Twenty-seven of the 38 governorships up in 2017 and 2018 are Republican-held, including many seats that will be open after eight years of GOP control. That means widespread opportunities for Democratic gains, as well as a critical chance for new ideas and new blood to emerge as the party seeks to identify its next generation of leaders and dig out from a low point after President-elect Donald Trump’s shocking White House win.
The sweeping gubernatorial map takes in virtually every national battleground state and segment of the electorate. Diversifying states where Democrats have struggled in recent midterms, like Florida, Nevada and New Mexico, will have open races in 2018. Unorthodox Republicans who carried blue states like Illinois, Maryland and Massachusetts in 2014 will face reelection challenges, too, while Democrats will also look to replicate recent successes in a handful of red states.
And, critically, Democrats itching to prove they can still win in the Midwest will get the opportunity to test themselves by chasing GOP-held governorships in Iowa, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
