By — Marc Levy, Associated Press Marc Levy, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrats-win-governorships-in-texas-and-other-gop-controlled-states-in-rebuke-to-republicans Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrats win governorships in Texas and other GOP-controlled states in rebuke to Republicans Politics Nov 4, 2026 7:51 AM EST HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrats scored victories in governor's races in states long controlled by Republicans, including Texas and Georgia, riding a wave of voter discontent in Tuesday's midterm elections to deliver a rebuke to President Donald Trump and GOP policymaking. The wins delivered a majority of governorships to Democrats for the first time in two decades, allowing them to put up a stronger defense against Trump's second-term agenda. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News They also landed a historic victory, as Keisha Lance Bottoms' victory in Georgia — a presidential battleground state — made her the first Black woman to be elected governor in the U.S. Democrats also won in Iowa, Ohio and Texas, all states where Republicans have controlled state government for years.…
Democrats win governorships in Texas and other GOP-controlled states in rebuke to Republicans
In short
The nationwide midterms saw Democrats take control of executive mansions in 36 gubernatorial contests, which featured 19 open seats. The newly formed majority will grant the party vital leverage to counter federal policies on election regulations, immigration enforcement, and aid rules. Notably, Texas state Representative Gina Hinojosa prevailed against third-term incumbent Greg Abbott despite being outspent 5-to-1 on advertising and receiving minimal national party backing.
Key points
- Democrats will hold at least 27 governorships in 2027, securing their first majority amon…: Democrats will hold at least 27 governorships in 2027, securing their first majority among state chief executives in two decades.
- State-level executive authority will serve as a coordinated counterweight against Donald…: State-level executive authority will serve as a coordinated counterweight against Donald Trump's second-term policies on immigration and federal aid conditions.
- Candidates achieved major upsets in conservative strongholds despite facing significant c…: Candidates achieved major upsets in conservative strongholds despite facing significant campaign spending deficits and receiving limited financial support from national organizations.