Key Takeaways
- In 2026, there are 24 Democratic governors and 26 Republican governors (+1 for Democrats compared to 2025). Scroll down to download a map of red and blue gubernatorial control states for 2026.
In 2026, 36 states are holding gubernatorial elections, the largest gubernatorial cycle since 2022. Of those 36 seats, 18 are currently held by Democrats and 18 by Republicans. According to Cook Political Report ratings as of March 2026, Michigan and Wisconsin are rated as toss-ups for Democratic-held seats, meaning trifecta control is on the line in each of those states. Arizona has moved to Lean Democrat.
- Going into 2026, two states had gubernatorial elections in November 2025 (New Jersey and Virginia). New Jersey Democrats retained control of the governor's office with the victory of then-U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D). The Virginia governor's office flipped from Republican to Democrat after a win by former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D).
- State of the State addresses signal where governors will focus their political capital in 2026, previewing legislation on issues from education and healthcare to infrastructure and economic development. Bookmark our 2026 State of the State Addresses tracker.
- For a full breakdown of how gubernatorial and legislative control interact across all 50 states, see our 2026 Governors and Legislatures chart. For an early look at which 2026 races are most competitive, see our 2026 State Elections outlook. For a breakdown of which states have Democratic governors in 2026, see our Which States Have Democratic Governors in 2026 post.
Tracking how governors shape state policy in 2026? With 36 gubernatorial elections on the ballot this November, the executive landscape is poised to shift. MultiState can help your organization monitor gubernatorial priorities and stay ahead of executive action across all 50 states. Learn more about our tracking services →
2026 State Governors
Red and Blue States Map
Right click the map image to download an image file, or click the button to download a PDF version.
How Many States Have Democratic Governors in 2026?
In 2026, there are 24 Democratic governors after the 2025 elections.
How Many States Have Republican Governors in 2026?
In 2026, there are 26 Republican governors after the 2025 elections.