Thirty-six governorships are on the 2026 ballot, as of October 05, 2026. That gives voters across much of the country a direct say in who will lead their state government. The list includes New York, Florida, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and 29 other states.
America First voters should treat these races as local decisions with national consequences. Check your own ballot, registration, polling place, and state rules early so your vote is counted under the rules that apply where you live.
Which states have governor elections in 2026?
Ballotpedia’s 2026 governor list identifies 36 state governorships on the ballot:
| States with governor races | States with governor races | States with governor races |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alaska | Arizona |
| Arkansas | California | Colorado |
| Connecticut | Florida | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois |
| Iowa | Kansas | Maine |
| Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan |
| Minnesota | Nebraska | Nevada |
| New Hampshire | New Mexico | New York |
| Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina |
| South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas |
| Vermont | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
The same source counts 36 gubernatorial offices and says Republicans and Democrats each hold 18 of those seats going into the election cycle. It also lists 15 incumbent governors as term-limited.
When is the next election for governor?
The next midterm elections are in November 2026, according to USAGov’s midterm election guide. Governor election calendars, primary dates, filing rules, registration deadlines, polling hours, and ballot-return deadlines are set at the state level. Confirm each one with your state or local election office before acting.
Do not rely on a national map for your polling place. USAGov says your assigned polling place is based on your residential address, may change between elections, and provides its hours through state or local election officials.
Who is running against Kathy Hochul in New York?
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is listed as the incumbent. Ballotpedia lists Bruce Blakeman as a Republican candidate, with Conservative Party and Vote Affordable Party affiliations, in the 2026 New York governor field. It also lists Jean Anglade, Elise Stefanik, Larry Sharpe, Antonio Delgado, John Rinaldi, and Amy Taylor among the names in that field.
Candidate fields can change before ballots are final. Confirm the names that will appear for your district with New York election officials and your sample ballot. A sample ballot is the practical way to see the actual choices in front of you before voting.
What does the 2026 governor elections map show?
A useful map starts with the 36 states above, but it is not a result. The outcome remains for voters to decide. Ballotpedia’s race page lists the current officeholders and candidate fields, while its state executive page places the governor contests alongside other statewide races.
For an Oklahoma race update, see Oklahoma governor race. For a separate report on voter-roll administration, see Alaska voter-roll report.
Are there 2026 governor election results yet?
No final statewide governor results should be treated as settled before the relevant state election authority reports and certifies them. For a race you care about, use that state’s election office for official results and its certification notices.
How to vote without getting tripped up by state rules
Voting procedure is the same principle for every voter: follow the rules of the state where you are registered. USAGov recommends checking your registration before your state deadline. Verify your name, address, party information where applicable, and polling place.
- ID: Each state sets its own ID rules. USAGov’s voter ID guide says most states require identification for in-person voting, but the acceptable document differs by state.
- Early voting: Most states allow some early in-person voting. Your state or local election office sets the locations, hours, and rules.
- Mail or absentee ballots: USAGov’s absentee guide says request and return deadlines vary, including whether a ballot must be postmarked or received by a set date.
- No online voting: USAGov says you cannot vote online in U.S. federal elections.
Before you vote
- Confirm your registration status and residential address with your state election office.
- Confirm the polling location and its hours shortly before Election Day.
- Check the exact ID rule for your state and bring the required document.
- Read your state-issued sample ballot before you go.
- If you will vote by mail, confirm both the request deadline and the return deadline with the election office.
By USPatriotNews.com Editorial Team
