2029 United States Gubernatorial Elections (Pear's Future III)

The 2029 United States Gubernatorial Elections took place in the first year of Ron Desantis' term. Two states, Virginia and New Jersey, held gubernatorial elections for the first time since 2025. Although both states had incumbent Republican governors, Governor Winsome Sears of Virginia was term limited and unable to seek re-election to a second consecutive term. Democrats were able to make one gain in Virginia, with incumbent Governor Jack Ciattarelli winning re-election.

New Jersey
Incumbent Governor Jack Ciattarelli ran for re-election to a second term in office. Altough New Jersey was a highly Democratic state, voting for Kamala Harris in 2028 by 8 points, Ciattarelli kept a high approval rating as Governor, with a poll in November 2024 showing a 53% approval. Additionally, many notable Democrats declined to run against Ciattarelli, making most pollsters believe Ciattarelli was the frontrunner for re-election. Ultimately, Democrat Charles Hoover won his parties' nomination in a crowded field. Hoover's campaign failed to properly fundraise and ultimately lost to Ciattarelli.

Republican Primary
Nominee
 * Jack Ciattarelli, incumbent Governor of New Jersey

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Charles Hoover, state assemblyman (2020-2030)
 * Richard Moore, author
 * Sheila Oliver, former Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey (2018-2026) and candidate for Governor in 2025
 * Heidi Porter, businesswoman and former chair of the New Jersey Democratic Party (2025-2028)
 * Bob Barrow, truck driver
 * Jenifer Barbour, climate activist and green party nominee for Governor in 2025

Virginia
Incumbent Governor Windsome Sears was term limited and unable to seek re-election to a second consecutive term in office. Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares won his parties' nomination. Democrat Jennifer McCelellan won her parties' primary. Altough voting consistently Democratic in the Presidential level, Virginia had not elected a Democratic Governor since Ralph Norman in 2017. As such, the race was expected to be incredibly close, with McCellan and Mirayes being incredibly popular and well known figures around the state. Ultimately, the race became a referendum on Governor Ron Desantis' performance during his first year in office, as Miyares supported Desantis during his campaign. As Desantis decreased in popularity in the fall, McClellan rose in the polls and ultimately won.

Republican Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary Withdrew
 * Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia (2022-2030)
 * Henry Cao, state delegate and former campaigner for Donald Trump (2026-2030)
 * Frankie Smith, state senator
 * Glenn Youngkin, former Governor of Virginia (2022-2026) and nominee for the Senate in 2026
 * Denver Riggleman, former U.S. Representative from Virginia's 5th Congressional District (2019-2021) (ran as an independent)

Democratic Primary
Nominee Eliminated in Primary
 * Jennifer McClellan, U.S. Representative from Virginia's 4th Congressional District (2023-2030) and candidate for Governor in 2021
 * Paul Carson, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia (2026-2030)