Democrats Target Majority of Governor Offices in Sweeping Midterm Gains

Democrats aim to secure a majority of governor’s offices nationwide following decisive wins in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, and Iowa.

A highlight of the evening was Texas’s governorship, where Democratic state representative Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in a stunning upset. She will become the state’s first Latina governor and the first Democrat elected to Texas’s governorship in three decades.

Keisha Lance Bottoms was elected governor of Georgia, delivering a major victory for Democrats in a state that has been a Republican stronghold for over two decades. The GOP has controlled the governor’s office and both legislative chambers for more than 20 years.

The former mayor of Atlanta, who bested billionaire Rick Jackson, will become the first Black woman elected governor of any state.

Iowa Democrat Rob Sand achieved an upset victory over Republican Zach Lahn, marking a major step toward the party’s effort to rebuild its standing in a state that has twice voted for Donald Trump and where Republican control of state politics has been dominant.

In Wisconsin, Democrat David Crowley defeated Republican Tom Tiffany, becoming the state’s first Black governor. After briefly withdrawing and then returning at the urging of former Democratic governor Tony Evers, Crowley overcame a substantial fundraising disadvantage to secure the governorship.

Democrats also achieved gubernatorial victories in Pennsylvania, where incumbent Josh Shapiro easily defeated Stacy Garrity, and in New York, where Kathy Hochul secured re‑election. Deb Haaland was elected governor of New Mexico, becoming the first Native American woman to win a governorship, and Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, was elected California’s first Latino governor.

In Florida, Republican congressman and strong Trump ally Byron Donalds narrowly defeated former Republican turned Democrat David Jolly, becoming the state’s first Black governor.

Although media focus has centered on the contest for control of Congress—including whether Democrats could flip the House and secure a Senate majority—surprising gubernatorial wins in traditionally Republican states may reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Many of the so‑called swing states that decide the presidential outcome—such as Michigan and Wisconsin—are among the 36 states holding governor elections on Tuesday.

The first two years of Donald Trump’s second presidential term have highlighted the role of Democratic governors as a bulwark against his most excessive policies, often through lawsuits and other executive actions. While regulations vary by state, some governors appoint election officials to oversee voting and can sign legislation safeguarding voter rights.

Republicans have maintained a majority of governorships since the 2010 election.

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