Governor News & Analysis

Good Candidate, Bad Candidate … Who Knows?

by Nathaniel Rakich November 27, 2017 · 11:35 AM EST

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema is “probably the most confident, strongest Democrat to run for the U.S. Senate since I moved to Arizona in 1998,” trumpeted an Arizona State political science professor. Across the country, the party is “notably underwhelmed” by the three Democrats running against Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. Republicans…

Members Face Tough Odds in Races for Governor

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 15, 2017 · 12:34 PM EST

There’s been plenty of media attention on the 15 members who have decided to call it quits and retire from the House, and another eight members are seeking a promotion to the Senate. But nine additional members are forgoing likely re-elections for uncertain and challenging races to become their…

Ten Thoughts after Democrats’ Big Wins in Virginia

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 8, 2017 · 12:51 PM EST

Everyone take a deep breath. We’re all starving for tangible election results and now we have them. But just as the previous Republican wins in congressional special elections didn’t guarantee the party would have a good 2018, losses on Tuesday night don’t necessarily tell us a Democratic wave in the…

2017-18 Gubernatorial Overview: Democrats Aim for Statewide Success

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 27, 2017 · 2:30 PM EDT

If you just can’t wait until the midterm elections, Virginia and New Jersey are poised to provide an appetizer ahead of next year’s main course.

Democrats are still searching for their first high-profile win while Donald Trump has been in the Oval Office. Virginia and New Jersey both give them…

2017-18 Gubernatorial Overview (Oct. 27, 2017) Alabama - Illinois

October 27, 2017 · 2:29 PM EDT

ALABAMA — Kay Ivey (R), assumed governorship April 2017. Feb. 9 filing deadline. June 5 primary. Ivey became governor from her lieutenant governor post after GOP Gov. Robert Bentley resigned under an ethical cloud involving an extramarital affair and improper use of state resources. Ivey, the first female governor of…

2017-18 Gubernatorial Overview (Oct. 27, 2017) Iowa - New Mexico

October 27, 2017 · 2:28 PM EDT

IOWA — Kim Reynolds (R) ascended to office May 2017. March 16 filing deadline. June 5 primary. Reynolds was the lieutenant governor when then-Gov. Terry Branstad became President Trump’s ambassador to China, launching the former state senator to the state’s top post. A former Clarke County treasurer, Reynolds is now…

2017-18 Gubernatorial Overview (Oct. 27, 2017) New York - Wyoming

October 27, 2017 · 2:27 PM EDT

NEW YORK — Andrew Cuomo (D) elected 2010 (63%), 2014 (54%). The governor looks poised to win a third term on his way to a 2020 presidential bid. It wouldn’t be unusual for Cuomo to draw a primary challenger. Law professor Zephyr Teachout challenged him in 2014 and lost 63-33…

Virginia Governor: The Democrats’ Must-Win Race

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 13, 2017 · 2:30 PM EDT

It was easy for Democrats to explain away special election losses in Kansas, Montana, South Carolina, and even Georgia’s 6th District, considering Donald Trump won all of those districts in 2016. But the stakes are much higher in next month’s gubernatorial race in Virginia, which Hillary Clinton won by more…

Democrats Look for First Signature Victory

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 23, 2017 · 2:57 PM EDT

After a setback in Georgia’s 6th District, Democrats are looking for the next opportunity to take back some territory for their party and change the narrative about elections during the Trump Administration. Democrats are well-positioned to win the Virginia and New Jersey races for governor this fall.

On June 6…

2017-18 Gubernatorial Overview: Victory Now, Redistricting Power Later

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 21, 2017 · 3:00 PM EDT

Gubernatorial races might feel irrelevant in and distant from Washington, which is dominated by the presidency and Congress, but the next batch of races will have a profound impact on which party controls the House next decade. 

Voters in 38 states (including nine of the 10 largest) will elect a…