2027 United States Gubernatorial Elections (Pear's Future III)

Kentucky
Incumbent Democratic Governor Andy Beshear was term limited and was not able to run for re-election to a third consecutive term in office. Democratic Secretary and former Lexington mayor Jim Gray won the Democratic primary, defeating his closest challenger Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman and choosing state senator Amy Schwartz as his running mate. Republicans nominated former state attorney general Daniel Cameron, who had been his party's nominee in 2023. As Kentucky was a highly conservative race, most people expected Cameron to easily win the race. However, Gray ran a campaign that appealed to rural voters that also had voted for Beshear. Ultimately, Cameron won by a solid 8 points. However, Gray's performance was stronger than any other Democratic candidate running for statewide office.

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Jim Gray, Secretary of Transportation of Kentucky (2019-2027), former mayor of Lexington (2011-2019) and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2016
 * Running mate: Amy Schwartz, state senator (2019-2027)
 * Jacqueline Coleman, Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky (2019-2027)
 * Running mate: Dan Blane, Kentucky secretary of Health (2025-2027) former state senator (2011-2015)
 * Charles Booker, former Director of Kentucky's Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Community Involvement (2023-2026), former state representative (2019-2021) and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2022 and 2026

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Daniel Cameron, former Kentucky attorney General (2019-2023) and nominee for Governor in 2023
 * Running mate: Gary Carter, former state senator (2007-2023)
 * Jeff Buschon, Majority leader of the Kentucky state senate (2026-2027)
 * Tim Buckley, businessman

Lousiana
Incumbent Governor Jeff Landry sought re-election to a second term in office. Landry faced high approval ratings in office. However, he suffered from opposition from moderate Republicans. Notably, he clashed a lot with fellow Republican and state senate majority leader Lawrence Hill, who announced a challenge against Landry in this election. The main Democratic candidate was state senator Peter Smith, a popular moderate who was seen as able to appeal with conservative voters. However, Smith lacked fundraising and dropped in polls over time.

Blanket Primary
Republican Candidates Democratic Candidates Independents
 * Jeff Landry, incumbent Governor (2024-2032)
 * Lawrence Hill, Majority leader of the Louisiana State Senate (2024-2028)
 * Joe Gregg, former state representative (2020-2022)
 * Henry Goss, businessman
 * Peter Smith, state senator (2020-2028)
 * Bob L'Rain, state representative (2024-2028)
 * Raymond Cranston, attorney
 * Bill Gauer, attorney
 * Thomas French, investment banker

Mississippi
Incumbent Governor Tate Reeves, one of the least popular Governors in Mississipi history, was term limited and unable to seek re-election to a third consecutive term in office. Republicans nominated Lieutenant Governor Chris McDaniel, while Democrats nominated pastor John Thomspon. There was severe opposition to Thompson's candidacy, as he openly supported socialism, polarizing a lot of moderate voters. This lead to Independents mayor of Vicksburg and former Democratic George Flaggs Jr. to enter the race as an Independent. As further controversies sorrounded Thompson, Flaggs rose in polls to be tied with McDaniel. In the general election, McDaniel won a plurality of votes with Flaggs finishing second, both qualifying for the December runoff. McDaniel won the runoff by a narrow margin.

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Runoff Eliminated in Primary
 * Chris McDaniel, Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi (2024-2028)
 * Lynn Fitch, Mississippi Attorney General (2020-2028)
 * Phillip Gunn, former speaker of the Mississippi house of representatives (2012-2024)
 * Michael Watson, Mississippi Secretary of State (2020-2028)

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Runoff Eliminated in Primary Withdrew
 * John Thompson, pastor
 * Cal Hughs, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi
 * Jay Hagan, businessman
 * Oliver Crompton, former CIA officer
 * Jeff Bluehand, businessman
 * Henry Rushern Graham, attorney
 * Benjamin Porter, former chief of the Jackson Police Department