Governor News & Analysis

Kentucky Governor Shifts Toward Democrats

by Jacob Rubashkin September 1, 2023 · 10:28 AM EDT

The general election campaign in Kentucky is more than halfway complete, with less than three months remaining before voters head to the polls to choose their commonwealth’s next chief executive.

And in the three months since Republicans nominated state Attorney General Daniel Cameron to take on Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear,…

2024 Gubernatorial Overview: Toss-up Races Emerge

September 1, 2023 · 10:27 AM EDT

By Jacob Rubashkin and Erin Covey

Gubernatorial races during presidential cycles are usually sleepy. Just 11 states are slated to elect a chief executive in 2024, compared to 38 states in midterm cycles, and only one of them ranks among the 10 most populous in the country.

But there is…

Report Shorts (July 28, 2023)

July 28, 2023 · 2:26 PM EDT

Alabama Redistricting. Alabama Republicans have passed a new congressional map — but it probably won’t hold up in court. Federal judges ordered the state to produce a map that created two majority Black districts, or “something quite close to it.” The map signed into law by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey…

Report Shorts (July 14, 2023)

July 14, 2023 · 1:28 PM EDT

Alaska’s At-Large District. Nick Begich, the Republican candidate who came in third place in the top-four primary for Alaska’s open House seat last cycle, announced his campaign on Thursday. Considering President Donald Trump won Alaska by 10 points in 2020, Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola is vulnerable for re-election. But Alaska’s…

Report Shorts (June 30, 2023)

June 30, 2023 · 1:26 PM EDT

Arizona Senate. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is hosting a fundraiser for Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego — notable because Democrats’ Senate leadership has avoided talking about this race while independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is still undecided about seeking re-election. Battleground.

California’s 30th District. Physician Alex Balekian changed his party affiliation…

North Dakota Governor: Burgum Bows Out?

by Jacob Rubashkin June 15, 2023 · 10:47 AM EDT

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum’s decision to launch a long-shot bid for the GOP presidential nomination makes it even more likely that the billionaire businessman does not seek a third term as the state’s governor.

That means the Peace Garden State could see an open seat gubernatorial election for just…

Kentucky Governor: Cameron Wins, Quarles Places, Craft Shows

by Jacob Rubashkin May 17, 2023 · 9:53 AM EDT

Not every race ends in a photo finish.

On Tuesday, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron easily won the GOP nomination for governor. He captured 48 percent of the vote, well ahead of state Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, who came in second with 22 percent.

Back in third was Kelly Craft,…

Report Shorts (May 5, 2023)

May 5, 2023 · 2:27 PM EDT

Maryland Senate. Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin announced he will not seek re-election, setting up a competitive Democratic primary to replace him. Rep. David Trone is running, as is Montgomery County Councilman Will Jawando. Rep. Jamie Raskin says he’ll take May to decide. Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is likely…

Kentucky Governor: Riders Up!

by Jacob Rubashkin May 5, 2023 · 2:27 PM EDT

The biggest horse race of the month isn’t taking place at Churchill Downs. It’s at the ballot box. 

The winner of this year’s Kentucky Derby may trot away with $1.86 million, but that’s less than one-fifth of what three Republican gubernatorial hopefuls have spent on TV ahead of the state’s…

North Carolina Governor: 2024’s Marquee Matchup

by Erin Covey May 2, 2023 · 10:15 AM EDT

Mark Robinson’s first campaign rally announcing his run for governor of North Carolina was more notable for what he didn’t say than what he did say. At a racing track in Alamance County last weekend, the Republican lieutenant governor hit on a number of tried-and-true conservative talking points on taxes,…