By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Democratic candidates captured four Republican-held governorships in Tuesday's midterm elections, flipping seats in Georgia, Iowa, Texas and Ohio while defending incumbents in key battleground states. The gains reduce the GOP's previous 26-24 advantage in governors' offices nationwide.
Historic wins in Texas and Georgia
In Texas, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa defeated three-term Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, becoming the state's first Latina governor despite a significant spending disadvantage. Trump carried Texas by nearly 14 points in 2024.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won in Georgia, defeating Republican Rick Jackson to become the first Black female governor in U.S. history. Her victory ends 24 years of Republican control in the battleground state.
Midwest flips in Iowa and Ohio
Iowa Auditor Rob Sand unseated Republican Zach Lahn, marking the first Democratic gubernatorial victory in the state in two decades. Trump won Iowa by 13 points in 2024.
In Ohio, Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Mike DeWine.
Democrats hold swing-state strongholds
Democrats retained governorships in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won in Wisconsin, while Gov. Josh Shapiro secured re-election in Pennsylvania by a margin exceeding 20 points.
Several races remain undecided
Close contests continued early Wednesday in Arizona, Nevada, Michigan and Kansas, where Democratic incumbents or candidates faced tight Republican challenges.
Party leaders celebrate breakthrough
"This incredible milestone marks a new era of Democratic leadership in states across the country," said Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association and governor of Kentucky.
