Thirty-six states will elect governors in 2026, and Republicans enter those races clinging to a narrow 26-24 edge after Democrats had a strong showing in 2025, flipping Virginia and defending New Jersey. Democrats are trying to hold onto five seats in states Donald J. Trump won in the presidential election, while Republicans have only two seats to protect in states Kamala Harris won. More than half of the races are open seats, with the incumbents term-limited or retiring, setting up a cycle that could reshape the balance of power in statehouses nationwide.
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