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Alongside contests for Congress in the upcoming US midterm elections, competitive races for governor are underway in 36 states.
The midterm elections will directly affect the balance of power in state executive offices nationwide, the Ballotpedia political information platform reported, according to “Operative Information Center-OMM.”
The 36 states holding gubernatorial elections are evenly split: 18 have Democratic governors and 18 have Republican governors. The results could also change the “trifecta” status, in which one party controls the governorship and both chambers of a state legislature.
Because of term limits and personal decisions, several high-profile governors are not seeking re-election. Among Democrats, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz are preparing to leave office.
Among Republicans, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine are also leaving their posts. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is retiring.
On election day, voters will not only choose governors but also cast ballots on measures concerning the housing crisis, property taxes and voting rights. The races in several key states are being viewed as a show of party strength ahead of the 2028 US presidential election.
