Governor races end in 22-12 Democratic lead as two states remain close

The 2026 midterm elections concluded with a significant shift in executive power across the states. As of 4:00 PM ET on November 6, Democrats had won 22 of the 36 gubernatorial races on the ballot. Republicans had secured 12 of these offices. Two races remained uncalled, with one previously held by a Democrat and the other by a Republican. The final tally indicates that Democrats gained control of five governorships, all of which had been held by Republicans prior to the election. This outcome marked the first time since before the 2010 elections that Democrats held a majority of governorships nationwide.

The partisan control of the executive branch at the state level changed dramatically in several regions. The net change in governorships favored Democrats by five seats. This shift contributed to a broader pattern of Democratic gains in state government trifectas. In 44 of the 46 states where at least one trifecta office was on the ballot, the status had been decided. Twenty states fell under Democratic trifectas, sixteen remained under Republican trifectas, and eight resulted in divided governments. Two states remained undecided regarding their trifecta status at the time of the report. Eleven states changed their trifecta status, with six moving from divided governments to Democratic trifectas and five shifting from Republican trifectas to divided governments.

The governor races were part of a wider wave of Democratic success in the 2026 midterms. Democrats also won a plurality of state legislative chambers. They secured 46 of the 88 state legislative chambers on the ballot, while Republicans won 39. One chamber went to a bipartisan coalition, and two remained uncalled. Twelve state legislative chambers changed party control, all shifting to Democrats. This legislative advantage complements the executive gains, providing a strong foundation for policy implementation in many states. The alignment of executive and legislative power in Democratic hands in twenty states signals a coordinated approach to state governance in the coming two years.

The uncertainty in the two uncalled governor races adds a layer of complexity to the final national tally. One of these races is in a state previously controlled by Democrats, while the other is in a state previously controlled by Republicans. The outcome of these close contests could alter the final count, though the current 22-12 lead suggests a solid Democratic majority. Analysts note that the margin of victory in these races will determine the final net change in governorships. The current data reflects a clear trend, but the final certification of results will provide the definitive picture of state executive leadership.

The shift in governorships has immediate implications for state policy priorities. With Democrats now controlling a majority of governorships, their policy agendas will likely influence state budgets, education, and infrastructure projects. Republicans, while losing ground in the executive branch, still hold 12 governorships, allowing them to maintain influence in key regions. The divided governments in eight states may lead to legislative negotiations, as neither party holds complete control. These states will require bipartisan cooperation to pass major legislation, potentially slowing down the implementation of party-specific agendas.

The 2026 election results also highlight the competitive nature of the governor races. The five states that changed party control from Republican to Democratic indicate strong voter turnout and engagement in these contests. The candidates in these races campaigned on issues that resonated with local voters, leading to decisive shifts in executive power. The fact that all five changes were from Republicans to Democrats underscores the direction of voter preference in these specific states. This trend is consistent with the broader national results, where Democrats gained seats in the U.S. House and Senate.

The role of open seats in the governor races is also noteworthy. Of the 36 governor races, 19 were open seats, where the incumbent did not run for re-election. The competition for these open seats was intense, with candidates from both parties vying for the positions. The outcome of these races contributed to the overall shift in partisan control. The remaining 17 races involved incumbents seeking re-election or facing primary challenges. The mix of open and incumbent seats created a dynamic electoral landscape, with voters having the opportunity to choose new leaders or retain existing ones.

The nonpartisan analysis of the 2026 governor races reveals a clear trend toward Democratic control at the state executive level. The 22-12 split in called races, with two pending, provides a snapshot of the current balance of power. This balance will influence state policies and national politics as the new governors take office. The gains in governorships are part of a larger Democratic wave in the 2026 midterms, which also included significant wins in the U.S. House and Senate. The alignment of federal and state power in Democratic hands will shape the political landscape for the next two years, with potential implications for national policy and governance.

The final results of the 2026 governor races will be certified in the coming weeks, with the two uncalled races expected to be resolved soon. The 22-12 Democratic lead in called races sets the stage for a new era of state leadership. Democrats will work to implement their agendas in the 22 states they control, while Republicans will focus on their 12 governorships. The divided governments in eight states will require careful negotiation and compromise. The 2026 governor races have concluded with a clear shift in power, marking a significant moment in American state politics. The final certification of results will confirm the 22-12 split or adjust it slightly based on the two pending races.