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March 8th, 2025 Len’s Political Note #711 State of the Governor Races
2025/2066 General Election
2025
Former Congresswoman Mikie Sherill
Democratic Held New Jersey incumbent Phil Murphy is term-limited. At least six Democratic candidates, four Republican candidates. The front runner for the Democrats may be former Congresswoman Mikie Sherill
Former Congresswoman Abby Spanberger. DONATE NOW
Republican Held Virginia incumbent Glenn Youngkin is term-limited. Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger is the Democratic candidate. Lt. Governor Winsome Earl-Sears is the front runner from among three candidates.
2026
Democratic Held Governorships
Governor Katie Hobbs. DONATE NOW
Arizona. Incumbent Katie Hobbs is running for reelection. No Democrats are challenging her. Two Republicans have announced their candidacy – Congressman Andy Biggs and Attorney, businesswoman, and former University Regent Karrin Taylor Robson. Three others have been mentioned as possible candidates. This will be one of the most contested races in the country in 2026. Trump carried Arizona in 2024, but elected Democrat in 2022. In 2022, Republicans and Democrats were elected to state wide office. Katie Hobbs election by 17,000 votes was not the closest race. DONATE to Katie Hobbs now. Continue until election day in November, 2026.
Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis
California. Incumbent Gavin Newsom is term limited. Six Democratic candidates have already declared – State Senate President ProTem Toni Atkins, Businessman Stephen Cloobeck, Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Ex Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa. None of them is the front runner for the job. Of the six more identified potential candidates, former Vice President Kamala Harris would probably be the front runner if she announced. One Republican has declared his candidacy – County Sheriff Chad Bianco. Thirteen more are potential candidates.
Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Colorado Incumbent Jared Polis is term-limited. The Attorney General Phil Weiser has announced his candidacy. Five other Democrats have been identified as potential candidates. The five does not include a surprise possibility – US Senator Michael Bennet. Two Republicans have announced – State Rep Scott Bottoms and State Senator Mark Baisley. Four other Republicans have been mentioned as potential candidates.
Governor Ned Lamont
Connecticut Incumbent Ned Lamont is running for reelection. Four other Democrats have been mentioned as possible candidates – Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Attorney General William Tong. One Republican has announced his candidacy – Ex New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart. One other Republican has been mentioned as a possibility – Financial executive and former candidate Bob Stefanowski.
Governor Josh Green
Hawaii incumbent Josh Green is running for reelection. No other Democrat has been mentioned as a possibility. No Republican has announced his or her candidacy, but Brenton Awa, the Senate Minority Leader has been mentioned as a possibility.
Governor JB Pritzker
Illinois incumbent JB Pritzker is running for reelection. Four other Democrats have been mentioned as possibilities – former Chicago mayor former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, and Attorney General Kwame Raoul. Similarly, one Republican has announced his candidacy – County Sheriff James Mendrick. Four other Republicans have been mentioned as possibilities – ex State Senator Darren Bailey, Businessman Aaron Del Mar, Congressman Darin LaHood, and RNC Member Richard Porter.
Lt. Governor David Toland
Kansas Incumbent Laura Kelly is term-limited. Three Democrats have been discussed as a possibility – Congresswoman Sharice Davids, State Senator Cindy Holscher, and Lt. Governor David Toland. One Republican has announced – Secretary of State Scott Schwab. Six other Republicans have been mentioned as possible candidates. One more thing: it wouldn’t hurt to write or phone or email Governor Kelly and urge her to run for the US Senate.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
Maine incumbent Janet Mills is term-limited. No Democrat has announced his or her candidacy. Seven Democrats have been mentioned as possibilities – Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, Congressman Jared Golden, Former State Senate President Troy Jackson, US Senator Angus King III, Former State House Speaker Hannah Pingree, and Portland City Counselor Spencer Thibodeau. No Republican has announced his or her candidacy. Six Republicans have been mentioned as possibilities – Businessman Jonathan Bush, Former Assistant Secretary of State Bobby Charles, Former US Ambassador Peter Cianchette, State Senator Jim Libby, State Rep Laurel Libby, and Former State Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason. One more thing: it wouldn’t hurt to write or phone or email Governor Mills and urge her to run for the US Senate.
Governor Wes Moore
Maryland incumbent Wes Moore is running for reelection. One frequent Democratic candidate may run. Republican John Myrick, who ran for the US Senate in 2024, has announced his candidacy. Three other Republicans have been mentioned as possibilities, two of them former governors – Bob Ehrlich and Larry Hogan.
Governor Maura Healy
Massachusetts incumbent Maura Healy is running for reelection. No other Democrats have announced. No Republicans have announced their candidacy. Six Republicans have been mentioned as possibilities.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist
Michigan incumbent Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited. Democrats Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and County Sheriff Chris Swanson have announced their candidacies. Two other possibilities have been mentioned – Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, and Stater Rep Joe Tate. Republican former Attorney. General Mike Cox and State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt have announced their candidacies. Nine others have been mentioned as possible candidates. In addition, Mike Duggan, the mayor of Detroit, has announced he would run as an Independent.
Governor Tim Walz DONATE NOW
Minnesota Incumbent Tim Walz is running for reelection to a third term. Conservative businessman Steve Carlson is also a DFL candidate. Four Republicans have been mentioned as possible candidates – former state party chair David Hann, former state senator Scott Jensen, attorney Chris Madel, and Tech Executive Kendell Quells.
Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland
New Mexico Incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham is term-limited. Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima have announced their candidacies. Three other Democrats have been discussed as possibilities. No Republicans have announced their candidacy, but nine of them have been discussed as potential candidates.
Governor Kathy Hochul
New York Incumbent Kathy Hochul is running for reelection. Two other Democrats have been discussed a possible primary opponents – Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado and Congressman Ritchie Torres. No Republicans have announced, but Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Congressman Mike Lawler are both seriously considering running.
Governor Tina Kotek
Oregon Incumbent Tina Kotek is running for reelection. No other Democrats are in the mix. Republican Real Estate Executive and former candidate Brent Barker has announced. No other Republicans have announced or appear to be considering or being considered for a run.
Governor Josh Shapiro. DONATE NOW
Pennsylvania. Incumbent Josh Shapiro is running for reelection. No other Democrats have announced or appear to be considering. No Republicans have announced. However, the following are either considering or being considered – State Greasurer Steve Garrity, State Senator Doug Mastriano, and Congressman Dan Meuser.
Governor Dan McGee
Rhode Island. Incumbent Dan McGee is running for reelection. Attorney General Peter Neronha has announced his candidacy. Other Democrats contemplating or encouraged to run are Corporate Executive Helena Foulkes, former governor and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and State House Speaker Joe Shekarchi. No Republicans have announced. Contemplating or being encouraged to run are Trade Association executive Aaron Guckian and businesswoman Ashley Kalus.
Governor Tony Evers. DONATE NOW
Wisconsin Incumbent Tony Evers is running for reelection. No Democrat is considering a challenge. No Republican has announced a candidacy. Those considering include CEO Bill Berrien, former Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, County Executive Josh Schoemann, and Congressman Tom Tiffany.
Republican Held Governorships
Former US Senator Doug Jones
Alabama Incumbent Kay Ivey is term limited. Two Democrats have been mentioned as possible candidates – Former Senator Doug Jones and Birmingham’s mayor Randall Woodfin. My list includes no announced Republican candidates, but eight possibilities. If US Senator Tommy Tuberville decided he was interested, he would be the front runner.
Former Congresswoman Mary Peltola
Alaska Incumbent Mike Dunleavy is term limited. Two Democrats have been mentioned as possible candidates – Former state Senator, musician, and author Tom Begich and former Congresswoman Mary Peltola. Three Republicans have been mentioned as possible candidates. Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom may be the front runner.
Arkansas Incumbent Sarah Huckabee Sanders is running for reelection. No Democrats are currently in the mix. Two other Republicans have been mentioned as possible candidates – Former County Justice of the Peace Jimmy Bryant and Congressman Steve Womack.
Congressman Jared Markowitz
Florida Incumbent Ron DeSantis is term-limited. No Democrats have announced their candidacy for Governor although five Democrats have been mentioned as possibilities – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, State Senator Shevrin Jones, Congressman Jared Markowitz, and State Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo. One Republican has announced his candidacy, Trump-endorsed Congressman Bryan Donalds. Eight others have been discussed as possible candidates, among them First Lady Casey DeSantis.
Congresswoman Lucy McBath
Georgia Incumbent Brian Kemp is term limited. No Democrats have announced their candidacy for Governor although ten Democrats have been mentioned as a possibility. Congresswoman Lucy McBath appears to be working to make herself the front runner. One Republican has announced his candidacy – Attorney General Chris Carr. Nine others, including First Lady Marty Kemp, have been mentioned as possibilities.
Idaho Incumbent Brad Little is running for reelection. No Democrat has announced or been mentioned. No other Republican has announced or haa been mentioned.
State Auditor Rob Sand
Iowa Incumbent Kim Reynolds is running for reelection. Three Democrats have been mentioned as possible candidates – Pastor and frequent candidate Paul Dahl, State House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, and State Auditor Rob Sand. One other Republican, Pastor and ex State Rep Brad Sherman, has been mentioned as a candidate.
Nebraska Incumbent Jim Pillen is running for reelection. No Democrats have announced or been discussed. No other Republicans are in the mix.
Attorney General Aaron Ford. DONATE LATER
LATER. Aaron Ford cannot raise funds until July 3. Instead, until July 3, 2025, you could DONATE to the Arizona Democratic Party
Nevada. Incumbent Joe Lombardo has announced for reelection. Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford has announced. Republican magazine publisher M. Kameron Hawkins has also announced. November 2026 is far in the distance, but no other candidates from either party have been discussed.
New Hampshire Incumbent Kelly Ayotte has announced for reelection in this state that elects its governor every two years. No Democrats have announced or been discussed. No other Republicans have either.
Former Health Department Director Amy Acton. DONATE NOW
Ohio Incumbent Mike DeWine is term-limited. Former Health Department Director Amy Acton is the only Democrat to have announced. Others who are considering or being considered by others for a run include Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb, former Senator Sherrod Brown, Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner, Columbus Mayor Andy Ginter, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, former State Rep Chris Redfern, State House Minority Leader Allison Russo, and former Congressman Tim Ryan. Republicans who have announced their candidacy are venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy, Veterans Affairs Staffer Jeremiah Workman, and Attorney General Dave Yost. Ohters considering or being considered are Congressman Warren Davidson, former Congressman Jim Renacci, Lt. Governor and former Ohio State Football Coach Jim Tressel.
Oklahoma Incumbent Kevin Stitt is term-limited. No Democrats have announced or are being discussed as potential candidates. Republicans who have announced their candidacy are Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former city manager Leisa Mitchell Haynes, former state Senator Mike Mazzei, and former State House Speaker Charles McCall. Ohters considering or being considered are former state Public Safety Secretary Chip Keating, Lt. Governor Matt. Pinnell, former State Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, and former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters.
South Carollna Incumbent Henry McMaster is term-limited. No Democrats have announced or are being discussed as potential candidates. Ten Republicans who are contemplating or being encouraged to run include State Senator Sean Bennett, Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, State Senator Josh Kibrell, Congresswoman Nancy Mace, State Senate Manority Leader Shane Massey, former Governor Mark Sanford, Former State Senator Katrtina Shealy, Businessman John Warren, and Attorney General Allan Wilson.
South Dakota. Incumbent Larry Rhoden is running for election. No Democrats have announced or are being discussed. Republicans Attorney General Marty Jackley and Congressman Dusty Johnson are considering runs.
State Senators Raumesh Akbari and London Lamar
Tennessee. Incumbent Bill Lee is term-limited. Democratic State Senators Raumesh Akbari and London Lamar are considering runs. Republican John Rose has announced his candidacy. Nine possible candidates range from US Senator Marsha Blackburn to three more Congressman to a distillery owner and a private prison CEO.
State Rep James Talarico
Texas. Incumbent Greg Abbott is running for reelection. Two Democrats are considering runs – Corporate CEO Dave Clark, and State Rep James Talarico. Republican Michael McCaul is considering a primary challenge.
Utah. Incumbent Spencer Cox is running for reelection. To date, no Democrat and no other Republican is considering a run.
Vermont. Incumbent Phil Scott is running for reelection in this state where the term of office is two years. To date, no Democrat and no other Republican is considering a run.
Wyoming. Incumbent Mark Gordon is term-limited. No Democrats appear to be in the mix. Retired Marine Corps Colonel Brent Brien has announced a run as a Republican. Other Republicans contemplating include Secretary of Stater Chuck Gray, Congresswoman Harriet Hagerman, and State Treasurer Curt Meier.
