By — Marc Levy, Associated Press Marc Levy, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrats-try-to-take-majority-of-governors-offices-for-first-time-in-two-decades Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrats try to take majority of governors' offices for first time in two decades Politics Nov 3, 2026 11:50 AM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrats are heading into Tuesday's midterm elections hoping to take over a majority of governors' offices for the first time in two decades, as they ride a wave of voter discontent over the economy, inflation, healthcare and the future of democracy. The number of states in play is surprisingly large, a reflection of President Donald Trump's poor approval ratings dragging on his party. Competitive races include those in heavily populated states such as Texas and Florida; presidential battleground states such as Michigan and Wisconsin; and reliably red states such as Iowa and Ohio. In the weeks leading up to Election Day, Trump went to heavily Republican…
Democrats try to take majority of governors' offices for first time in two decades
In short
The electoral landscape features a dozen highly competitive contests alongside 19 open seats created by term limits and retirements. Democrats view Nevada, Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, and Ohio as their most promising pickup opportunities, while Republicans are actively targeting Democratic-held seats in Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Oregon. High-profile individual races have drawn intense focus, including an unexpectedly close challenge to Republican Governor Greg Abbott in Texas. In Ohio, an ad from Republican Vivek Ramaswamy targeting Democrat Amy Acton drew sharp bipartisan criticism from outgoing Governor Mike DeWine while receiving praise from Trump.
Key points
- Democrats already represent 60% of the population but are seeking their first numeric maj…: Democrats already represent 60% of the population but are seeking their first numeric majority of state governorships in twenty years.
- Republican offensive efforts are primarily focused on winning Democratic-held seats in Ka…: Republican offensive efforts are primarily focused on winning Democratic-held seats in Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Oregon.
- Donald Trump's low presidential approval ratings have significantly expanded the competit…: Donald Trump's low presidential approval ratings have significantly expanded the competitive gubernatorial map across 36 states.