If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve likely seen a confusing mess of red and blue maps. It happens every time we hit a major election cycle. Everyone wants to know the same thing: who won for governor and what does it actually mean for my daily life? Honestly, keeping track of 50 different state mansions is basically a full-time job.
We just came off a wild 2025 election cycle that saw some massive shifts in the Mid-Atlantic. Before that, 2024 gave us 11 races that set the stage for where we are now in early 2026. If you're looking for a simple scorecard of who is currently sitting in the big chair across the country, you aren't alone.
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The Big Winners: Who Won for Governor in 2025
Last November was a huge night for Democrats, specifically in New Jersey and Virginia. These two states are often seen as the "canary in the coal mine" for national politics.
In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill decisively won her bid to succeed Phil Murphy. She's a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor who basically ran on a platform of "affordability." She beat Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who was making his second run for the office. Sherrill won with about 57% of the vote. It was a big deal because it marked the first time since the 1960s that New Jersey Democrats won three consecutive terms in the governor’s mansion.
Then there’s Virginia. This was the one everyone was watching. Abigail Spanberger, another former federal officer (CIA, in her case), flipped the seat from Republican to Democratic. She defeated her opponent to succeed Glenn Youngkin, who was term-limited and couldn't run again. This win was massive because it officially shifted Virginia back to a Democratic trifecta—meaning they control the governorship and both houses of the state legislature.
Looking Back: The 2024 Wave
If we go back just a bit further to 2024, the map looked a little different. While the presidential race sucked up all the oxygen in the room, 11 states were quietly picking their leaders.
- North Carolina: Josh Stein (D) pulled off a significant victory against Mark Robinson (R). This race was particularly nasty, with a lot of national money flowing in. Stein won with roughly 54.9% of the vote, keeping the seat in Democratic hands after Roy Cooper's exit.
- New Hampshire: Kelly Ayotte (R) kept the seat red for the Republicans. She took down Joyce Craig (D) to replace the retiring Chris Sununu. It was a tight one, but Ayotte’s name recognition carried her through.
- Washington State: Bob Ferguson (D) won a fairly comfortable victory over Dave Reichert (R). Washington hasn't had a Republican governor since the mid-80s, and that streak definitely didn't break in 2024.
- Indiana: Mike Braun (R) moved from the U.S. Senate to the Governor’s office. He won with 54.4% of the vote, defeating Jennifer McCormick.
The Incumbent Holds
In several states, the question of who won for governor was answered by "the person who was already there."
Vermont’s Phil Scott (R) absolutely crushed it with over 73% of the vote. He’s arguably the most popular governor in the country despite being a Republican in a very blue state. Over in Montana, Greg Gianforte (R) secured another term, as did Spencer Cox (R) in Utah.
Why These Wins Actually Matter to You
It’s easy to think of these races as just another sports score for Team Red or Team Blue. But governors have way more impact on your day-to-day than most people realize.
Think about it. Who decides if your state taxes go up? The governor. Who has the final say on state-level abortion laws or gun control? Usually, the person in the governor’s mansion. When there’s a massive snowstorm or a hurricane, it’s the governor who calls in the National Guard.
In New Jersey, Sherrill is already pushing for new property tax relief programs. In Virginia, Spanberger is looking at rolling back some of the education policies implemented by the previous administration. These aren't just talking points; they are real changes that hit your wallet and your kids' schools.
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The Power of the Veto
One thing people often overlook is the "veto pen." In states like North Carolina, having a Democratic governor like Josh Stein serves as a "backstop" against a Republican-controlled legislature. Even if he can't pass everything he wants, he can stop things he doesn't like.
A Quick Cheat Sheet: Current Governors in 2026
If you just need a list to settle an argument at dinner, here is a snapshot of some of the most prominent current governors as of early 2026:
California: Gavin Newsom (D) - He's in his final year and the rumors about what he does next are everywhere.
Florida: Ron DeSantis (R) - Also term-limited, meaning Florida is going to be a madhouse of campaigning very soon.
Texas: Greg Abbott (R) - Still the face of the GOP's border and economic policies.
New York: Kathy Hochul (D) - Gearing up for a tough re-election cycle later this year.
Michigan: Gretchen Whitmer (D) - Like Newsom, she's term-limited and people are already treating her like a future presidential contender.
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What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that "who won for governor" always follows the presidential trend. That is totally false. Look at Vermont or New Hampshire. Voters are surprisingly good at "ticket splitting"—voting for a Democrat for President but a Republican for Governor because they like how they handle the local budget.
Actionable Next Steps
Politics moves fast. If you want to stay on top of who is actually running your state, don't just wait for the next TV commercial.
- Check your state's "Next Election" date. Not every state votes on the same cycle. Some are "off-year," like Virginia and New Jersey.
- Follow the money. Use sites like OpenSecrets to see who is actually funding these gubernatorial campaigns. It'll tell you way more than a stump speech ever will.
- Verify your registration. If your state has a big race coming up in late 2026 (and 36 states do!), make sure you haven't been purged from the voter rolls.
Knowing who won for governor is the first step in holding them accountable. Whether you like the results or not, these are the people making the calls that affect your commute, your paycheck, and your rights. Keep an eye on the 2026 midterms—the cycle is already starting to heat up.