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