2026 United States Governor Elections (Pear's Future III)

Alaska
Incumbent Governor Mike Dunleavy was term limited and unable to seek re-election to a third consecutive term. Democratic Representative Mary Peltola, Republican businessman Dan Blue, state Representative Charles Cox and Joe Horgan qualified for the general election in November. Although Alaska was a solidly Republican state, Peltola was a popular moderate with large name recognition throughout the State. She narrowly won the election against Blue, as both Cox and Horgan withdrew before the general election.

Republican Candidates
Advanced to General Withdrew before General Eliminated in Primary
 * Dan Blue, CEO of BlueGold Inc.
 * Running Mate: James Hardy, former Anchorage city councilor
 * Charles Cox, assistant whip of the Alaska house of Representatives
 * Running Mate: Jeff Daines, former state senator
 * Joe Horgan, state representative
 * Running Mate: Bob Cramer, former state representative
 * Nate Gibson, state senator

Democratic Candidates
Advanced to General
 * Mark Peltola, U.S. Representative from Alaska's at large district (2022-2027)

Independent
Eliminated in Primary Withdrew
 * Wal Waters, former Anchorage school board member
 * Bill Walker, former Governor of Alaska (2015-2019) (endorsed Peltola)

Arizona
Incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, ran for re-election to a second term. A poll done in March of 2025 showed Hobbs with just a 41% approval rating, leading many doubt to her abilities to win re-election. Republican Karrin Taylor Robson, a former member of the Arizona Board of Regents, was the Republican nominee. Republicans were able to heavily capitalize on Hobbs' unpopularity and flip the governors mansion. This marked the first time an incumbent Arizona Governor lost re-election since 1966. Alongside Republicans winning the Governorship, Republicans also won every statewide race in Arizona except for the State Treasurer's race.

Democratic Primary
Nominee Declined
 * Katie Hobbs, incumbent Governor of Arizona (2023-2027) and former Arizona Secretary of State (2019-2023)
 * Greg Stanton, U.S. Representative from Arizona's 4th Congressional District and former Mayor of Phoenix
 * Reuben Gallego, former U.S. Representative from Arizona's 3rd Congressional District (2013-2025) and nominee for the Senate in 2024
 * Kyrsten Sinema, former Democrat turned Independent U.S. Senator (2019-2025)

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Karrin Taylor Robson, former member of the Arizona Board of Regents, real estate developer and candidate for Governor in 2022
 * Kari Lake, former News anchor and nominee for Governor in 2022
 * Howard Plane, businessman and solar power executive
 * Carl Hand, former state representative (2023-2025)

Florida
Incumbent Governor Ron Desantis was term limited and unable to seek re-election to a third consecutive term, announcing his intention to run for President of the United States in 2028 shortly after leaving office. U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar won the Republican primary, while former state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried won the Democratic primary. As Florida was seen as trending toward the Republicans, many expected Salazar to win the once competitive state. Salazar ultimately won by a 15-point landslide, showing the states trend to the right.

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Maria Elvira Salazar, U.S. Representative from Florida's 27th Congressional District (2021-2027)
 * Byron Donalds, U.S. Representative from Florida's 19th Congressional District (2021-2027)
 * Laura Loomer, far-right activist, perennial candidate

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary Withdrew
 * Nikki Freid, former Agriculture Commissioner of Florida (2019-2023) and candidate for Governor in 2022
 * Joseph Hill, former state senator
 * John Palmer, member of the Miami City Council

Georgia
Incumbent Governor Brian Kemp was term limited and unable to seek re-election to a third term in office. Brad Raffensgerger, the Georgia Secretary of State, won the Republican Primary against Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. Democrats nominated former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. Due to growing demographics in the Atlanta Metro Area, many expected this race to be competitive, as with the Senate race occurring in the same ballot. Altough Democratic incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff was narrowly able to win re-election, Raffensberger was able to win by 5 points, largely due to Reed's lack of campaigning.

Republican Primary
The Republican Primary in Georgia was extremely aggressive, with several top name Republicans in the running. The race started in January of 2025 when former candidate for the Senate Hershel Walker filed paperwork to run for Governor. A week later, Raffensberger had a meeting with Republican officials talking about a potential bid for Governor, explaining "Hershel Walker will not win that race. We must do everything we can to stop his nomination, even if that means I jump into the race". Kelly Loeffler, a former U.S. Senator then announced her race in March, as did Vernon Jones. In April, both Walker and Purdue officially announced their campaigns. Burt Jones also announced he was running in May, leading a massive and divisive primary.

Polling initially showed Burt Jones the favorite, with Raffensberger narrowly behind. However, Raffensberger quickly gained the endorsement of many top Georgia officials, including Governor Kemp. Following Trump's endorsement of Vernon Jones, both Purdue and Walker withdrew from the race. On the May primary, Raffensberger avoided a runoff, beating the 3 Jones and Loeffler by a solid margin. Nominee Eliminated in Primary Withdrew
 * Brad Raffensberger, Georgia Secretary of State (2019-2027)
 * Burt Jones, Lieutenant Governor of Georgia (2023-2027)
 * Vernon Jones, former state representative, former CEO of DeKalb County and candidate for Governor in 2022
 * Kelly Loeffler, former U.S. Senator (2020-2021)
 * Fred Jones, farmer and former state senator (2013-2015)
 * David Purdue, former U.S. Senator (2015-2021)
 * Hershel Walker, former football player for the Georgia Bulldogs and nominee for the Senate in 2022

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Kasim Reed, former Mayor of Atlanta (2010-2018)
 * James Kale, former state representative
 * Henry Russel, businessman
 * Deborah Rolland, community advocate
 * Brad Parson, bartender

Kansas
Incumbent Democratic Governor Laura Kelly was term limited and unable to seek re-election to a second term. Republican Representative Jake LaTurner won the Republican nomination, while Democrat Lieutenant Governor David Toland won the Democratic nomination. Due to Kansas' conservative lean, the race was expected to be a flip for the Republicans, with most polls showing the race "leans Republican". However, LaTurner won by a larger margin than expected, in an election where nationwide Republicans did very well.

Democratic Primary
Nominee
 * David Toland, Lieutenant Governor of Kansas (2023-2027)
 * Running Mate: Elizabeth Hartman, Professor at the University of Kansas and former attorney

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Jake LaTurner, U.S. Representative from Kansas 2nd Congressional District (2021-2027) and former Kansas State Treasurer (2017-2021)
 * Running mate: Josh Broil, state senator
 * Kris Kobach, Kansas Attorney General (2023-2027), former Kansas Secretary of State (2011-2019) and nominee for Governor in 2018
 * Running mate: John Ireland, state senator
 * Thomas Jorgen, former State Senator
 * Running mate: Joe Garcia, former state representative
 * Dennis Pyle, state senator and independent candidate for Governor in 2022
 * Running mate: Henry Graves, businessman

Michigan
Incumbent Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer was term limited and unable to seek a third term as Governor. Republicans nominated former Representative Peter Meijer, who was his parties nominee for Senate in 2024, won the Republican nomination, while Democrats nominated Garlin Gilchrist. The race was expected to be incredibly competitive, with Gilchrist leading in most polls. However, Meijer ultimately won in a large upset by a narrow margin.

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Garlin Gilchrist, lieutenant Governor of Michigan (2019-2027)
 * Running mate: Katherine Crowne, former businessman
 * Joe Stranton, former state senator (2019-2025)
 * Shri Thanedar, U.S. Representative from Michigan's 13th Congressional District (2023-2027)
 * Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General (2019-2027)

Republican Primary
former Representative and nominee for the Senate in 2024 Peter Meijer was the early favourite in the race, having both name recognition from his pass campaigns and a strong fundraising number. However, he faced Republican John Gibbs in a rematch of the 2022 house race, as well as Detroit Police force captain James Craig. Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Peter Meijer, former U.S. Representative from Michigan's 3rd Congressional District (2021-2023) and nominee for the Senate in 2024
 * Running mate: Robert Santorum, state representative (2025-2027)
 * James Craig, former Chief of the Detroit Police Department (2013-2021) and candidate for Governor in 2021
 * John Gibbs, former Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Community Planning and Development and software engineer

Maine
Incumbent Governor Janet Mills was term limited and unable to seek re-election to a third consecutive term in office. Democratic Representative Jared Golden from the 2nd congressional district, won the Democratic primary, while many key Republicans decided against running largely due to Golden's candidacy. Mike Claus, an relatively unknown trucker, was the only Republican to file. As such, Golden easily won in a landslide.

Democratic Primary
Nominee
 * Jared Golden, U.S. Representative from Maine's 2nd Congressional District

Republican Primary
Nominee Mike Claus, Truck Driver
 * Nominee

Minnesota
Incumbent Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, did not run for re-election to a third term in office. Democrats nominated state Attorney General Keith Ellison, while Republicans nominated businessman Mike Lindell. Although Minnesota had a Democratic lean, Republicans saw this race as a potential flip, although Lindell's brand as a far right conservative was seen as hurting their chances. However, Ellison was also seen as unpopular, as a progressive in a moderate state. Despite Republicans winning flipping a couple of statewide offices in Minnesota that year, including flipping the senate seat in Minnesota, Ellison was narrowly able to win the election by a very narrow margin.

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary Withdrew
 * Keith Ellison, Attorney General of Minnesota (2019-2027) and former U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 5th Congressional District (2007-2019)
 * Running Mate: Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 5th Congressional District (2019-2027)
 * Peggy Flanagan, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota (2019-2027)
 * Running mate: Martin Schrier, state senator (2021-2029)
 * Daniel Carter, former state representative (2019-2023) and businessman
 * Running mate: Reese Wallace, former state senator
 * Jacob Grey, former Mayor of Minneapolis (2018-2026)
 * Running mate: Alfred Tonks, former state senator (2023-2026)
 * Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 5th Congressional District (2019-2027) (ran for lieutenant Governor)

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow and conservative commentator
 * Running mate: Jerry Kindler, state senator (2015-2027)
 * Peter Hartford, state senator (2019-2027)
 * Jeff Bartlett, former state representative (2013-2015)

Nevada
Incumbent Governor Joe Lombardo ran for re-election to a second term. Lombardo faced Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford, who won the Democratic nomination. The race was expected to be competitive, as both candidates were well known across the state. Lombardo, a popular moderate, was able to narrowly win re-election, defeating Ford by 3 points.

Republican primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Joe Lombardo, incumbent Governor of Nevada (2023-2031)
 * Curtis Holden, former state assemblyman from Carson City (2019-2021)

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Aaron Ford, Nevada Attorney General (2019-2027)
 * Samuel Lang, CEO of Titan Energy (2009-2011)
 * Susie Lee, U.S. Representative from Nevada's 3rd Congressional District (2019-2027)
 * Henry Gallagher, former state senator (2017-2023)

New Hampshire
Incumbent Governor Chris Sununu, first elected in 2016, decided not to run for a record sxith term. On Febuary 2nd, 2026, Sununu announced his intention to run for President of the United States in the 2028 Presidential Election. Republicans nominated former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, while Democrats nominated Chris Pappas, the popular representative from the first congressional district. The race was amongst the most competitive elections in the nation, with Ayotte leading in fundraising but Pappas leading narrowly in polls. Ultimately, Ayotte was able to narrowly hold on, narrowly beating Pappas by 2 points.

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Kelly Ayotte, former U.S. Senator (2011-2017)
 * Don Bolduc, former brigadier general, candidate for Governor in 2024 and for the Senate in 2022
 * Jeff Barletta, New Hampshire state Senator (2019-2027)
 * Jeff Kerry, New Hampshire state representative (2013-2021, 2023-2027)

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Chris Pappas, U.S. Representative from New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District
 * Steve Manchard, former mayor of Portsmouth (2006-2008)
 * Riley Kennedy, businessman

New York
Incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul ran for re-election for a second full term in office. Hochul faced former Long Island congressman Lee Zeldin in a rematch of the 2022 election. Altough New York was seen as solidly liberal state, Hochul's poor approval ratings and Zeldin's strength throughout the state made many Republicans believe the state could have its first Republican Governor since George Pataki, who was last re-elected in 2002. Zeldin ran a solid campaign that focused on crime and homelessness throughout the state, while Hochul's attacks linking Zeldin to President Trump failed. As such, Zeldin narrowly won, becoming the Republican to win statewide in New York since 2002.

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Kathy Hochul, incumbent Governor of New York (2021-2027)
 * Robert Kramer, businessman
 * Joe Fraser, attorney

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Lee Zeldin, former U.S. Representative from New York's 1st Congressional District (2015-2023) and nominee for Governor in 2022
 * Running mate: Joe Pinion, entrepreneur, TV host and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2022
 * Heather Felton, businesswoman and author
 * Jasper Bolton, retired CIA officer
 * James Hannon, former mayor of Colchester (2008-2017)

Ohio
Incumbent Governor Mike Dewine was term limited and unable to seek another term as Governor. Dewine's lieutenant Governor, Jon Husted, was nominated by the Republican party to succeed him, while Democrats nominated former Cincinnati mayor Jon Cransley. Altough Ohio was once a swing state, it has since trended to the right, and Republicans were highly favoured to win the race, altough their lead in polls showed consistent single digit leads. However, Husted won by a massive 14 point margin, the highest for an non incumbent Ohio Governor since 1982. Husted also became Ohio's third Republican Governor in a row, showing the states trend to the right.

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Jon Husted, Lieutenant Governor of Ohio (2019-2027) and former Ohio Secretary of State (2011-2019)
 * Running mate: Matt Dolan, former state senator (2017-2025) and candidate for the Senate in 2022 and 2024
 * Steve Stivers, former U.S. Representative from Ohio's 15th Congressional District (2011-2021)
 * Bob Hancock, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern district of Ohio (2008-2009)
 * Joe Blystone, farmer and candidate Governor in 2022
 * James Henry Daniel, former navy seal
 * Jason Stephens, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives (2023-2027)
 * Gary Casey, former state representative (2017-2025)

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Jon Cranley, former Mayor of Cincinnati (2013-2022) and candidate for Governor in 2022
 * Running mate: David Freas, former President of the University of Ohio (2013-2015)
 * Nina Turner, former state senator, Co-chair of the Bernie Sanders campaign and perennial candidate

Oregon
Incumbent Democratic Governor Tina Kotek, first elected in 2022, ran for re-election to a second term in office. A poll down in 2025 showed Kotek with just a 35% approval rating, becoming one of the least popular Governor in the country. Republicans initially nominated businessman Henry Shaw, who won the crowded Republican primary. However, several sexual harassments scandals followed Shaw, who went on to withdraw from the race. The Oregon Republican party decided against nominating another nominee, instead endorsing Independent candidate Knute Buelher. Altough polls showed Kotek with a good lead over Buehler, she ultimately won by just around 2 points.

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Tina Kotek, incumbent Governor of Oregon
 * Betsy Johnson, former state senator and independent candidate for Governor in 2022
 * Henry King, former President of the University of Washington (2024-2026) and former state senator (2019-2024)
 * Fred Hampton, Eugene City Commissioner (2019-2027)

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Henry Shaw, businessman and nominee for Oregon State Treasurer in 2024 (withdrew after winning primary, endorsed Buehler)
 * Gary Barnette, neurosurgeon
 * Tom Trauner, former city of Boise, Idaho school board (2017-2019) and candidate for Oregon state house in 2020 and 2022
 * Alex Tifflin, former member of the Oregon national guard
 * Jon F. Graham, former state senator (1998-2009) and investment banker
 * Lorainn Mulaney, Youtuber and former actor

Independents

 * Knute Buehler, Orthopedic Surgeon, former state representative and Republican nominee for Governor in 2018 (endorsed by Oregon Republican party)
 * Carl Bask, former pharmacist

Pennsylvania
Incumbent Governor Josh Shapiro, first elected in 2022, ran for re-election to a second term in office. Shapiro was known as one of the most popular Governors in the country, having a 58% approval rating in May 2025. Despite this, Shapiro faced a very tough re-election campaign, with Republicans nominating Pennsylvania Auditor general Timothy Defoor. Altough Shapiro had a strong early lead, polls showed the race tightening in September. Ultimately, Shapiro won re-election, defeating Defoor by less than a 5-point margin.

Governor
Nominee
 * Josh Shapiro, incumbent Governor of Pennsylvania

Lieutenant Governor
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Austin Davis, incumbent Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
 * Josh Hamlin, businessman

Governor
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Timothy Defoor, Pennsylvania Auditor General (2021-2029)
 * Jonathan Hathway, attorney
 * George Casey, former state senator 2021-2025)
 * Robert Edison, chair of the Northampton county Republican party (2024-2025)

Lieutenant Governor
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Sean Croft, state senator (2015-2026)
 * Joe Horgan, businessman

Texas
Incumbent Governor Gregg Abbott, first elected in 2014, did not run for re-election to a fourth term in office. In one of the most competitive and divisive primaries, George P. Bush, a member of the Bush family, defeated Representative Chip Roy in the runoff to become his party's nominee for Congress. Bush faced Gergg Ppovich, the head coach for the San Antonio Spurs. Altough Texas was seen as a state that was trending towards the Democrats, Bush was able to win by a 10 point margin due to his name recognition and strength in the suburbs.

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in runoff Eliminated in Primary
 * George P. Bush, former Texas Land Commissioner, member of the Bush family and candidate for Texas Attorney General in 2022
 * Chip Roy, U.S. Representative from Texas' 21st Congressional district (2019-2027)
 * Pat Fallon, U.S. Representative from Texas' 4th Congressional District (2019-2027)
 * Wayne Williams, Tarrant County Sherriff (2023-2027)

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Gregg Popovich, head coach for the San Antonio Spurs
 * Josh Edwards, former Republican state senator (2017-2025)
 * Elise Cartman, attorney

Vermont
Incumbent Governor David Zuckerman ran for re-election to a second full term in office. Republicans nominated businessman Joe French, a businessman. Altough Vermont was a solid Democratic state, many Republicans had success in the Governors race. However, French lacked name recognition throughout the state, allowing Zuckerman to win re-election in a landslide.

Democratic Primary
Nominee
 * David Zuckerman, incumbent Governor of Vermont (co-endorsed with the Progressive party)

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated
 * Joe French, businessman
 * Gerald Malloy, businessman, retired U.S. Army Officer, candidate for Governor in 2024 and nominee for the Senate in 2022
 * Henry Bainer, former state representative and nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2024

Wisconsin
Incumbent Two term Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who was first elected in 2018, did not run for re-election to a second term, becoming the first open seat since 2010. Democrats nominated former Congressman Ron Kind for Governor and Outagamie County executive Tom Nelson for Lieutenant Governor. Republicans nominated Representative Brian Steele for Governor and former News reporter and businessman James Wilson for Lieutenant Governor. Wisconsin being a swing state was seen as a vulnerable seat to flip, and the states rightward trend was seen as a good pickup point for the Republicans. However, Kind and Nelson ran a smooth campaign that was able to appeal to rural voters enough to win in a year where Republicans picked up several other governorships. Notably, other the race between Steil and Kind was odd because it was a reverse of the national trend in of suburbs and rural areas, as Kind performed well in rural areas while Steil performed well in the suburbs.

Governor
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Ron Kind, former U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's' 3rd Congressional District (1997-2023)
 * Josh Kaul, Wisconsin Attorney General (2019-2027)
 * Jakes Comer, former state assemblyman (2001-2007) and businessman
 * Eric Genrich, mayor of Greene Bay (2020-present)
 * Sara Rodriguez, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (2023-2027)

Lieutenant Governor
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Tom Nelson, Outagamie County Executive (2011-2027), former majority leader of the Wisconsin legislative assembly, nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2010 and candidate for the Senate in 2022
 * Brad Praff, state senator (2021-present) and nominee for WI-3 in 2022 and 2024

Governor
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Brian Steil, U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District (2019-2027)
 * Eric Garcia, Majority Leader of the Wisconsin General Assembly (2025-2027)
 * James Corbyn, businessman

Lieutenant Governor
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * James Wilson, former businessman and former news reporter
 * Joe Cassidy, author
 * Leanne Krofton, Winnebago County Executive