Gubernatorial candidates face 36 state primary contests in 2026
Updated
Updated · NPR · May 5
Gubernatorial candidates face 36 state primary contests in 2026
8 articles · Updated · NPR · May 5
The guide lists primaries from Ohio on May 5 to Rhode Island on Sept. 8, with open races in states including California, Florida, Michigan and Wisconsin.
It identifies incumbents seeking re-election, such as Greg Abbott, JB Pritzker, Josh Shapiro and Kathy Hochul, and notes runoffs in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Oklahoma.
Several governorships are open because incumbents are term-limited, while Iowa's seat opened after Kim Reynolds retired and Minnesota's after Tim Walz left the race in December 2025.
How will a historic number of open gubernatorial seats in 2026 reshape state policies and national politics?
As several incumbents face tough challenges, could 2026 mark a shift in voter loyalty for governors seeking re-election?
What new factors like AI PACs and youth turnout are unexpectedly shaping the outcomes of 2026's gubernatorial primaries?