Governor News & Analysis

And for John Kasich’s Next Act in Politics …

by Stuart Rothenberg September 13, 2013 · 9:00 AM EDT

We will know in a little more than a year whether John R. Kasich has a second act, or even a third one, in politics. But don’t be surprised if he does.

The Republican governor of Ohio looked like a political defeat waiting to happen in November 2011,…

Virginia Governor: Moves from Toss-Up to Lean Democrat

by Stuart Rothenberg September 11, 2013 · 1:58 PM EDT

As the stretch run for the Virginia gubernatorial election begins, Democrat Terry McAuliffe has established himself as a narrow but clear front-runner over state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, a Republican.

Polling generally shows the Democrat with a consistent mid-to-upper single digit lead, a significant advantage in a three-way…

10 Things Losing Candidates Say

by Nathan L. Gonzales August 28, 2013 · 9:52 AM EDT

It’s August of an odd-numbered year, but the 2014 cycle is heating up. That means dozens of candidates are visiting us at The Rothenberg Political Report in anticipation of the midterm elections.

Some of them will win, but most will lose. So we’ve started taking notes on some…

Illinois Governor: Madigan’s Decision Decreases Democratic Chances

by Nathan L. Gonzales August 23, 2013 · 2:57 PM EDT

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan probably would have coasted to the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and to victory in the general election next year if family matters hadn’t complicated her decision.

Madigan’s political aspirations have been consistently blocked by her father, the long-time speaker of the Illinois House. Since…

Texas Governor: Perry Retiring, Abbott is Likely Successor

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 19, 2013 · 2:55 PM EDT

After over a dozen years in office, Rick Perry is finally ready to retire as the governor of Texas. He’s been in office so long that some potential successors have come and gone. But now that the race is finally open, there isn’t exactly a flood of people stepping…

Texas Governor: Rick Perry Out, but …

by Stuart Rothenberg July 9, 2013 · 11:42 PM EDT

Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s decision not to seek another term does not change the partisan outlook for the 2014 Texas gubernatorial race.

State Attorney General Greg Abbott becomes the clear favorite for the GOP nomination and for election as the Lone Star State’s next governor. Here is…

It’s Uphill All the Way for Social Conservatives

by Stuart Rothenberg July 3, 2013 · 10:17 AM EDT

Although the seemingly unstoppable march of cultural liberalism took pause during the years of Ronald Reagan and even into the 1990s, it is back on track. Liberals will applaud it and conservatives will dread it, but it is silly to deny its strength.

Television and movies reflect our…

2013-14 Gubernatorial Overview (June 28, 2013) Alabama - Illinois

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 28, 2013 · 1:59 PM EDT

Many Republican governors are lightning rods and Democrats would love to throw them out of office next year.

But as the cycle evolves, common targets such as Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) are in a stronger position for re-election than they were…

2013-14 Gubernatorial Overview (June 28, 2013) Iowa - New Mexico

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 28, 2013 · 1:58 PM EDT

IOWA -- Terry Branstad (R), elected 2010 (53%); elected 1982 (53%), 1986 (52%), 1990 (61%) and 1994 (57%).
Democrats believe Branstad is vulnerable, but they are having a tough time coming up with a top tier candidate against him. State Sen. Jack Hatch is in the race but…

2013-14 Gubernatorial Overview (June 28, 2013) New York - Wyoming

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 28, 2013 · 1:57 PM EDT

OHIO -- John Kasich (R), elected 2010 (49%).
Kasich has been near the top of all Democratic target lists since he was first elected, but the Ohio Republican might be slipping down Democrats’ list of opportunities. President Obama spent $70 million in the state last year talking about…