By Basant El-Faramawy
Democrats are poised to capture a majority of U.S. governorships after securing significant victories in Tuesday’s midterm elections, flipping Republican-held seats in Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Iowa while holding key incumbencies elsewhere.
Historic wins in Texas and Georgia
In Texas, Democratic state representative Gina Hinojosa unseated Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, becoming the state’s first Latina governor and the first Democrat to win the office in 30 years. In Georgia, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated billionaire Rick Jackson, making her the first Black woman elected governor of any state and ending more than two decades of Republican control of the governor’s office and legislature.
Ohio and Iowa flip to Democrats
Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio, becoming the state’s first female governor and the first Democrat to win the office since 2006. The race drew national attention after a controversial ad featuring Acton’s estranged mother. In Iowa, Democrat Rob Sand upset Republican Zach Lahn, marking a breakthrough in a state that has voted for Donald Trump three times and where Republicans have dominated recent state politics.
Incumbents prevail in Pennsylvania, New York and elsewhere
Popular incumbent Josh Shapiro easily won re-election in Pennsylvania, while Kathy Hochul sailed to a second term in New York. Democrat Deb Haaland became the first Native American woman to win a governorship in New Mexico, and Xavier Becerra became California’s first Latino governor.
Republican hold in Florida
In Florida, Republican congressman Byron Donalds, a strong ally of former President Trump, edged out former Republican-turned-Democrat David Jolly to become the state’s first Black governor.
Implications for 2028 presidential race
The gubernatorial upsets in traditionally Republican states could reshape the political map ahead of the 2028 presidential contest. Most swing states that determine the White House are among the 36 states that elected governors on Tuesday. Democratic governors have served as a check on Trump’s policies during his second term, filing lawsuits and taking executive actions. Governors also influence election administration and voting rights legislation in many states. Republicans have held a majority of governorships since 2010.
