2026 Governors Races: All 36 States Guide
Thirty-six states hold gubernatorial elections in 2026, making it one of the largest gubernatorial cycles in history. From Florida’s massive open race to competitive battles in Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin, the 2026 governor map will reshape state political landscapes for years to come.
Most Competitive Governor Races 2026
| State | Status | Rating | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Open (DeSantis term-limited) | Likely R | National spotlight; R structural advantage |
| Arizona | Katie Hobbs (D) up | Toss-Up | Razor-thin 2022 win; Trump won state +0.3 |
| Nevada | Joe Lombardo (R) up | Toss-Up | Trump won +3; Lombardo incumbent; Culinary Union |
| Wisconsin | Tony Evers (D) up | Toss-Up | Trump won +0.9; close state; no Senate seat to help |
| Ohio | Open (DeWine term-limited) | Lean R | Trump won +11; but 2023 abortion vote showed complexity |
| Michigan | Open (Whitmer not running) | Toss-Up | Trump won +1.4; no Whitmer boost |
| New Mexico | Open (LGG term-limited) | Lean D | Trump lost -10; but crime is top issue |
| Vermont | Phil Scott (R) up | Safe R | Popular R governor in blue state |
| Georgia | Open (Kemp term-limited) | Lean R | Trump won +1.9; Kemp departure opens race |
Florida Governor Race 2026
Florida’s open governor race will be the most-watched 2026 state race. Ron DeSantis is term-limited, leaving the most coveted Republican governorship in the country open. Potential Republican candidates include Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez and other prominent Florida Republicans. Democrats could field a candidate like Nikki Fried (who lost to DeSantis in 2022) or a new face.
Republicans hold a structural advantage in Florida after the state shifted dramatically in recent cycles. Trump won Florida by 13 points in 2024. However, Democrats see Florida as a long-term investment and will compete strongly.
Wisconsin Governor Race 2026
Tony Evers has won two consecutive terms by narrow margins in a state that also votes for Republican senators and swings in presidential races. Without a compelling Democratic Senate candidate to provide coattails, Evers faces the most competitive reelection of his tenure. Wisconsin’s dairy and manufacturing economy, shaped by tariff policy, will be central to the debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states have governor races in 2026?
36 states hold gubernatorial elections in 2026, making it one of the largest governor cycles in history. Major open races include Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and Georgia.
Which 2026 governor races are most competitive?
The most competitive 2026 governor races are Arizona (Hobbs toss-up), Nevada (Lombardo toss-up), Wisconsin (Evers toss-up), Michigan (open toss-up), and Florida (likely R open race). These five races will likely determine the balance of governors between the parties.