Elections & Campaigns
The Biggest Governor Turnover Since 2010
October 20, 2026 | Bill Kramer
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee lost his primary election to former CVS Health executive Helena Foulkes, becoming the first governor elected to a full term to lose a primary since 2014. Foulkes won decisively with 63% of the vote after nearly defeating McKee in the 2022 Democratic primary. McKee's primary loss brings the total number of 2026 gubernatorial elections without an incumbent to 19, the highest governor turnover since 2010 when 24 races had no incumbents. This marks the third highest number of open gubernatorial seats since Hawaii became a state in 1959. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs are the two incumbents most at risk in November's gubernatorial elections, with Nevada rated as "Tilt Republican" and Arizona as "Lean Democratic." Lombardo leads by less than a point in polling averages, while Hobbs holds a more comfortable 7 point lead over her challenger.
-3c458f-400px.jpeg)