The 2026 governor elections will shape control of state governments across the country heading into the second half of President Donald Trump’s term. Governorships affect state budgets, appointments, emergency powers, education policy, health care administration, and redistricting-related decisions in many states. Going into the midterms, Republicans control 26 governorships, while Democrats have 24. Top pick-up opportunities for Democrats include Nevada, Georgia, and Iowa; while the GOP is targeting Kansas, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Democrats have not won a majority of governorships since 2009.
