36 Governor Races: The 18-18 Split, 19 Open Seats, and 9 Battlegrounds

Voters across the United States are casting ballots on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in a midterm election that will determine the balance of power in statehouses and Congress. 36 governorships are on the ballot this year, a number that reflects the regular cycle of state executive elections. The current landscape is defined by a precise parity in the contested offices. Republicans hold 18 of these governorships, and Democrats hold the other 18, creating a direct contest for control of state executive power.

This even split underscores the high stakes of the day. Republicans have held a majority of governorships nationwide since 2010, a demographic fact. Democrats are seeking a net gain of two governorships to achieve a nationwide majority, a milestone they have not reached in two decades. The outcome of these races will influence state policy and the political landscape for the next two to four years, depending on state term limits.

Nineteen of the 36 races are open seats, meaning no incumbent governor is running for re-election. Ballotpedia notes that 15 of these governors are term-limited, a statutory rule in their respective states. Three other governors chose not to run: Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Tony Evers of Wisconsin. Additionally, Daniel McKee of Rhode Island lost his primary contest. These 19 open seats represent a significant opportunity for either party to shift the ideological balance of state government, as voters are not simply choosing to continue or change the current administration but are selecting entirely new leaders.

Nine specific states are identified by Ballotpedia as battlegrounds where the outcome remains in play. These include Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In these states, the margin of victory could be narrow, and the outcome may depend on turnout and local issues. For example, in Georgia, Republican health care executive Rick Jackson faces Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to succeed Brian Kemp. In Nevada, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo is running against Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford.

Other notable matchups in the battleground states include Ohio, where Republican Vivek Ramaswamy contests Democrat Amy Acton. The Associated Press and PBS NewsHour have highlighted this race, noting that Ramaswamy’s campaign faced public reaction regarding a campaign advertisement featuring Acton’s estranged mother. In Michigan, the race is viewed as critical for Democrats hoping to hold their current offices in states that President Trump won in 2024. Democrats currently defend five governorships in states Trump won, including Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Conversely, Republicans are defending two governorships in states that Kamala Harris won in 2024: New Hampshire and Vermont. In New Hampshire, Governor Kelly Ayotte is running for re-election. In Vermont, Governor Phil Scott is also seeking to retain his office. These races are significant because they test whether the party that won the state in the previous presidential election can maintain control of the governor’s mansion in a midterm year. The Associated Press describes the election as a referendum on the second term of President Donald Trump, with voters reportedly struggling with high prices.

The political mood is shaped by economic concerns and the conduct of the war with Iran. 35% of U.S. Adults approve of President Trump’s job performance, while 25% approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in 10 respondents said the country is heading in the wrong direction. These numbers suggest that economic dissatisfaction is a driving force for many voters, regardless of party affiliation. Most voters blame the president for high prices, a sentiment that could impact both congressional and gubernatorial races.

Turnout is expected to be a decisive factor. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated that everything depends on turnout, asserting that if their voters participate, they will win. In contrast, DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene said the American people are angry and want change. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. This high level of pre-election voting indicates that many voters have already made up their minds, but the final margin in the nine battlegrounds will likely be determined by those who vote on Election Day itself.

The 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees have outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents. An analysis of AdImpact data found that 88.1% of Republican general election television ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024. This spending pattern suggests that Republicans are focusing their resources on defending their base, while Democrats may be spending more strategically in competitive areas.

Administrative issues have also played a role in the pre-election period. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move that critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. Another judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that California election officials segregate ballots cast by people on lists of suspected noncitizens. The U.S. Postal Service added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure that mail ballots are counted on time. These actions have drawn attention from both parties and have added a layer of complexity to the election process.