

Brad Little
Republican


Governor Brad Little, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 60.5% of the vote. Because Idaho does not have gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution, he is running for re-election to a third term.[181]

Attorney Terri Pickens, who was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022, is running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.[182]

Former Twin Falls Transit Coordinator Maxine Durand is running as an independent, with the backing of local branches of the Democratic Socialists of America.[183]

Illinois

Illinois gubernatorial election
 
Nominee JB Pritzker Darren Bailey
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Christian Mitchell Aaron Del Mar
Incumbent Governor

JB Pritzker
Democratic


Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 54.9% of the vote and is running for a third term.[28] With Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton seeking Illinois's U.S. Senate seat in 2026, Pritzker's running mate is former state representative Christian Mitchell.[184] Pritzker won the Democratic nomination unopposed.

On the Republican side, former state senator and 2022 Republican nominee for governor Darren Bailey secured the nomination against former vice president of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute Ted Dabrowski, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, and real estate developer Rick Heidner.[28]

Iowa

Iowa gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Zach Lahn Rob Sand
Party Republican Democratic
Running mate Derek Wulf Dave Muhlbauer
Incumbent Governor

Kim Reynolds
Republican


Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 58.1% of the vote. While she is eligible to run for re-election to a third full term, she has decided not to run.[185]

Republican candidates included state representative Eddie Andrews,[186] U.S. Representative for Iowa's 4th congressional district Randy Feenstra,[187] former director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Adam Steen[188], farmer Zach Lahn,[189] and former state representative Brad Sherman.[190] Zach Lahn won the nomination on June 2, in what was considered a major upset.[191]

On the Democratic side, State Auditor Rob Sand declared his candidacy in May 2025 and won the nomination as the only candidate to file by the deadline. He is also the only Democratic statewide officeholder in Iowa.[192]

Kansas

Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 49.5% of the vote. She will be term limited by the Kansas Constitution and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

State senators Ethan Corson[32] and Cindy Holscher[34] are running for the Democratic nomination, with Corson receiving Governor Kelly's endorsement.[193] Teacher Marty Tuley is also running.[194] U.S. Representative from Kansas's 3rd congressional district Sharice Davids has expressed interest in mounting a campaign.[195]

Candidates for the Republican nomination include former Governor Jeff Colyer, State Senate President Ty Masterson, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, and Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O'Hara.[196][40][36]

Maine

Maine gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Hannah Pingree Robert B. Charles
Party Democratic Republican
Incumbent Governor

Janet Mills
Democratic


Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 55.4% of the vote. She will be term-limited by the Maine Constitution, and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

Former State House Speaker Hannah Pingree, the daughter of U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree[197] defeated a crowded Democratic field, which included Secretary of State Shenna Bellows;[198] former State Senate President Troy Jackson;[199] businessman Angus King III, the son of independent U.S. Senator and former Maine governor Angus King;[200] and former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention principal deputy director Dr. Nirav Shah.[201]

On the Republican side, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Charles[202] defeated a field which included healthcare executive and member of the Bush family Jonathan Bush;[203] real estate businessman David Jones;[204] state senator and candidate for governor in 2002 James Libby;[205] former Maine Senate majority leader and candidate for governor in 2018 Garrett Mason;[206] entrepreneur Owen McCarthy;[207] businessman Ben Midgley;[208] and former Paris selectman Robert Wessels.[209]

Pingree and Charles will be joined on the ballot by independent state senator Rick Bennett, who left the Republican Party shortly before launching his campaign.[43]

Maryland

Maryland gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Wes Moore Dan Cox
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Aruna Miller Robert Krop
Incumbent Governor

Wes Moore
Democratic


Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 64.5% of the vote. He is running for re-election to a second term.[210] Moore easily defeated physician Eric Felber in the Democratic primary.[211]

A number of Republicans are vying for the party's nomination: businessman Carl Brunner,[212] former state delegate and 2022 nominee Dan Cox,[213] businessman Ed Hale,[214] and John Myrick, a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024, have announced their candidacies for governor.[215] Cox became the Republican nominee on June 23.

Massachusetts

Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 63.7% of the vote. Healey is running for re-election for a second term in office.[46]

On the Republican side, businessman Mike Minogue, and former chief administrator and acting general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Brian Shortsleeve have announced their candidacies.[216][49][50]

Michigan

Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer was re-elected in 2022 with 54.5% of the vote. She is term-limited by the Michigan Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third term.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genessee County Sheriff Chris Swanson have announced campaigns for the Democratic nomination.[217][218] Marni Sawicki, the former mayor of Cape Coral, Florida, who moved to Michigan in 2021, has also announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination.[219]

Former Attorney General Mike Cox; former speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives nominee for attorney general in 2018, and 2022 candidate Tom Leonard; businessman, 2022 candidate for governor and 2024 candidate for president Perry Johnson; and U.S. Representative for Michigan's 10th congressional district John James have announced bids for the Republican nomination.[220][221][222] William Null, who was acquitted for charges relating to the Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot, has also announced his run.[223]

Detroit mayor Mike Duggan, a former Democrat, announced his intention to run for governor as an independent in December 2024.[224]

Minnesota

Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 52.3% of the vote. He initially announced a campaign for a third term, but later withdrew his candidacy in January 2026.[3] Minnesota does not have gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution.[225] Since the adoption of four-year terms in 1962,[k] no Minnesota governor has won a third term.

Following Walz's announcement, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced a campaign on January 29, 2026.[57] Several other Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) candidates filed, none of whom have previously held elected offices in the state. Community organizer Kobey Layne challenged Klobuchar for the DFL's endorsement, but Klobuchar was endorsed in the first ballot alongside her running mate Ben Schierer.[58]

Republican candidates include State House Speaker Lisa Demuth,[55] My Pillow CEO and conservative activist Mike Lindell,[59] and healthcare technology executive Kendall Qualls.[60] Qualls received the Republican Party's endorsement after ten rounds of balloting.[227]

Nebraska

Nebraska gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Jim Pillen Lynne Walz
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent Governor

Jim Pillen
Republican


Governor Jim Pillen, a Republican, was elected in 2022 with 59.7% of the vote. He is running for re-election to a second term.[228] He faced some challenges in the Republican primary, including medicinal cannabis activist Jacy Todd.[229]

Former state senator and 2018 Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor Lynne Walz is the Democratic nominee.[230]

Nevada

Nevada gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Joe Lombardo Aaron Ford
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent Governor

Joe Lombardo
Republican


Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, was elected in 2022 with 48.8% of the vote and is running for re-election to a second term in office.[231] Businesswoman Irina Hansen, who ran for Mayor of Las Vegas in 2024, challenged Lombardo in the GOP primary.[232] Lombardo easily defeated Hansen with over 90% of the vote on June 9 and became the Republican nominee.

State attorney general Aaron D. Ford defeated Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill for the Democratic nomination.[233][234]

New Hampshire

Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Republican who was elected in 2024 with 53.6% of the vote. She is running for re-election to a second two-year term. New Hampshire elects its governors on a two-year cycle.

For the Democrats, former executive councilor Cinde Warmington,[65] who ran for the 2024 Democratic gubernatorial nomination, is running again in 2026.

Businessman Jon Kiper, who initially entered the race as an Independent, entered the Democratic primary in September 2025 but later opted to run as a candidate for the newly-founded Community First party in April 2026.[235][64]

New Mexico

New Mexico gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Deb Haaland Gregg Hull
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Harold Pope Jr. David Gallegos
Incumbent Governor

Michelle Lujan Grisham
Democratic


Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 52.0% of the vote. She will be term-limited by the New Mexico Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and former U.S. Representative Deb Haaland[236] and Bernalillo County District Attorney and former Democratic Party of New Mexico chairman Sam Bregman both ran in the Democratic primary.[237] Haaland defeated Bregman in the primary on June 2 and became the Democratic nominee.

Rio Rancho mayor Gregg Hull[238] defeated former secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department Duke Rodriguez[239] and businessman Doug Turner[240] in the Republican primary.

Ken Miyagishima, former mayor of Las Cruces, initially announced his campaign as a Democrat but later chose to run as an independent.[241][67]

New York

New York gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Kathy Hochul Bruce Blakeman
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Adrienne Adams Todd Hood
Incumbent Governor

Kathy Hochul
Democratic


Incumbent Democratic governor Kathy Hochul is running for re-election to a second full term.[242] Primary elections took place on June 23, 2026.[243] The gubernatorial candidates selected their running mates, instead of having separate primaries.[244]

Hochul will face Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican nominee, in the general election. After U.S. representative Elise Stefanik withdrew from the Republican primary in December 2025, Blakeman was endorsed by President Donald Trump.[245] Republicans have not won a statewide election in New York since George Pataki was re-elected governor in 2002.[246]

Ohio

Ohio gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Vivek Ramaswamy Amy Acton
Party Republican Democratic
Running mate Rob McColley David Pepper
Incumbent Governor

Mike DeWine
Republican


Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 62.4% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the Ohio Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

On the Republican side, biotech entrepreneur and former candidate for the Republican Party nomination in the 2024 presidential election Vivek Ramaswamy has announced a campaign, which has won the support of President Trump and Vice President Vance, the latter an Ohioan.[247][248] Ohio attorney general Dave Yost, who announced his candidacy for governor in January 2025, withdrew from the race and endorsed Ramaswamy in May 2025.[249] Ramaswamy defeated automotive entrepreneur Casey Putsch in the Republican primary on May 5, 2026.

Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is the Democratic nominee, as no other candidate filed by the February 4, 2026 deadline.[250][251]

Oklahoma

Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 55.4% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the Oklahoma Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third term.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond,[252] former Oklahoma Secretary of Budget Mike Mazzei,[253] former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Charles McCall,[254] former Oklahoma Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating,[255] who is the son of former governor Frank Keating, and former state senator Jake A. Merrick[256] are all seeking the Republican nomination.

State representative Cyndi Munson[257] and securities trader Arya Azma[258] are seeking the Democratic nomination.

Oregon

Oregon gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Tina Kotek Christine Drazan
Party Democratic Republican
Incumbent Governor

Tina Kotek
Democratic


Governor Tina Kotek, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 47% of the vote. She is running for re-election to a second term.[259]

On the Republican side, former minority leader of the Oregon House of Representatives and 2022 nominee for governor Christine Drazan defeated a field that included former professional basketball player and 2010 nominee Chris Dudley, state representative Ed Diehl, Marion County commissioner Danielle Bethell, geonomics researcher Kyle Duyck, and candidate for Oregon Commissioner of Labor in 2022 Robert Neuman.[260][261][262][263]

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Josh Shapiro Stacy Garrity
Party Democratic Republican
Running mate Austin Davis Jason Richey
Incumbent Governor

Josh Shapiro
Democratic


Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 56.5% of the vote. He is running for reelection to a second term and is the Democratic nominee.[264]

The Republican nominee is Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity.[265]

Rhode Island

Governor Dan McKee, a Democrat, took office in 2021 upon the resignation of Gina Raimondo and was elected to a full term in 2022 with 58.1% of the vote. As he served less than two years of Raimondo's term, McKee is eligible to seek a second consecutive full term and announced his candidacy on March 3, 2025.[266]

Helena Foulkes, a former CVS Pharmacy executive and 2022 gubernatorial candidate, entered the race on September 10, 2025, setting up a rematch with McKee, who narrowly defeated her in the 2022 primary.[267] Restaurateur Greg Stevens is also challenging McKee in the Democratic primary.[268]

On the Republican side, 2022 lieutenant governor nominee Aaron Guckian is running,[269] as is businessman Robert Raimondo, who is also a cousin of Democratic former governor Gina Raimondo, and actress Elaine Pelino.[270][271]

South Carolina

South Carolina gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Alan Wilson Jermaine Johnson
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent Governor

Henry McMaster
Republican


Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 58.1% of the vote. He is term-limited by the South Carolina Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive full term.

Five Republicans contested the election; state senator Josh Kimbrell,[272] attorney general Alan Wilson,[273] lieutenant governor Pamela Evette,[274] and U.S. representatives Ralph Norman[275] and Nancy Mace.[276] Evette and Wilson advanced to a runoff, which took place on June 23. Wilson won the runoff and became the Republican nominee.

On the Democratic side, state representative Jermaine Johnson[277] is the nominee.

South Dakota

Governor Larry Rhoden, a Republican, assumed office in 2025 following the resignation of Kristi Noem to become Secretary of Homeland Security.[278] Noem had been re-elected in 2022 with 62% of the vote. Rhoden is now running for a full term.[279]

Challenging Rhoden in the Republican primary are Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives Jon Hansen,[280] U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson[281] and real estate entrepreneur Toby Doeden.[282] Doeden and Rhoden advanced to a runoff, which will take place on July 28.

On the Democratic side, South Dakota Democratic Party executive director Daniel Ahlers[283] is the nominee.

Tennessee

Republican Governor Bill Lee was re-elected in 2022 with 64.9% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the Tennessee Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn,[284] state representative Monty Fritts,[285] and U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 6th congressional district John Rose[286] are running for the Republican nomination.

For the Democrats, Memphis city councilor Jerri Green,[287] leader of New Chicago Community Development Corporation and 2022 candidate for governor Carnita Atwater, nominee for the 109th district in the Illinois House of Representatives in 2010 Tim Cyr, and guitarist Adam Kurtz have all announced campaigns.[288]

Former Lipscomb University professor Lauren Pinkston is running as an independent.[289]

Texas

Texas gubernatorial election
 
Nominee Greg Abbott Gina Hinojosa
Party Republican Democratic
Incumbent Governor

Greg Abbott
Republican


Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 54.8% of the vote. Because Texas does not have gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution, he is eligible to run for re-election to a fourth term. On March 1, 2024, Abbott announced his intention to seek re-election.[290] He won the primary with over 80% of the vote.[291]

The Democratic nominee is state representative Gina Hinojosa.[292] Hinojosa beat Chris Bell, a former U.S. representative for Texas's 25th congressional district and former candidate for governor in 2006, mayor of Houston in 2001 and 2015, and U.S. Senate in 2020, and Bobby Cole, a rancher, in the primary.[293][294][295]

Vermont

Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, was re-elected in 2024 with 73.4% of the vote. Scott is running for a sixth two-year term, declaring only hours before the filing deadline was required.[296]

For the Democrats, Attorney General Charity Clark is considered a potential candidate and has said she will run for statewide office in 2026, though she has not yet decided which office.[297] State Treasurer Mike Pieciak is reported to be considering a campaign for governor.[298]

Dean Roy, a 14-year-old from Stowe, is running as a member of the Freedom and Unity Party.[299] Vermont has no minimum age requirement for the governorship, allowing Roy to seek the governorship despite not being old enough to vote.[300]

Wisconsin

Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 51.2% of the vote. Despite Wisconsin not having gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution, Evers announced on July 24, 2025, that he would not seek re-election.[5]

Former Lieutenant Governor and in 2022 nominee for U.S. Senate Mandela Barnes,[89] Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, [91] Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez,[95] state senator Kelda Roys,[97] state representative Francesca Hong,[93] and former state representative and 2014 candidate for governor Brett Hulsey[94] have all announced campaigns for the Democratic nomination.

U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district Tom Tiffany and medical service technician Andy Manske[301] have both announced campaigns for the Republican nomination.[99]

Wyoming

Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 74.1% of the vote. He will be term-limited by state law in 2026 and cannot seek reelection to a third consecutive term.

State senator Eric Barlow,[100] Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder[302] and civil engineer Brent Bien[101] are running for the Republican nomination.

Non-profit worker Gabriel Green is running for the Democratic nomination.[303]

Joseph Kibler, who initially entered the race as a Republican, is running as a member of the Constitution Party.[304][104]

Territories and federal district

District of Columbia

Mayor Muriel Bowser was re-elected in 2022 with 74.6% of the vote. She is retiring.[1]

Guam

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero was re-elected in 2022 with 55.5% of the vote. She will be term limited in 2026 and cannot seek re-election for a third consecutive term. Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, a Democrat elected alongside Leon Guerrero, announced in 2023 that he would pursue the governorship in 2026.[305]

Northern Mariana Islands

Governor David M. Apatang, an independent, took office in 2025 upon the death of Arnold Palacios. Palacios was elected in 2022 with 54.1% of the vote. Apatang is eligible to run for a full term, but announced on March 29, 2026, that he would not do so and instead endorsed Attao.[4] Independent Blas T. Attao and former Republican governor Ralph Torres have announced campaigns.[107][108]

U.S. Virgin Islands

Governor Albert Bryan was re-elected in 2022 with 56.1% of the vote. He will be term limited in 2026 and cannot seek re-election for a third consecutive term.[306]

Democratic candidates include former senator Donna Frett-Gregory, current delegate to the United States House of Representatives Stacey Plaskett, and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach.[307][308][309]

Former Saint Croix police chief and senator Oakland Benta, former Democratic senator Adlah Donastorg Jr., former public works commissioner Gustav James, and hedge fund executive Warren Mosler, are running as independents.[310][311][312][313]

Notes

  1. The last elections for this group of governors, with the exception of New Hampshire and Vermont, were in 2022, except for those who became governors after their predecessor's resignation.
  2. Ivey took office after her predecessor, Robert J. Bentley, resigned. She was subsequently elected in 2018.
  3. Reynolds took office after her predecessor, Terry Branstad, resigned. She was subsequently elected in 2018.
  4. No relation to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
  5. Hochul took office after her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, resigned. She was subsequently elected in 2022.
  6. McKee took office after his predecessor, Gina Raimondo, resigned. He was subsequently elected in 2022.
  7. McMaster took office after his predecessor, Nikki Haley, resigned. He was subsequently elected in 2018.
  8. Rhoden took office after his predecessor, Kristi Noem, resigned.
  9. Apatang took office after his predecessor, Arnold Palacios, died.
  10. Apatang's predecessor, Palacios, was elected as an independent but rejoined the Republican Party in 2024.
  11. via Constitutional referendum in 1958[226]

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