# 2026 United States gubernatorial elections

United States gubernatorial elections are scheduled to be held on November 3, 2026, 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 with elections in this cycle have officially term-limited incumbents, while two of the three United States territories with elections this cycle have officially term-limited incumbents.
There are two Republican governors up for reelection in states Kamala Harris won in 2024 (Vermont at D+32 and New Hampshire at D+2.8), and there are five states with Democratic governors that were won by Donald Trump (Wisconsin at R+0.9, Michigan at R+1.4, Pennsylvania at R+1.7, Arizona at R+5.5, and Kansas at R+16).

## 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" or "battleground": 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 | Constituency | Incumbent | Incumbent | Ratings | Ratings |
| State | PVI | Governor | Last election | Cook Jan. 23, 2025 | IE Feb. 6, 2025 |
| Alabama | R+15 | Kay Ivey (term-limited) | 66.91% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Alaska | R+8 | Mike Dunleavy (term-limited) | 50.29% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Arizona | R+2 | Katie Hobbs | 50.32% D | Tossup | Battleground |
| Arkansas | R+16 | Sarah Huckabee Sanders | 62.96% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| California | D+13 | Gavin Newsom (term-limited) | 59.18% D | Solid D | Solid D |
| Colorado | D+4 | Jared Polis (term-limited) | 58.53% D | Solid D | Solid D |
| Connecticut | D+7 | Ned Lamont | 55.97% D | Solid D | Solid D |
| Florida | R+3 | Ron DeSantis (term-limited) | 59.37% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Georgia | R+3 | Brian Kemp (term-limited) | 53.41% R | Tossup | Battleground |
| Hawaii | D+14 | Josh Green | 63.21% D | Solid D | Solid D |
| Idaho | R+18 | Brad Little | 60.52% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Illinois | D+7 | JB Pritzker | 54.91% D | Solid D | Solid D |
| Iowa | R+6 | Kim Reynolds | 58.04% R | Solid R | Battleground |
| Kansas | R+10 | Laura Kelly (term-limited) | 49.54% D | Lean R (flip) | Battleground |
| Maine | D+2 | Janet Mills (term-limited) | 55.69% R | Likely D | Battleground |
| Maryland | D+14 | Wes Moore | 64.53% R | Solid D | Solid D |
| Massachusetts | D+15 | Maura Healey | 63.74% D | Solid D | Solid D |
| Michigan | R+1 | Gretchen Whitmer (term-limited) | 54.47% D | Tossup | Battleground |
| Minnesota | D+1 | Tim Walz | 52.27% DFL | Likely D | Solid D |
| Nebraska | R+13 | Jim Pillen | 59.74% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Nevada | R+1 | Joe Lombardo | 48.81% R | Tossup | Battleground |
| New Hampshire | D+1 | Kelly Ayotte | 53.64% R | Likely R | Solid R |
| New Mexico | D+3 | Michelle Lujan Grisham (term-limited) | 51.97% D | Likely D | Battleground |
| New York | D+10 | Kathy Hochul | 53.20% D | Likely D | Battleground |
| Ohio | R+6 | Mike DeWine (term-limited) | 62.41% R | Likely R | Solid R |
| Oklahoma | R+20 | Kevin Stitt (term-limited) | 55.45% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Oregon | D+6 | Tina Kotek | 46.96% D | Solid D | Solid D |
| Pennsylvania | R+2 | Josh Shapiro | 56.49% D | Likely D | Battleground |
| Rhode Island | D+8 | Dan McKee | 57.92% D | Solid D | Solid D |
| South Carolina | R+8 | Henry McMaster (term-limited) | 58.04% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| South Dakota | R+16 | Larry Rhoden | 61.98% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Tennessee | R+14 | Bill Lee (term-limited) | 64.91% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Texas | R+5 | Greg Abbott | 54.76% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Vermont | D+16 | Phil Scott | 73.43% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Wisconsin | R+2 | Tony Evers | 51.15% D | Tossup | Battleground |
| Wyoming | R+25 | Mark Gordon (term-limited) | 74.07% R | Solid R | Solid R |
| Overall | Overall | Overall | Overall | D - 19 R - 26 5 tossups | D - 14 R - 25 11 tossups |

## Race summary
### States

| State | Governor | Party | First elected | Last race | Status | Candidates |
| Alabama | Kay Ivey | Republican | 2017 | 66.9% R | Term-limited | TBD |
| Alaska | Mike Dunleavy | Republican | 2018 | 50.3% R | Term-limited | TBD |
| Arizona | Katie Hobbs | Democratic | 2022 | 50.3% D | Incumbent's intent unknown | ▌Andy Biggs (Republican) ▌Karrin Taylor Robson (Republican) |
| Arkansas | Sarah Huckabee Sanders | Republican | 2022 | 63.0% R | Incumbent running | ▌Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Republican) |
| California | Gavin Newsom | Democratic | 2018 | 59.2% D | Term-limited | ▌Toni Atkins (Democratic) ▌Chad Bianco (Republican) ▌Stephen J. Cloobeck (Democratic) ▌Sharifah Hardie (Republican) ▌Eleni Kounalakis (Democratic) ▌Jesse Perez (Democratic) ▌Katie Porter (Democratic) ▌Tony Thurmond (Democratic) ▌Antonio Villaraigosa (Democratic) ▌Butch Ware (Green) ▌Betty Yee (Democratic) ▌Michael Younger (Democratic) ▌Leo Zacky (Republican) |
| Colorado | Jared Polis | Democratic | 2018 | 58.5% D | Term-limited | ▌Mark Baisley (Republican) ▌Scott Bottoms (Republican) ▌Jason Clark (Republican) ▌Jason Mikesell (Republican) ▌Phil Weiser (Democratic) |
| Connecticut | Ned Lamont | Democratic | 2018 | 56.0% D | Incumbent's intent unknown | ▌Jennifer Tooker (Republican) |
| Florida | Ron DeSantis | Republican | 2018 | 59.4% R | Term-limited | ▌Moliere Dimanche (Independent) ▌Byron Donalds (Republican) |
| Georgia | Brian Kemp | Republican | 2018 | 53.4% R | Term-limited | ▌Olujimi Brown (Democratic) ▌Chris Carr (Republican) |
| Hawaii | Josh Green | Democratic | 2022 | 63.2% D | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| Idaho | Brad Little | Republican | 2018 | 60.5% R | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| Illinois | J. B. Pritzker | Democratic | 2018 | 54.9% D | Incumbent's intent unknown | ▌James Mendrick (Republican) |
| Iowa | Kim Reynolds | Republican | 2017 | 58.0% R | Incumbent's intent unknown | ▌Paul Dahl (Democratic) ▌Brad Sherman (Republican) |
| Kansas | Laura Kelly | Democratic | 2018 | 49.5% D | Term-limited | ▌Scott Schwab (Republican) |
| Maine | Janet Mills | Democratic | 2018 | 55.7% D | Term-limited | ▌Kenneth Forrest Pinet (Democratic) ▌Robert J. Wessels (Republican) |
| Maryland | Wes Moore | Democratic | 2022 | 64.5% D | Incumbent running | ▌Andy Ellis (Green) ▌Wes Moore (Democratic) ▌John Myrick (Republican) |
| Massachusetts | Maura Healey | Democratic | 2022 | 63.7% D | Incumbent running | ▌Maura Healey (Democratic) |
| Michigan | Gretchen Whitmer | Democratic | 2018 | 54.5% D | Term-limited | ▌Jocelyn Benson (Democratic) ▌Mike Duggan (Independent) ▌Garlin Gilchrist (Democratic) ▌Anthony Hudson (Republican) ▌Aric Nesbitt (Republican) ▌William Null (Republican) ▌Chris Swanson (Democratic) |
| Minnesota | Tim Walz | DFL | 2018 | 52.3% DFL | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| Nebraska | Jim Pillen | Republican | 2022 | 59.7% R | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| Nevada | Joe Lombardo | Republican | 2022 | 48.8% R | Incumbent running | ▌Aaron Ford (Democratic) ▌Joe Lombardo (Republican) |
| New Hampshire | Kelly Ayotte | Republican | 2024 | 53.6% R | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| New Mexico | Michelle Lujan Grisham | Democratic | 2018 | 52.0% D | Term-limited | ▌Deb Haaland (Democratic) |
| New York | Kathy Hochul | Democratic | 2021 | 53.2% D | Incumbent running | ▌Kathy Hochul (Democratic) ▌Carl Hyde Jr. (Republican) |
| Ohio | Mike DeWine | Republican | 2018 | 62.4% R | Term-limited | ▌Amy Acton (Democratic) ▌Heather Hill (Republican) ▌Vivek Ramaswamy (Republican) ▌Dave Yost (Republican) |
| Oklahoma | Kevin Stitt | Republican | 2018 | 55.4% R | Term-limited | ▌Gentner Drummond (Republican) ▌Leisa Mitchell Haynes (Republican) ▌Charles McCall (Republican) |
| Oregon | Tina Kotek | Democratic | 2022 | 47.0% D | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| Pennsylvania | Josh Shapiro | Democratic | 2022 | 56.5% D | Incumbent's intent unknown | ▌Ken Krawchuk (Libertarian) |
| Rhode Island | Dan McKee | Democratic | 2021 | 57.9% D | Incumbent running | ▌Dan McKee (Democratic) |
| South Carolina | Henry McMaster | Republican | 2017 | 58.1% R | Term-limited | TBD |
| South Dakota | Larry Rhoden | Republican | 2025 | 62.0% R | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| Tennessee | Bill Lee | Republican | 2018 | 64.9% R | Term-limited | ▌John Rose (Republican) |
| Texas | Greg Abbott | Republican | 2014 | 54.8% R | Incumbent running | ▌Greg Abbott (Republican) |
| Vermont | Phil Scott | Republican | 2016 | 73.4% R | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| Wisconsin | Tony Evers | Democratic | 2018 | 51.2% D | Incumbent's intent unknown | ▌Jill Ferguson (Green) |
| Wyoming | Mark Gordon | Republican | 2018 | 74.1% R | Term-limited | ▌Brent Bien (Republican) |

### Territories and federal district

| Territory | Governor | Party | First elected | Last race | Status | Candidates |
| District of Columbia | Muriel Bowser | Democratic | 2014 | 74.7% D | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| Guam | Lou Leon Guerrero | Democratic | 2018 | 55.5% D | Term-limited | ▌Marcel Camacho (Republican) ▌Josh Tenorio (Democratic) |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Arnold Palacios | Republican | 2022 | 54.0% I | Incumbent's intent unknown | TBD |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Albert Bryan | Democratic | 2018 | 56.0% D | Term-limited | TBD |

## Alabama

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.
Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle, and businessman Tim James, the son of former governor Fob James and a candidate for governor in 2002, 2010, and 2022 are considered potential Republican candidates. Although Ainsworth has not announced a candidacy, he has been endorsed for the 2026 gubernatorial election by Nathaniel Ledbetter, the speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives.

## 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.
Despite filing paperwork to run for her old seat, former Democratic U.S. Representative Mary Peltola has also expressed interest in running for governor, as has Republican State Senator Click Bishop.

## Arizona

Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 50.3% of the vote. She is eligible to run for re-election and has begun raising funds in preparation for a 2026 campaign. Starting with this next election cycle, gubernatorial candidates will be required to nominate a running mate for the newly established office of Lieutenant Governor. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes was considering a primary challenge, but later declined to run.
United States Representative from Arizona's 5th congressional district Andy Biggs and former Arizona Board of Regents member Karrin Taylor Robson have announced their candidacies for the Republican nomination; President Donald Trump has endorsed Robson. State Treasurer Kimberly Yee has also expressed interest in mounting a campaign.

## Arkansas

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, was elected in 2022 with 63.1% of the vote. She is running for re-election to a second term.

## California

Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 59.2% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the California Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third term.
For the Democrats, State Senate President Toni Atkins, businessman Steve Cloobeck, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former congresswoman for California's 47th congressional district Katie Porter, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former Controller Betty Yee have all announced their candidacies. Fiona Ma, California State Treasurer, previously announced a run for governor, but instead opted to run for lieutenant governor.
Former Vice President of the United States and 2024 Democratic nominee for President Kamala Harris is considering a run. Rick Caruso, a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles in 2022, has also expressed interest in running. Former US Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra is considered a potential candidate.
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has announced a campaign.
Butch Ware, the Green Party's nominee for Vice President in 2024, has announced a campaign.

## 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.
Attorney General of Colorado Phil Weiser has declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination. U.S. Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet has expressed interest in mounting a campaign. Other potential Democratic candidates include Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, U.S. representative for Colorado's 2nd congressional district Joe Neguse, and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and former Senator Ken Salazar.
On the Republican side, state senator Mark Baisley, state representative Scott Bottoms, and Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell have all announced campaigns. State senator Barbara Kirkmeyer has also expressed interest in a campaign.
Former DaVita CEO Kent Thiry was speculated to be considering an independent bid, but told Colorado Public Radio that he would not run.

## 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, he is eligible to run for re-election to a third term. Lamont has not confirmed whether he will seek reelection.
Former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin and lieutenant governor Susan Bysiewicz have expressed interest in running if Lamont chooses not to. Other potential Democratic candidates include state comptroller Sean Scanlon, state attorney general William Tong, and speaker of the state house Matthew Ritter.
On the Republican side, first selectwoman of Westport Jennifer Tooker has announced her candidacy. New Britain mayor Erin Stewart has formed an exploratory committee. Matthew Corey, Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2024, has expressed interest in running for governor, as has state senator Heather Somers.

## Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 59.4% of the vote. He will be 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 bid for Governor on February 25, 2025, becoming the first major Republican to enter the race.
Former nominee for U.S. Attorney General and former U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district Matt Gaetz is widely seen as a potential candidate for the Republican nomination. Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez are also seen as potential Republican contenders.
State Senator Shevrin Jones, Florida's first openly gay Black senator, is seen as a potential candidate for the Democratic nomination. State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and State Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo are other potential Democratic candidates.
Moliere Dimanche declared his candidacy on July 1, 2024, as an independent candidate, and the first Haitian candidate for governor in Florida's history.

## Georgia

Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 53.4% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the Georgia Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.
Attorney General Christopher M. Carr has announced his campaign for the Republican nomination.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has expressed interest in running for the Republican nomination while Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger are seen as potential Republican candidates.
On the Democratic side, former State House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, who was the nominee for governor in 2018 and 2022, has expressed interest in running for the nomination while Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Mayor of Atlanta and former director of the White House Office of Public Engagement; Jason Carter, former state senator, 2014 nominee, and grandson of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter; Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens; and U.S. Representative from Georgia's 6th congressional district Lucy McBath are seen as potential candidates.

## Hawaii

Governor Josh Green, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 63.2% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election but has not yet stated if he will do so.

## Idaho

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 eligible to run for re-election to a third term, but has not yet stated whether he will do so.

## Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 54.9% of the vote. Because Illinois does not have gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution, he is eligible to run for re-election to a third term and has publicly expressed interest in doing so. If he decides against running, potential Democratic candidates include former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel.
Potential Republican candidates include former state senator and 2022 gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey, former Cook County Republican Party chair Aaron Del Mar and Republican national committeeman Richard Porter.

## Iowa

Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 58.1% of the vote. Because Iowa does not have gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution, she is eligible to run for re-election to a third full term, but has not yet stated whether she will do so.
Former state representative Brad Sherman has announced his candidacy, challenging Reynolds if she decides to run for another term. House Speaker Pat Grassley has declined to run, opting instead to run for re-election in 2026.
On the Democratic side, House minority leader Jennifer Konfrst has expressed interest in running. State Auditor Rob Sand is also mentioned as a potential candidate for governor.

## 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.
Lieutenant Governor David Toland is seen as a potential Democratic candidate for governor. State senators Cindy Holscher and Ethan Corson and former Kansas Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz are other potential candidates.
Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination. Former Governor of Kansas Jeff Colyer (2018-2019), former president of the Kansas City Royals Dayton Moore, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, and Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach are other potential candidates. Former U.S. representative Jake LaTurner was seen as a potential candidate on the Republican side, but said in April 2024 that he would not run for any state offices in 2026.

## Maine

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 Senate President Troy Jackson has formed an exploratory committee to run for the Democratic nomination. U.S. Representative for Maine's 2nd congressional district Jared Golden, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former State House Speaker and Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future Hannah Pingree, and former State House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, have been mentioned as other possible candidates for the Democratic nomination.
On the Republican side, healthcare executive and member of the Bush family Jonathan Bush, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Charles, former mayor of Auburn Jason Levesque, state representative Laurel Libby, former state senate majority leader Garrett Mason, 2018 Republican nominee for governor Shawn Moody, and former U.S. Representative for Maine's 2nd congressional district Bruce Poliquin have all been mentioned as potential candidates.

## Maryland

Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 64.5% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election and intends to run for a second term.
Potential Republican candidates include House minority leader Jason C. Buckel, Senate minority leader Stephen S. Hershey Jr., and former Harford County Executive Barry Glassman.

## Massachusetts

Governor Maura Healey, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 63.7% of the vote. As there are no term limits for the office of governor in Massachusetts, Healey is running for re-election for a second term in office.
On the Republican side, state senator Peter Durant, Worcester County Sheriff Lewis Evangelidis, former Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, and state representative Michael Soter have all publicly expressed interest in mounting a campaign. Potential GOP candidates include former lieutenant governor Karyn Polito, former chief administrator and acting general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Brian Shortsleeve, and State Senate minority leader Bruce Tarr.

## Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 54.5% of the vote. She will be term-limited by the Michigan Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third term.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and Genessee County Sherriff Chris Swanson have announced their campaigns for the Democratic nomination.
Michigan Senate majority whip Mallory McMorrow is widely seen as a potential candidate for the Democratic nomination, and is reportedly considering a run.
Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt has announced his run for the Republican nomination. William Null, who was acquitted for charges relating to the Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot, has also announced his run. U.S. Representative for Michigan's 10th congressional district John James and 2022 Republican nominee for governor Tudor Dixon are seen as potential Republican challengers; Dixon has announced she is considering running for either Governor or for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Gary Peters in 2026.
Detroit mayor Mike Duggan, a former Democrat, announced in December 2024 his intention to run for governor as an independent.

## Minnesota

Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 52.3% of the vote. Because Minnesota does not have gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution, he is eligible to run for re-election to a third term but has not yet stated whether he will do so. Since the adoption of four-year terms in 1962, no Minnesota governor has won a third term. Walz was nominated as his party's candidate for vice president in the 2024 presidential election, which he lost to JD Vance.

## Nebraska

Governor Jim Pillen, a Republican, was elected in 2022 with 59.7% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated if he will do so.
Former union leader Dan Osborn, who ran as an independent in the 2024 regular Senate election, is a potential candidate.

## Nevada

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. State attorney general Aaron D. Ford is running for the Democratic nomination.

## New Hampshire

Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Republican who was elected in 2024 with 53.6% of the vote, has not stated whether she will run for re-election yet. New Hampshire elects its governors on a two-year cycle.

## New Mexico

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.
Previous U.S. Secretary of the Interior and former U.S. Representative Deb Haaland has declared her candidacy for the Democratic nomination. Ken Miyagishima, former mayor of Las Cruces, has formed an exploratory committee to prepare a run for the Democratic nomination.
Other potential Democratic candidates include Sam Bregman, district attorney for Bernalillo County and former chairman of the state Democratic Party.
State Senate Minority Leader Gregory A. Baca is a potential Republican candidate. Voice actor Greg Baldwin has expressed interest in running for governor as an independent.

## New York

Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, took office in 2021 upon the resignation of Andrew Cuomo and was elected to a full term in 2022 with 53.2% of the vote. On July 2, 2024, she announced her intention to seek re-election to a second full term. Congressman Ritchie Torres from New York's 15th congressional district has expressed interest in mounting a primary challenge to Hochul after openly criticizing her administration. Former U.S. Representative from New York's 16th congressional district Jamaal Bowman has also expressed interest in running for governor, along with other offices. Incumbent lieutenant governor Antonio Delgado, who has announced he will not join a ticket with Hochul in 2026, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate.
U.S. Representative Mike Lawler of New York's 17th congressional district is widely seen as a potential Republican challenger. Other Republican candidates could include Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin.

## Ohio

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, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced his candidacy, as has former Morgan County School Board President Heather Hill. Biotech entrepreneur and former candidate for the Republican Party nomination in the 2024 United States presidential election Vivek Ramaswamy, declared his candidacy in February 2025 at a rally in Cincinnati.
As for Democrats, former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton has said she will run for Governor. Former U.S. Representative and 2022 U.S. Senate nominee Tim Ryan has expressed interest in running, as has former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern.

## 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 is running to succeed Stitt. Other potential Republican candidates include State House Speaker Charles McCall, Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, State Senate President Greg Treat, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters.

## Oregon

Governor Tina Kotek, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 47% of the vote. She is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated if she will do so.
On the Republican side, former professional mixed martial artist Chael Sonnen has expressed interest in running for governor.

## Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, was elected in 2022 with 56.5% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated if he will do so.
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican, is seen as a potential candidate for her party's nomination. State Senator Doug Mastriano, the Republican nominee against Shapiro in 2022, is also considering running.

## 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. Because McKee served less than two years of Raimondo's term, he is eligible to run for re-election to a second consecutive full term. He announced on March 3, 2025, that he would do so. Raimondo has also expressed interest in running for another term.
Helena Foulkes, former executive with CVS Pharmacy and candidate for governor in 2022, has expressed interest in running either as a Democrat or independent.
On the Republican side, 2022 gubernatorial nominee Ashley Kalus is considered a potential candidate.

## South Carolina

Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 58.1% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the South Carolina Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive full term.
Possible Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, State Senate Majority Leader A. Shane Massey, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, businessman and 2018 gubernatorial candidate John Warren, and Attorney General Alan Wilson. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace is said to be considering joining the race.

## South Dakota

Governor Larry Rhoden, a Republican, took office in 2025 upon the resignation of Kristi Noem to become Secretary of Homeland Security. Noem was re-elected in 2022 with 62% of the vote. Rhoden has not yet announced whether he'll seek a full term as governor.
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson has been named as a potential Republican candidate while U.S. Senator Mike Rounds, who served as governor from 2003 to 2011, is also reportedly considering a candidacy, with one poll showing a tie with Johnson in a potential Republican primary.

## Tennessee

Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, 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. Representative Mark Green, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, and State House Speaker Cameron Sexton have been named as potential Republican candidates. U.S. Representatives Andy Ogles and Tim Burchett are said to be considering running.

## Texas

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.
Dave Clark, a former Amazon executive and former CEO of Flexport, and James Talarico, state representative from the 50th district, are seen as potential Democratic candidates.

## Vermont

Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, was re-elected in 2024 with 73.4% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election to a sixth two-year term, but has not yet stated if he will do so.

## Wisconsin

Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, was re-elected in 2022 with 51.2% of the vote. Because Wisconsin does not have gubernatorial term limits in its Constitution, he is eligible to run for re-election to a third term, and has not ruled out doing so.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, state senator Kelda Roys, and Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman Ben Wikler are all seen as possible Democratic candidates.
On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, state senator Patrick Testin, and U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district Tom Tiffany have all expressed interest in running. Businessman Eric Hovde, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024, former lieutenant governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and Will Martin, candidate for lieutenant governor in 2022, have been mentioned as potential Republican candidates.

## Wyoming

Governor Mark Gordon, a Republican, was re-elected in 2022 with 74.1% of the vote. He will be term limited by the Wyoming Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election for a third consecutive term.
Civil engineer Brent Bien, who challenged Gordon in the 2022 Republican primary, has announced a campaign.
President Donald Trump has encouraged Republican state senator Bo Biteman to run for the position in 2026. U.S. Representative for Wyoming's at-large congressional district Harriet Hageman and State Treasurer Curt Meier have both expressed interest in running.

## Territories and federal district
### District of Columbia

Mayor Muriel Bowser was re-elected in 2022 with 74.6% of the vote. She is eligible to run for re-election to a fourth term, but has not yet stated whether she will do so.

### 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.

### Northern Mariana Islands

Governor Arnold Palacios was elected in 2022 with 54.1% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election to a second term, but has not yet stated whether he will do so.

### 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.