Democrats eye governors' majority in midterms

Democrats are aiming to gain control of a majority of governorships in the upcoming midterms, a first since 2006. President Donald Trump's poor approval ratings have negatively impacted the Republican Party, leading to competitive races in various states. High-profile contests for governor are taking place in states such as Texas, Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.

Three Democratic governors who could potentially run for president in 2028 - Wes Moore of Maryland, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania - successfully secured re-election. Democrats last gained a majority of governorships in 2006, and Republicans regained it four years later.

The Democratic Governors Association's executive director, Meghan Meehan-Draper, emphasized the goal of not just achieving a majority of the population but also securing a majority of states. The 36 states electing governors on Tuesday represent about 80% of the nation's population. In 19 states, the office is open.

Democrats have several opportunities to pick up governorships, including in Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, and Nevada, where incumbents are term-limited. Republicans' best chance to gain an executive office is in Kansas, where Democratic Governor Laura Kelly is term-limited.

Among the most competitive races are those in Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, and Ohio, where the incumbents are term-limited, as well as in Nevada. Georgia and Alaska have not elected a Democratic governor since 1998, while Iowa and Ohio have not done so since 2006.

Republicans' best shot at capturing an executive suite is in Kansas, where Democratic Governor Laura Kelly is term-limited. Democrats also see potential in states like Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, with Texas and Florida being particularly notable as no Democrat has been elected to statewide office in either state since 1994.