The 2018 gubernatorial contests reshaped American state leadership across thirty-six states and three territories

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: On November 6, 2018, voters across the United States participated in a wide-reaching series of gubernatorial elections. These races, occurring alongside federal legislative contests, saw significant shifts in party control, the emergence of new political records, and the impact of term limits on long-standing incumbent governors across the nation.

The 2018 cycle involved elections in 36 states and three territories, including Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The landscape was heavily influenced by term limits, which prevented many experienced governors from seeking another term. Specifically, two Democratic and twelve Republican governors were ineligible to run again due to these restrictions. In contrast, eleven Republicans, six Democrats, and one independent governor were eligible to pursue re-election. The District of Columbia also held an election for its Democratic mayor.

The results marked a notable shift in political power. Democrats successfully captured nine governorships that were previously held by Republicans or an independent. This included securing open seats in states such as Michigan, New Mexico, and Kansas, as well as defeating Republican incumbents in Wisconsin and Illinois. Democrats also gained control of the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Meanwhile, Republicans secured the governorship of Alaska, which had been held by an independent. Notably, Democrats achieved a higher cumulative vote count across all gubernatorial races for the second consecutive year.

Individual races featured unique dynamics and historical milestones. In California, Gavin Newsom secured a victory with the highest number of votes ever recorded in a gubernatorial contest. The year also saw six women win their first election as governor. Competitive races were analyzed by predictors using metrics like the Cook Partisan Voting Index, with candidates facing varying degrees of electoral pressure. By 2026, the 2018 results remained the most recent instance of Republicans winning in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Arizona, and the last time Democrats secured the office in Nevada.

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