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There are 36gubernatorial offices on the ballot in 2026. These elections are inAlabama ,Alaska ,Arizona ,Arkansas ,California ,Colorado ,Connecticut ,Florida ,Georgia ,Hawaii ,Idaho ,Illinois ,Iowa ,Kansas ,Maine ,Maryland ,Massachusetts ,Michigan ,Minnesota ,Nebraska ,Nevada ,New Hampshire ,New Mexico ,New York ,Ohio ,Oklahoma ,Oregon ,Pennsylvania ,Rhode Island ,South Carolina ,South Dakota ,Tennessee ,Texas ,Vermont ,Wisconsin , andWyoming .
Of the 36 gubernatorial offices up for election in 2026, Democrats and Republicans each hold 18. Nationally,Republicans hold 26 governorships andDemocrats hold 24.
Fifteen incumbent governors are term-limited. Of those, six are Democrats and nine are Republicans.
Two states held gubernatorial elections in 2025, and 11 held gubernatorial elections in 2024. One state's governorship —Virginia's — changed from Republican to Democratic control in 2025. No state's governor's office changed party control in 2024.
Explore Ballotpedia's coverage of these elections:
Partisan balance
The partisan balance of U.S. governors
Read more
On the ballot
A list of elections and candidates on the ballot
Read more
Trifectas and triplexes
Information on trifectas and triplexes
Read more
About the office
Information about governors across all 50 states
Read more
Partisan balance The following chart displays the number of governors' offices held by each party before and after the 2025 elections.
U.S. governors partisan breakdown Party As of February 2026 After the 2026 elections Democratic 24 TBD Republican 26 TBD Total 50 50
The chart below shows historical partisan breakdown information for governors.
On the ballot Click the tabs below to view information about the elections this year. In this section, you will find:
A list of seats up for election A list of candidates running Ballotpedia's Sample Ballot Lookup Tool
Seats up for election
List of candidates
What's on your ballot?
The table below show which states are holding gubernatorial elections in 2026.
The table below contains a list of all candidates for governor in 2026. The table is fully searchable bycandidate, party andcandidacy status. Depending on the size of your screen, you'll either see a menu to the left of the table or an arrow at the top right corner, which you can use to select a state.
Alabama Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared (Write-in) General
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Alaska Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Republican
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Republican
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Republican
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Republican
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Republican
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Republican
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Republican
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Republican
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Round 1
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Round 1
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Arizona Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Arizona Independent Party
Candidacy Declared General
Green
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Republican
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Arkansas Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
On the Ballot General
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
California Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Green
Candidacy Declared Primary
Libertarian
Candidacy Declared Primary
No party preference
Candidacy Declared Primary
No party preference
Candidacy Declared Primary
No party preference
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
No party preference
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Colorado Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
American Constitution Party
Candidacy Declared General
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
No Labels Party
Candidacy Declared General
No Labels Party
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
Republican
Withdrew Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Connecticut Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Florida Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Constitution Party
Candidacy Declared General
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Libertarian
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared (Write-in) General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
Republican
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Georgia Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Guam Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Hawaii Governor Candidates - 2026 candidate party office status No candidates available for this race
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Idaho Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Libertarian
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Illinois Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
Republican
Disqualified Primary
Republican
Disqualified Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
Democratic
Disqualified Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Iowa Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Kansas Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Maine Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Republican
Candidacy Declared
Democratic
Candidacy Declared
Democratic
Candidacy Declared
Democratic
Candidacy Declared
Democratic
Candidacy Declared
Democratic
Candidacy Declared
Democratic
Candidacy Declared
Democratic
Candidacy Declared
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Republican
Withdrew
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Maryland Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Green
Candidacy Declared General
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Massachusetts Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Michigan Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Minnesota Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Nebraska Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Nevada Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
New Hampshire Governor Candidates - 2026 candidate party office status Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
New Mexico Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Disqualified Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
New York Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Northern Mariana Islands Governor Candidates - 2026 candidate party office status No candidates available for this race
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Ohio Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Libertarian
Candidacy Declared Primary
No Party Affiliation
Candidacy Declared General
Republican
Withdrew Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Oklahoma Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Oregon Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent Party
Candidacy Declared General
Unaffiliated
Candidacy Declared General
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Pennsylvania Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Constitution Party
Candidacy Declared General
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Rhode Island Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
South Carolina Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
South Dakota Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Tennessee Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Texas Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Republican
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Democratic
On the Ballot Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Vermont Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Virgin Islands Governor Candidates - 2026 candidate party office status No candidates available for this race
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Wisconsin Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Independent
Candidacy Declared General
Republican
Withdrew Primary
Republican
Withdrew Primary
Democratic
Withdrew Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Wyoming Governor Candidates - 2026
candidate party office status Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Republican
Candidacy Declared Primary
Democratic
Candidacy Declared Primary
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Trifectas and triplexes The office of governor is a component of bothtrifectas andtriplexes . Click the tabs below to view the current status of trifectas and triplexes across the country.
See also:State government trifectas State government trifecta is a term to describe single-party government, when one political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.
As of February 17, 2026, there are 23 Republican trifectas, 16 Democratic trifectas, and 11 divided governments where neither party holds trifecta control.
See also:State government triplexes A
state government triplex is a term used to describe when a state's governor, attorney general, and secretary of state are all members of the same party.
As of February 17, 2026, there are 24 Republican triplexes, 21 Democratic triplexes, and 5 divided governments where neither party holds triplex control.
Important dates and deadlines The following table details 2026 gubernatorial filing deadlines and primary dates in each state. The signature filing deadline is the date by which candidates must file nominating signatures with election officials in order to have their name placed on the ballot.
About the office See also:Governor (state executive office) In the United States, the titlegovernor refers to the chief executive of each state. The governor is not directly subordinate to the federal authorities but is the political and ceremonial head of the state. The governor may also assume additional roles, such as the commander-in-chief of the National Guard when the role is not federalized. The governor may also have the ability to commute or pardon a criminal sentence.
In all states, the governor is directly elected and, in most cases, has considerable practical powers. Notable exceptions with weak governorships include the office of the governor inTexas , though this may be moderated by thestate legislature and, in some cases, by other elected executive officials. Governors can veto state bills. The specific duties and powers vary widely between states.
Compensation
Vacancy fill offices
Staff size
Involvement in budget proposals
Term limits
Line-item veto powers
According to compensation figures for 2023 compiled by the Council of State Governments in the
Book of the States , the highest salary for a governor was $250,000 in
New York while the lowest was $70,000 in
Maine . To view the compensation of a particular governor, hover your mouse over the state.
[1]
According to figures for 2022 compiled by the Council of State Governments in the
Book of the States , gubernatorial offices range in size from 9 staffers in
Nebraska to 277 staffers in
Texas .
[2]
Although all governors have some involvement in the process of developing a state budget, the specific level of involvement differs from state to state. According to information published in the 2022
Book of the States , 24 governors share responsibility for developing a budget proposal, while 11 governors have full responsibility for developing an initial budget proposal and the remaining 15 have full responsibility for developing a budget.
[3] See also:States with gubernatorial term limits
Most states impose some form of term limits on governors; of those that do, all but
Virginia limit a governor to two four-year terms or to eight years in office. Although most states' term limit laws allow a governor who has served two terms to be elected once again after time has elapsed, some states impose a lifetime term limit like that on the presidency. Although
Vermont and
New Hampshire do not have term limit laws, they are the only states whose governors serve two-year terms rather than four-year terms.
The term
line-item veto refers to the ability of a governor or other chief executive to veto specific parts of a bill while signing the rest of the bill into law. Currently, 44 states grant their governors line-item veto powers.
[3]
Election coverage by office Click the tiles below to navigate to 2026 election coverage: Read more
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See also Footnotes