Democrats Target Majority of Governorships as Trump Clashes with State Leaders

Voters in 36 states will select governors on Tuesday, a cycle that could hand Democrats their first majority of state executive offices in two decades. The shift would change the balance of power between the White House and state capitals, particularly in states where Democratic leaders have already clashed with the administration. With Republicans currently holding 26 of the 50 governorships but Democrats governing states that contain 60% of the U.S. population, the stakes are high for both parties.

Meghan Meehan-Draper, executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, stated the party aims for a majority of states, not just population. That goal requires flipping offices in deep red areas and holding on in competitive battlegrounds. In the weeks before the election, President Donald Trump held rallies in heavily Republican districts to support GOP candidates. His presence highlighted the tension between the national party and state-level races, especially as his approval ratings have remained low.

A dozen races are considered the most competitive. Democrats see their best chances in Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, and Ohio, where incumbents are term-limited. In Nevada, state Attorney General Aaron Ford challenges Republican Governor Joe Lombardo. Republicans hope to take Kansas, where Democratic Governor Laura Kelly is leaving office. They also target Wisconsin, where U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany runs against David Crowley, and Michigan, an open seat.

Ohio and Texas have drawn national attention. In Ohio, a Republican ad featured the estranged mother of Democratic candidate Amy Acton criticizing her. The spot sparked bipartisan criticism, including from Governor Mike DeWine, while President Trump and Vice President JD Vance defended it. In Texas, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa challenges third-term Republican Governor Greg Abbott. No Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994. Hinojosa has kept the race close despite a funding gap, prompting a $1 million grant from the Democratic Governors Association.

Control of the executive branch is also at issue in the six swing states from the 2024 presidential election: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Winners in these states will influence election administration ahead of the 2028 presidential cycle. Trump has sought to expand federal control over elections, including restrictions on mail voting, which has increased friction with Democratic governors. The outcome will determine how many state leaders are positioned to challenge or cooperate with the federal government on issues like immigration and federal aid conditions.

Tuesday’s election may produce historic firsts. Hinojosa seeks to become the first Latina governor. Deb Haaland of New Mexico hopes to become the first Native American woman to lead a state. Seven Black major-party nominees are on ballots, in addition to Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore. Only three elected governors in U.S. history have been Black. Other Democratic incumbents, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, are viewed as potential candidates for the 2028 presidential nomination.