Governorships up in 2026 include cross-party defenses in Trump and Harris states
Thirty-six states are holding gubernatorial elections this year, and the two parties each hold 18 of the seats on the ballot. Democrats are defending five governorships in states Trump won in 2024: Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Republicans are defending two in states Harris won: New Hampshire and Vermont, and Ballotpedia identified 10 battleground races, five held by each party, with eight lacking an incumbent.
Thirty-six gubernatorial contests are scheduled, with each party currently holding 18 of the seats being decided. Democrats must protect governorships in five states Donald Trump carried in 2024: Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Republicans are defending two governorships in states Kamala Harris won: New Hampshire and Vermont.
Ballotpedia lists ten races as battlegrounds, evenly divided between the parties. Eight feature no incumbent. In 2022, Democrats defended one governorship in a Trump-won state, while Republicans defended six in Biden-won states.
The outcomes could shape state policies and governance, affecting residents in all 36 states holding contests. Close races may draw national attention and spending, potentially influencing turnout and down-ballot contests. With many open seats, new governors may bring shifts in priorities, while divided government in some states could constrain change. Voters in battleground states may see more campaign activity and messaging.