2026 United States gubernatorial elections

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39 governorships 36 states; 3 territories
Majority party Minority party   Party Republican Democratic Seats before 26 24 Seats up 18 18
Democratic incumbent     Term-limited or retiring Democrat      Republican incumbent     Term-limited or retiring Republican      Independent incumbent      No election

TheUnited States gubernatorial elections are scheduled to be held on November 3, 2026. This election will take place in 36 states and three territories. The previous gubernatorial elections for this group of states took place in2022, except inNew Hampshire andVermont, where governors serve two-year terms and elected their governors in2024.

Fifteen of the thirty-six states with elections in this cycle have officiallyterm-limited incumbents, while two of the three United States territories with elections this cycle have officially term-limited incumbents.

Going into the election, there are 26Republican governors and 24Democratic governors in the United States. This class of governors is made up of 18 Republicans and 18 Democrats. Republicans are defending two governorships in states thatKamala Harris won in 2024 (New Hampshire and Vermont). Democrats are defending five governorships in states thatDonald Trump won in 2024 (Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin).

Several sites and individuals published predictions of competitive seats. These predictions looked at factors such as the strength of theincumbent (if the incumbent was running for reelection) and the other candidates, and the state's partisan lean (reflected in part by the state'sCook 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": 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

GovernorKay Ivey, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 67.4% of the vote. She will be term-limited by theConstitution of Alabama in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive full term. RepublicanU.S. SenatorTommy Tuberville entered the race for governor in May 2025. Ken McFeeters, a candidate forAlabama's 6th congressional district in2024, is also mounting a campaign,^[7] as is Will Santivasci ofAnniston.^[253]

Democratic candidates include former U.S. SenatorDoug Jones; the2022 gubernatorial nominee Yolanda Flowers;Will Boyd, a former city councilor ofGreenville, Illinois, and the nominee for Alabama Lieutenant Governor in2018 and for U.S. Senate in2022; pastor Ja'Mel Brown; candidate for governor in 2022 Chad Chig Martin;^[6] and former state representativeNathan Mathis.^[253]

Should Jones and Tuberville win their respective primaries, the gubernatorial election will be a rematch of the2020 United States Senate election, which saw Tuberville defeat Jones.

GovernorMike Dunleavy, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 50.3% of the vote. He will be term-limited by theConstitution of Alaska in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term. Republican candidates include former state senatorClick Bishop; Lieutenant GovernorNancy Dahlstrom;Matanuska-Susitna Borough mayorEdna DeVries; former state Attorney GeneralTreg Taylor; former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue Adam Crum; state senatorShelley Hughes; businesswoman Bernadette Wilson; formerAnchorage mayorDave Bronson; and Matt Heliala, a member of theAlaska State Medical Board.^{[9][13][18][15][12][10][14]}

For the Democrats,Tom Begich, a former state senator who was the Democratic leader in the State Senate, has announced a campaign, as has District H state senatorMatt Claman and former state representativeJonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.^[8][11][16] Despite filing paperwork torun for her old seat,^[254] former Democratic U.S. RepresentativeMary Peltola has also expressed interest in running for governor,^[255][256] but instead announced a campaign forAlaska's U.S. Senate seat up in 2026 in January.^[257]

GovernorKatie Hobbs, a Democrat, was elected in2022 with 50.3% of the vote. Starting with this election cycle, gubernatorial candidates will be required to nominate a running mate for the newly-established office ofLieutenant Governor. Hobbs is running for re-election to a second term.^[20] Secretary of StateAdrian Fontes was considering a primary challenge, but later declined to run.^[258]

U.S. Representative from Arizona's 5th congressional districtAndy Biggs,^[19] as well as formerArizona Board of Regents memberKarrin Taylor Robson,^[259] have announced their candidacies for the Republican nomination in early 2025; President Trump endorsed both candidates.^[260] Taylor Robson withdrew from the campaign on February 12, 2026.^[261] Also running for the Republican nomination is U.S. Representative for Arizona's 1st congressional districtDavid Schweikert.^[22] State TreasurerKimberly Yee had also expressed interest in mounting a campaign, but instead announced she would run forstate superintendent.^[262][263]

Former Democratic state representativeLeezah Sun has announced a campaign as an independent.^[23]

GovernorSarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican, was elected in2022 with 63.1% of the vote. She is running for re-election to a second term.^[264]

Democratic state senatorFredrick Love has announced a campaign for the Democratic nomination.^[265] Before filing ended, Love was joined the primary with former Walmart Executive and wealthy entrepreneur, Supha Xayprasith Mays, who plans to self fund her gubernatorial race.^[266] Mays is the wife of retired Federal Judge Richard Mays. If elected she would be the nation's first Democrat Asian American female Governor.

Democratic GovernorGavin Newsom was re-elected in2022 with 59.2% of the vote. He is term-limited by theCalifornia Constitution in 2026, and cannot seek re-election to a third term. Democratic candidates include formerU.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney GeneralXavier Becerra; former Majority Leader of the California AssemblyIan Calderon;San JosemayorMatt Mahan; former congresswoman for California's 47th congressional districtKatie Porter; businessman and 2020 presidential candidateTom Steyer; congressman for California's 14th congressional districtEric Swalwell; State Superintendent of Public InstructionTony Thurmond; former Los Angeles MayorAntonio Villaraigosa; and former state ControllerBetty Yee.^{[27][31][36][39][42][43][44][45][47]}

Rick Caruso, a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles in2022, has expressed interest in running.^[267] State assemblymemberBuffy Wicks and San Jose mayorMatt Mahan are considered potential candidates.^[268][269] State Senate PresidentToni Atkins, businessmanSteve Cloobeck, State TreasurerFiona Ma, and Lieutenant GovernorEleni Kounalakis all initially announced runs for governor as Democrats, but later withdrew from the campaign.^{[270][271][272][273]} Ma instead chose torun for lieutenant governor, and Kounalakis pivoted to acampaign for State Treasurer, while Atkins and Cloobeck will not run for any statewide office in 2026. Additionally, Cloobeck endorsed Swalwell's campaign upon his withdrawal.^[271] FormerVice President of the United States and2024 Democratic nominee for PresidentKamala Harris had considered running, having long been interested in leading the country's largest economy and becoming the nation's first black female governor,^[274][275] but ultimately decided not to enter the race.^[276]

On the Republican side, pastorChé Ahn, Riverside County SheriffChad Bianco, political commentatorSteve Hilton, construction managerKyle Langford, businessmanDavid Serpa, and businessman Leo Zacky have all announced campaigns.^{[26][28][33][277][41][38]}

Butch Ware, theGreen Party's nominee for vice president in 2024, has announced a campaign.^[46]

GovernorJared Polis, a Democrat, was re-elected in2022 with 58.5% of the vote. He will be term-limited by theColorado Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.U.S. Senator for ColoradoMichael Bennet andState Attorney GeneralPhil Weiser have each announced their candidacy for the Democratic nomination.^[48][56] FormerU.S. Ambassador to Mexico and former U.S. SenatorKen Salazar is considered to be a potential candidate.^[278]

On the Republican side, state representativeScott Bottoms, state senatorBarbara Kirkmeyer, andTeller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell have all announced campaigns.^[49][51][54]state senatorMark Baisley announced his campaign in March 2025 but opted instead to run for U.S. Senate in January 2026.^[279][52]

FormerU.S. Representative for Colorado's 4th congressional districtGreg Lopez initially announced his campaign as a Republican but later left the party in January 2026 and is continuing his campaign as an independent.^[280][52] FormerDaVita CEO Kent Thiry was speculated to be considering an independent bid, but toldColorado Public Radio that he would not run.^[281]

GovernorNed Lamont, a Democrat, was re-elected in2022 with 56% of the vote. BecauseConnecticut does not have gubernatorial term limits in itsConstitution, Lamont has announced that he is running for a third term.^[59]State representative for the 88th districtJosh Elliott has announced that he is running for the Democratic nomination for governor, challenging Lamont in the Democratic primary.^[57] A number of other Democrats were considered potential candidates had Lamont chosen not to run for a third term, including Lieutenant GovernorSusan Bysiewicz, ComptrollerSean Scanlon, and Attorney GeneralWilliam Tong.^[282] FormerHartfordmayorLuke Bronin was considered a potential Democratic candidate, but he instead launched a primary challenge to CongressmanJohn B. Larson inConnecticut's 1st district.^[283]

On the Republican side,state senator for the 36th districtRyan Fazio and New Britain mayorErin Stewart have both announced their candidacies.^[58][61] Perennial candidate Peter Lumaj has expressed interest in running for the Republican nomination for governor.^[284]Westport first selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced a campaign, but dropped out of the race in September 2025.^[285] Bar owner and former U.S. Senate candidate Matt Corey is running for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor.^[282]

Republican GovernorRon DeSantis was re-elected in2022 with 59.4% of the vote. He is term-limited by theFlorida Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.U.S. representative for Florida's 19th congressional districtByron Donalds announced his bid for governor on February 25, 2025, becoming the first major Republican to enter the race.^[62]Paul Renner, formerSpeaker of the Florida House of Representatives, announced his candidacy in September 2025, and Lieutenant GovernorJay Collins joined the race in January 2026.^[69][63] Other Republican candidates includeSurfside mayor Charles Burkett and entrepreneurJames Fishback.^[62][66]

Former nominee forU.S. Attorney General and former U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional districtMatt Gaetz is widely seen as a potential candidate for the Republican nomination.^{[286][287][288][289]} Former Lieutenant GovernorJeanette Nuñez, Agriculture CommissionerWilton Simpson, and former Mayor of MiamiFrancis Suarez are also seen as potential Republican contenders.^{[290][291][292]} There is also speculation that currentFirst Lady of FloridaCasey DeSantis might launch a bid to succeed her husband.^[293]

Former Republican U.S. representative forFlorida's 13th congressional districtDavid Jolly, a staunch critic of Trump, joined the Democratic Party in 2025 and announced his candidacy for Governor of Florida in June of that year.^[67]Orange CountyMayorJerry Demings is also running for the Democratic nomination.^[64]State senatorShevrin Jones, Florida's first openly gay Black state senator, is seen as a potential candidate for the Democratic nomination.^[294]State House Minority LeaderFentrice Driskell is also considered a potential candidate for the Democrats.^[295]

Former State Senate Minority LeaderJason Pizzo was considered a potential candidate for the Democratic Party, but became an independent in May 2025 and subsequently launched an independent bid for governor.^[68]Moliere Dimanche announced an independent campaign on July 1, 2024, becoming the firstHaitian candidate for governor in Florida's history.^[296]

Republican GovernorBrian Kemp was re-elected in2022 with 53.4% of the vote. He is term-limited by theGeorgia Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term. Attorney GeneralChris Carr, Lieutenant GovernorBurt Jones, and Secretary of StateBrad Raffensperger have announced bids for the Republican nomination.^[72][78][79] Agriculture CommissionerTyler Harper and former U.S. SenatorKelly Loeffler are seen as potential Republican candidates.^{[297][298][299]}

On the Democratic side, former state senatorJason Esteves, formerMayor of Atlanta and former director of the White House Office of Public EngagementKeisha Lance Bottoms, formerDeKalb County Chief Executive Officer and2010 nominee for U.S. SenateMike Thurmond, state representativeDerrick Jackson, and state representativeRuwa Romman, have all announced campaigns.^{[75][70][81][76][80]} Former Lieutenant GovernorGeoff Duncan, a Republican critic of Trump, has joined the Democratic Party and is also running for governor as a Democrat.^[74] Former State House Minority LeaderStacey Abrams, who was the nominee for governor in2018 and2022, has expressed interest in running for the nomination, while Mayor of AtlantaAndre Dickens is seen as a potential candidate.^[300][301]U.S. Representative from Georgia's 6th congressional districtLucy McBath was considered a potential candidate, but ultimately declined to run.^[302][303]

GovernorJosh Green, a Democrat, was elected in2022 with 63.2% of the vote. He is eligible to run for re-election, but has not yet stated if he will do so.

GovernorBrad Little, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 60.5% of the vote. BecauseIdaho does not have gubernatorial term limits in itsConstitution, he is eligible to run for re-election to a third term, but has not yet stated whether he will do so.

Attorney Terri Pickens, who was the Democratic nominee forlieutenant governor in2022, is running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.^[84]

FormerTwin Falls Transit Coordinator Maxine Durand is running as an independent, with the backing of local branches of theDemocratic Socialists of America.^[83]

GovernorJB Pritzker, a Democrat, was re-elected in2022 with 54.9% of the vote and is running for a third term.^[86] With Lieutenant GovernorJuliana Stratton seeking Illinois's U.S. Senate seat in2026, Pritzker's running mate is former state representativeChristian Mitchell.^[304]

On the Republican side, candidates include formerstate senator and 2022 Republican nominee for governorDarren Bailey, former vice president of policy for theIllinois Policy Institute Ted Dabrowski,DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, and real estate developer Rick Heidner.^[86]

GovernorKim Reynolds, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 58.1% of the vote. While she is eligible to run for re-election to a third full term, she has decided not to run.^[305] Republican candidates include state representativeEddie Andrews, U.S. Representative for Iowa's 4th congressional districtRandy Feenstra, former director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Adam Steen, farmer Zach Lahn, and former state representativeBrad Sherman, the last of whom initially challenged Reynolds in a primary and is continuing his campaign now that Reynolds has retired.^{[88][90][95][93]} State senatorMike Bousselot formed an exploratory committee for the Republican nomination,^[306] but ultimately chose not to enter the race.^[307] Senate presidentAmy Sinclair has expressed interest in mounting a campaign.^[308] Potential Republican candidates include businessmanBob Vander Plaats, who was the GOP nominee forlieutenant governor in2006 and candidate for governor in2002, 2006, and2010, andMatthew Whitaker, theU.S. Ambassador to NATO and nominee forTreasurer of Iowa in 2002 and candidate for U.S. Senate in2014.^[309]

House SpeakerPat Grassley initially declined to run, opting instead to run for re-election in 2026, but expressed interest in mounting a campaign in April 2025,^[310] before choosing to run for re-election and forego a bid for governor.^[311] Attorney GeneralBrenna Bird, state representativeBobby Kaufmann, and Agriculture SecretaryMike Naig all expressed interest in running for governor,^{[312][310][313]} but all chose not to enter the race.^{[314][315][316]} On the Democratic side, State AuditorRob Sand declared his candidacy for Governor in May 2025. Sand is the only Democratic statewide officeholder in Iowa.^[92] Other Democrats running include Julie Stauch, who was the Iowa political director forPete Buttigieg's2020 presidential campaign.^[94]

GovernorLaura Kelly, a Democrat, was re-elected in2022 with 49.5% of the vote. She will be term limited by theKansas Constitution and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term. State senatorsEthan Corson andCindy Holscher are running for the Democratic nomination, with Corson receiving Governor Kelly's endorsement.^{[98][100][317]} Teacher Marty Tuley is also running.^[107]U.S. Representative from Kansas's 3rd congressional districtSharice Davids and State Senate minority leaderDinah Sykes have both expressed interest in mounting a campaign.^[318][319] FormerKansas Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz is seen as a potential Democratic candidate.^[320] Attorney Chris Mann, who was the Democratic nominee forAttorney General in2022, was also considered a potential candidate, but is again running for Attorney General.^{[320][321][322][323]}

Candidates for the Republican nomination include former GovernorJeff Colyer, State Senate PresidentTy Masterson, Kansas Insurance CommissionerVicki Schmidt, Kansas Secretary of StateScott Schwab, andJohnson County CommissionerCharlotte O'Hara.^{[97][106][102]} Former president of the Kansas City RoyalsDayton Moore and Kansas Attorney GeneralKris Kobach are considered potential Republican candidates.^{[324][320][325][326]} Former U.S. representativeJake LaTurner was seen as a potential Republican candidate, but said in April 2024 that he would not run for any state offices in 2026.^[327]

GovernorJanet Mills, a Democrat, was re-elected in2022 with 55.4% of the vote. She will be term-limited by theMaine Constitution, and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term. Democratic candidates include Secretary of StateShenna Bellows; former law enforcement officer Jason Cherry, whoran for the U.S. Senate in 2024 as an independent; former State Senate PresidentTroy Jackson; businessmanAngus King III, the son of independent U.S. Senator and former Maine governorAngus King; former State House SpeakerHannah Pingree, who also served as Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future in the Mills administration and is the daughter of U.S. RepresentativeChellie Pingree; and formerCenters for Disease Control and Prevention principal deputy directorNirav Shah.^{[108][113][116][118][125][126]}

State senatorRachel Talbot Ross, who is also a former State House Speaker, has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Democratic nomination.^[328] State House SpeakerRyan Fecteau had been mentioned as a potential candidate,^[329] and formerPortlandCity Councilor Spencer Thibodeau had also expressed interest in running for the Democratic nomination,^[328] but both endorsed Pingree's campaign in November 2025.^[330][331] Businessman Dan Kleban, the founder of the Maine Beer Company, had been mentioned as a potential Democratic gubernatorial candidate, but ultimately entered Maine'sU.S. Senate race instead.^[332][333]

On the Republican side, candidates include healthcare executive and member of the Bush familyJonathan Bush; retired financial analyst Kenneth Capron; former U.S. Assistant Secretary of StateRobert Charles; real estate businessman David Jones;state senator and candidate for governor in2002James Libby; former Maine Senate majority leader and candidate for governor in2018Garrett Mason; entrepreneur Owen McCarthy; businessman Ben Midgley; and formerParis selectman Robert Wessels.^{[110][111][112][117][120][121][127][123][122]} Motivational speakerTravis Mills has expressed interest in mounting a campaign.^[334][335] Potential candidates include former U.S. Ambassador to Costa RicaPeter Cianchette, who was also the 2002 Republican nominee for governor, former mayor ofAuburnJason Levesque, former U.S. Representative for Maine's 2nd congressional districtBruce Poliquin, and state senatorTrey Stewart.^{[328][329][336][337]}

Two state legislators have left their parties to seek theBlaine House as independents: state senatorRick Bennett, formerly a Republican, and state representativeEd Crockett, formerly a Democrat.^[109][114] Environmental scientist and activist John Glowa, who failed to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot in 2022, is also running as an independent.^[115] Derek Levasseur, a former law enforcement officer who briefly challenged U.S. SenatorSusan Collins in the Republican primary in2020, is a fourth independent candidate.^[119]

GovernorWes Moore, a Democrat, was elected in2022 with 64.5% of the vote. He is running for re-election to a second term.^[133]

A number of Republicans are vying for the party's nomination: businessman Carl Brunner, state delegateChristopher Eric Bouchat, former state delegate and 2022 nomineeDan Cox, businessmanEd Hale, farmer Kurt Wedekind, and John Myrick, a candidate for U.S. Senate in2024, have announced their candidacies for governor.^{[129][128][130][132][135][338]}State senate minority leaderSteve Hershey has formed an exploratory committee to prepare a bid for governor,^[339] while former governorBob Ehrlich is seen as a potential Republican candidate.^[340][341]

GovernorMaura Healey, a Democrat, was elected in2022 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.^[137] Former U.S. Ambassador to DenmarkAlan M. Leventhal is considered a potential challenger to Healey in a Democratic primary, or a potential independent candidate.^[342]

On the Republican side, former Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, businessman Mike Minogue, and former chief administrator and acting general manager of theMassachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Brian Shortsleeve have announced their candidacies.^{[138][139][140]} State senatorPeter Durant, Worcester County SheriffLewis Evangelidis, and state representativeMichael Soter have all publicly expressed interest in mounting a campaign.^{[343][344][345]} Potential GOP candidates include former lieutenant governorKaryn Polito, andState Senate minority leaderBruce Tarr.^[346][347]

Democratic GovernorGretchen Whitmer was re-elected in2022 with 54.5% of the vote. She is term-limited by theMichigan Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third term. Secretary of StateJocelyn Benson andGenessee County Sheriff Chris Swanson have announced campaigns for the Democratic nomination.^[141][152]Marni Sawicki, the former mayor ofCape Coral, Florida, who moved to Michigan in 2021, has also announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination.^[151] Lieutenant GovernorGarlin Gilchrist had initially announced a campaign for governor, but in January 2026 chose to run for Secretary of State instead.^[348][349]

Former Attorney GeneralMike Cox; Michigan Senate Minority LeaderAric Nesbitt; formerspeaker of the Michigan House of Representatives nominee forattorney general in2018, and2022 candidateTom Leonard; businessman, 2022 candidate for governor and2024 candidate for presidentPerry Johnson; andU.S. Representative for Michigan's 10th congressional districtJohn James have announced bids for the Republican nomination.^{[142][148][147][145]} William Null, who was acquitted for charges relating to theGretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot, has also announced his run.^[149] 2022 Republican nominee for governorTudor Dixon had announced that she was considering running for either Governor or for theU.S. Senate seat being vacated by DemocratGary Peters in 2026, but ultimately decided not to enter either race.^[350][351]

Detroit mayorMike Duggan, a former Democrat, announced his intention to run for governor as an independent in December 2024.^[143]

GovernorTim Walz, a Democrat, was re-elected in2022 with 52.3% of the vote. He initially announced a campaign for a third term, but later withdrew his candidacy in January 2026.^[153]Minnesota does not have gubernatorial term limits in itsConstitution.^[352] Since the adoption of four-year terms in 1962,^[l] no Minnesota governor has won a third term. Walz was nominated as his party'scandidate for vice president in the2024 U.S. presidential election as Harris's running mate; their ticket ended up losing to Trump andJD Vance.^[354]

Following Walz's announcement,U.S. SenatorAmy Klobuchar announced a campaign on January 29, 2026.^[157] Attorney GeneralKeith Ellison, state senatorNick Frentz, U.S. representative from Minnesota's 3rd congressional districtKelly Morrison, majority leader of the Minnesota Senate and2018 candidate for governor inErin Murphy, and Secretary of StateSteve Simon are considered potential candidates.^{[153][355][356]}

For the Republicans, candidates include State House SpeakerLisa Demuth, state representativePeggy Bennett,My Pillow CEO and conservative activistMike Lindell, state representativeKristin Robbins, former mixed martial artistBrad Kohler, and Kendall Qualls, nominee for Minnesota's 3rd congressional district in2020 and candidate for governor in2022.^{[155][154][164][163][357][160][159]} State senatorJulia Coleman and former State Senate Minority LeaderDavid Hann have both publicly expressed interest in mounting campaigns.^[358][359] State senatorZach Duckworth had expressed interest in running,^[360] but chose to run for re-election instead.^[361] Former state senator and nominee for governor in 2022Scott Jensen and formerSt. Cloud city councilor Jeff Johnson;^[m] initially announced campaigns that were later suspended.^{[362][363][364][365]}

GovernorJim Pillen, a Republican, was elected in2022 with 59.7% of the vote. He is running for re-election to a second term.^[166] He is being challenged in the Republican primary by medicinal cannabis activist Jacy Todd.^[167]Charles Herbster, agribusiness executive and candidate forgovernor in2014 and2022, has expressed interest in mounting a campaign.^[366]

Formerstate senator and2018 Democratic nominee for lieutenant governorLynne Walz is running.^[168] Former union leaderDan Osborn, who ran as an independent in the2024 regular Senate election, was considered a potential candidate, but instead announced a run forU.S. Senate.^[367]

GovernorJoe Lombardo, a Republican, was elected in2022 with 48.8% of the vote and is running for re-election to a second term in office.^[172] Businesswoman Irina Hansen, who ran forMayor of Las Vegas in2024, is challenging Lombardo in the GOP primary.^[170]

State attorney generalAaron D. Ford andWashoe County CommissionerAlexis Hill are running for the Democratic nomination.^[169][368]

GovernorKelly Ayotte, a Republican who was elected in2024 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. Senior adviser to the U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityCorey Lewandowski has expressed interest in running regardless of whether Ayotte seeks a second term or not.^[369]

For the Democrats, businessman Jon Kiper, who ran for the 2024 Democratic gubernatorial nomination, is running again in 2026.^[174] Former state senatorTom Sherman, who was the Democratic nominee for governor in2022, andPortsmouth mayor Deaglan McEachern have both publicly expressed interest in running for governor in 2026.^[370][371] State senatorDonovan Fenton and formerexecutive councilor and 2024 candidate for governorCinde Warmington are both considered potential Democratic candidates.^[372][373]

GovernorMichelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, was re-elected in2022 with 52.0% of the vote. She will be term-limited by theNew Mexico Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term. FormerU.S. Secretary of the Interior and former U.S. RepresentativeDeb Haaland has declared her candidacy for the Democratic nomination, as hasBernalillo County District Attorney and formerDemocratic Party of New Mexico chairman Sam Bregman.^[374][375]Howie Morales, the incumbentLieutenant Governor, had expressed interest in running for the Democratic nomination, but ultimately chose not to run.^[376]

On the Republican side,Rio Rancho mayor Gregg Hull and state senatorSteve Lanier have announced their candidacies.^[377][378] FormerNew Mexico Supreme Court chief justiceJudith Nakamura, former secretary of the New Mexico Human Services Department Duke Rodriguez, and state representativeMark Murphy have all expressed interest in mounting campaigns for the Republican nomination.^{[379][380][381]}

Ken Miyagishima, former mayor ofLas Cruces, initially announced his campaign as a Democrat but later chose to run as an independent.^[382][176] Voice actorGreg Baldwin has expressed interest in running for governor as an independent.^[383]

GovernorKathy Hochul, a Democrat, took office in 2021 upon the resignation ofAndrew Cuomo and was elected to a full term in2022 with 53.1% of the vote. On July 2, 2024, she announced her intention to seek re-election to a second full term.^[384] Incumbent lieutenant governorAntonio Delgado announced a primary challenge Hochul in June 2025, but withdrew from the campaign in February 2026.^[385] Hochul has chosen formerSpeaker of the New York City Council and2025 candidate forMayor of New York CityAdrienne Adams as her running mate to replace Delgado.^[386] Delgado's running mate had been community organizer and2021 Democratic nominee forMayor ofBuffaloIndia Walton.^[387] CongressmanRitchie Torres fromNew York's 15th congressional district had expressed interest in mounting a primary challenge to Hochul after openly criticizing her administration,^[388] but ultimately chose not to run.^[389] Former U.S. Representative fromNew York's 16th congressional districtJamaal Bowman has expressed interest in running for governor, along with other offices.^[390]

For the Republicans, U.S. Representative for New York's 21st congressional districtElise Stefanik had announced a campaign in November of 2025, but announced in a tweet on December 19, 2025, that she would be dropping out and not seek reelection to Congress either.^[391][392] In her stead, President Trump has endorsedNassau County ExecutiveBruce Blakeman, who announced his campaign ten days prior to Stefanik's withdrawal.^[177][393]Bethany town supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. also initially announced a campaign, but withdrew in October 2025.^[394][395] U.S. RepresentativeMike Lawler ofNew York's 17th congressional district was widely seen as a potential Republican challenger,^[n] but instead chose to run for re-election.^[402] Former lieutenant governorBetsy McCaughey, who was theLiberal Party of New York candidate for governor in1998, has expressed interest in mounting a campaign for the GOP nomination, as has businessman and2013 candidate for Mayor of New York CityJohn Catsimatidis.^{[403][404][405]}Rensselaer County ExecutiveSteve McLaughlin is considered a potential Republican candidate.^[401]

GovernorMike DeWine, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 62.4% of the vote. He will be term-limited by theOhio Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term. On theRepublican side,biotech entrepreneur and former candidate for theRepublican Party nomination in the 2024 presidential electionVivek Ramaswamy has announced a campaign, which has won the support of President Trump and Vice President Vance, the latter an Ohioan.^[406][407] Ohio attorney generalDave Yost, who announced his candidacy for governor in January 2025, withdrew from the race and endorsed Ramaswamy in May 2025.^[408]

For the Democrats, formerOhio Department of Health DirectorDr. Amy Acton has announced a campaign.^[409] Former U.S. Representative and2022 U.S. Senate nomineeTim Ryan expressed interest in running, but announced in November 2025 that he wouldn't seek the nomination.^[410] Former U.S. SenatorSherrod Brown had also expressed interested in running, but announced in August 2025 that he would run in the2026 United States Senate special election in Ohio.^[411] FormerOhio Democratic Party ChairmanChris Redfern has also expressed interest.^[412]

GovernorKevin Stitt, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 55.4% of the vote. He will be term-limited by theOklahoma Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third term. Attorney GeneralGentner Drummond, former Oklahoma Secretary of BudgetMike Mazzei, former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of RepresentativesCharles McCall, former Oklahoma Secretary of Public SafetyChip Keating, who is the son of former governorFrank Keating, and former state senatorJake A. Merrick are all seeking the Republican nomination.^{[182][185][186][183][187]} Former State Superintendent of Public InstructionRyan Walters has expressed interest in running.^[413] Potential Republican candidates include Lieutenant GovernorMatt Pinnell, and State Senate PresidentGreg Treat,^{[414][415][416]}

On the Democratic side, state representativeCyndi Munson has announced her candidacy.^[188]

GovernorTina Kotek, a Democrat, was elected in2022 with 47% of the vote. She is running for re-election to a second term.^[194]

On the Republican side, former minority leader of theOregon House of Representatives and2022 nominee for governorChristine Drazan is running, as are former professional basketball player and2010 nomineeChris Dudley,state representativeEd Diehl,Marion County commissioner Danielle Bethell, geonomics researcher Kyle Duyck, and candidate forOregon Commissioner of Labor in 2022 Robert Neuman.^{[192][193][191][190]} Former professional mixed martial artistChael Sonnen has expressed interest in running for governor.^[417]

GovernorJosh Shapiro, a Democrat, was elected in2022 with 56.5% of the vote. He is running for reelection to a second term.^[199]

Pennsylvania TreasurerStacy Garrity, a Republican, has announced a campaign.^[196] State senatorScott Martin, a candidate for governor in 2022, was considering a campaign, but ultimately endorsed Garrity.^[418][419] TheU.S. Representative from Pennsylvania's 9th congressional districtDan Meuser was endorsed by Trump, but Meuser declined to run.^{[420][421][422]}

GovernorDan McKee, a Democrat, took office in 2021 upon the resignation ofGina Raimondo and was elected to a full term in2022 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.^[202] Raimondo has also expressed interest in running for another term.^[423]Helena Foulkes, former executive withCVS Pharmacy and candidate for governor in 2022, had expressed interest in running either as a Democrat or independent.^[424] She ultimately entered the race as a Democrat on September 10, 2025, setting up a rematch against McKee, who had narrowly defeated her in the primary in 2022.^[200] Restaurateur Greg Stevens is also challenging McKee in the Democratic primary.^[205] State House SpeakerJoe Shekarchi has expressed interest in mounting a campaign for the Democratic nomination, while calling for McKee to withdraw from the race due to his negative approval ratings.^[425] Attorney GeneralPeter Neronha was considered a potential candidate, but chose not to run.^[426][427]

On the Republican side, 2022 lieutenant governor nomineeAaron Guckian is running, as is businessman Robert Raimondo, who is also a cousin of Democratic former governor Gina Raimondo, and actress Elaine Pelino.^{[201][204][203]} State senate minority leaderJessica de la Cruz and 2022 gubernatorial nominee Ashley Kalus are considered potential candidates.^[428][429]

GovernorHenry McMaster, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 58.1% of the vote. He will be term-limited by theSouth Carolina Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive full term. Five Republicans are contesting the election; state senatorJosh Kimbrell, attorney generalAlan Wilson, lieutenant governorPamela Evette, and U.S. representativesRalph Norman andNancy Mace.^{[208][212][206][211][209]} Other possible Republican candidates include state senate majority leaderA. Shane Massey, U.S. senatorTim Scott, and businessman John Warren, who contested the same office in2018.^[430][431]

For the Democrats, attorney Mullins McLeod and state representativeJermaine Johnson have announced campaigns.^[210][207]

GovernorLarry Rhoden, a Republican, took office in 2025 upon the resignation ofKristi Noem to becomeSecretary of Homeland Security.^[432] Noem was re-elected in2022 with 62% of the vote. Rhoden is running for a full term.^[219] Speaker of the South Dakota House of RepresentativesJon Hansen and U.S. RepresentativeDusty Johnson have both launched campaigns for the Republican nomination for governor, as has real estate entrepreneur Toby Doerden.^[215][217]

On the Democratic side,South Dakota Democratic Party executive directorDaniel Ahlers^[213] and college student Robert Arnold have announced their candidacies.^[214]

Community advocate and political organizer Allison Renville is running as an independent.^[218]

GovernorBill Lee, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 64.9% of the vote. He will be term-limited by theTennessee Constitution in 2026 and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term. U.S. SenatorMarsha Blackburn, state representativeMonty Fritts, and U.S. Representative forTennessee's 6th congressional districtJohn Rose are running for the Republican nomination.^{[221][222][225]} U.S. RepresentativeDiana Harshbarger had expressed interest in running if Blackburn had chosen not to run,^[433] and U.S. RepresentativeTim Burchett was rumored to be considering running but ultimately endorsed Blackburn.^[434][435]

For the Democrats,Memphis city councilor Jerri Green, leader of New Chicago Community Development Corporation and 2022 candidate for governorCarnita Atwater, nominee for the 109th district in theIllinois House of Representatives in2010 Tim Cyr, and guitarist Adam Kurtz have all announced campaigns.^[223][220] State representativeJohn Ray Clemmons and former U.S. Representative from Tennessee's 5th congressional districtJim Cooper are considered potential candidates for the Democrats.^[436]

FormerLipscomb University professor Lauren Pinkston is running as an independent.^[224]

GovernorGreg Abbott, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 54.8% of the vote. BecauseTexas does not have gubernatorial term limits in itsConstitution, he is eligible to run for re-election to a fourth term. On March 1, 2024, Abbott announced his intention to seek re-election.^[437]

For the Democrats, former U.S. representative forTexas's 25th congressional district, nominee for governor in2006, candidate formayor of Houston in2001 and2015, and2020 candidate for U.S. SenateChris Bell and state representativeGina Hinojosa have announced their candidacies, as has rancher Bobby Cole.^{[438][439][440]}James Talarico, state representative from the 50th district, had expressed interest in mounting a campaign for the Democratic nomination, but chose torun for U.S. Senate instead.^[441][442]

GovernorPhil Scott, a Republican, was re-elected in2024 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.

For the Democrats, Attorney GeneralCharity Clark is considered a potential candidate, and has said that she will run for a statewide office in 2026, but that she has "not officially decided what office [she's] running for."^[443] State TreasurerMike Pieciak is reported to be considering a campaign for governor.^[444]

Dean Roy, a 14-year-old fromStowe, is running as a member of the Freedom and Unity Party.^[445] Vermont has no minimum age requirement for the governorship, allowing Roy to seek the governorship despite not being old enough to vote.^[446]

GovernorTony Evers, a Democrat, was re-elected in2022 with 51.2% of the vote. BecauseWisconsin does not have gubernatorial term limits in itsConstitution, he was eligible to run for re-election to a third term, but Evers announced on July 24, 2025, that he would not seek re-election.^[227] FormerLieutenant Governor and in2022 nominee for U.S. SenateMandela Barnes, Milwaukee County ExecutiveDavid Crowley, Lieutenant GovernorSara Rodriguez, state senatorKelda Roys, state representativeFrancesca Hong, former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development CorporationMissy Hughes, and former state representative and2014 candidate for governorBrett Hulsey have all announced campaigns for the Democratic nomination.^{[228][230][235][237][232][233][234]}

President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee Joel Brennan has expressed interest in joining the race.^[447][448] FormerWisconsin Democratic Party chairmanBen Wikler was seen as a possible Democratic candidate, but announced in October 2025 that he would not run.^[449][450]MilwaukeeMayorCavalier Johnson was considered a potential candidate, but instead endorsed Crowley.^[451][452]Attorney GeneralJosh Kaul was also considered a potential candidate, but chose to run for re-election instead.^[453]

On the Republican side, U.S. Representative forWisconsin's 7th congressional districtTom Tiffany has announced his campaign.^[239]Tommy Thompson, former governor, formerU.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and nominee for U.S. Senate in2012 has expressed interest in running, as has state senatorPatrick Testin.^{[454][451][455]} Businessman Eric Hovde, the Republican nominee forU.S. Senate in2024, former lieutenant governorRebecca Kleefisch, and businessman Tim Michels, nominee for governor in 2022, have been mentioned as potential Republican candidates.^[451][456]

GovernorMark Gordon, a Republican, was re-elected in2022 with 74.1% of the vote. State law limits the Governor to two consecutive terms, but Gordon has not ruled out challenging the law's constitutionality and seeking a third term.^[457] State senatorEric Barlow, civil engineer Brent Bien, and web designer Joseph Kibler are running for the Republican nomination.^{[240][244][241]} President Trump has encouraged Republican state senatorBo Biteman to run for the position in 2026.^[458] State TreasurerCurt Meier has expressed interest in running.^[459][241]

MayorMuriel Bowser was re-elected in2022 with 74.6% of the vote. She is retiring.^[245]

GovernorLou Leon Guerrero was re-elected in2022 with 55.5% of the vote. She will be term limited in 2026 and cannot seek re-election for a third consecutive term. Lieutenant GovernorJosh Tenorio, a Democrat elected alongside Leon Guerrero, announced in 2023 that he would pursue the governorship in 2026.^[250]

GovernorDavid M. Apatang, an independent, took office in 2025 upon the death ofArnold Palacios. Palacios was elected in2022 with 54.1% of the vote. Apatang is eligible to run for a full term, but has not yet stated whether he will do so. IndependentBlas T. Attao has announced a campaign.^[251]

Main article:2026 United States Virgin Islands gubernatorial election

GovernorAlbert Bryan was re-elected in2022 with 56.1% of the vote. He will be term limited in 2026 and cannot seek re-election for a third consecutive term.