Voters choose governors in six major open-seat races, including California, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, and Georgia

Six major governorships open due to term limits in 2026: California (Gavin Newsom termed out), Florida (Ron DeSantis termed out), Michigan (Gretchen Whitmer termed out), Ohio (Mike DeWine termed out), Georgia (Brian Kemp termed out), and potentially Texas if Greg Abbott retires. Of 36 total governor races, Sabato''s Crystal Ball rates Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin as genuine toss-ups heading into the general election. Democrats already flipped Virginia''s governorship in November 2025 with Abigail Spanberger''s win. Republicans hold 26 governorships entering the cycle; Democrats hold 24.