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Democrats Target Historic Majority of State Governorships in 2024 Elections

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 2:16 AM UTC · How we work

The Goal: Securing a Majority of Governors

The United States currently has 26 Republican and 24 Democratic governors. In the 2024 cycle, 36 states will hold gubernatorial elections, with an even split of seats currently held by each party. To achieve a net gain of two governorships—and thus a Democratic majority—the party must flip at least two Republican-held offices while defending all of its own.

Battleground States and Key Races

Kansas – Gov. Laura Kelly is term-limited. Republican state Senate President Ty Masterson will face Democrat State Sen. Cindy Holscher, who emerged from a contested primary.

Arizona – Gov. Katie Hobbs seeks a second term after a 17,000-vote margin in 2020.

Michigan and Wisconsin – Both are open-seat contests; Democrats view them as pivotal swing states.

Pennsylvania – Gov. Josh Shapiro enjoys strong approval and is a heavy favorite.

Alaska – A Democratic candidate advanced from the all-party primary to a ranked-choice general election ballot that includes three Republicans.

Texas – Democratic State Rep. Gina Hinojosa is running more competitively than expected against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

Three additional Republican-held seats—Georgia, Nevada and Ohio—are rated as “toss-ups,” offering further upside for Democrats.

Political Landscape and Historical Context

Democrats have held a majority of governorships only once in the past two decades, from the 2006 to the 2010 elections. Since the 1994 wave, Republicans have dominated the governor’s mansions. A Democratic majority would break that long-standing pattern and help the party shed its “coastal” image, signaling broader national appeal ahead of the 2028 presidential cycle.

Quantitative Outlook

Current balance: 26 R / 24 D governors.

Elections this cycle: 36 states.

Net flips needed: +2 for a Democratic majority.

NBC News Decision Desk ratings: Iowa listed as “lean Democrat”; three Republican seats (Georgia, Nevada, Ohio) classified as “toss-ups.”

Strategic Implications

While a governor’s majority carries less direct legislative power than control of the House or Senate, it represents a symbolic moral victory. Securing wins in traditionally red states would demonstrate the party’s ability to compete nationwide and could influence fundraising, candidate recruitment, and messaging for future contests, including the 2028 presidential race.

Upcoming Milestones

The contests will be decided in the November elections later this year. Results will determine whether Democrats can claim a historic shift in state-level executive power.