2024 United States gubernatorial elections explained

United States gubernatorial elections are scheduled to be held on November 5, 2024, in 11 states and two territories. The previous gubernatorial elections for this group of states took place in 2020, except in New Hampshire and Vermont where governors only serve two-year terms and elected their governors in 2022. In addition to state gubernatorial elections, the territories of American Samoa and Puerto Rico will also hold elections for their governors.

The elections will take place concurrently with the 2024 presidential election, elections to the House of Representatives and Senate, and numerous state and local elections.

This will be the first election cycle since 2017 that no incumbent Democratic governors will be running for re-election. With the primary defeat of Puerto Rico governor Pedro Pierluisi, this is also the first cycle since 2018 in which an incumbent governor lost renomination.

Partisan composition

Going into the election, there are 27 Republican governors and 23 Democratic governors in the United States. This class of governors is made up of 8 Republicans and 3 Democrats. Republicans are defending two governorships in states that Joe Biden won in 2020 (New Hampshire and Vermont) while Democrats are defending one governorship in a state that Donald Trump won in 2020 (North Carolina).^[1]

Election predictions

Several sites and individuals published predictions of competitive seats. These predictions looked at factors such as the strength of the incumbent (if the incumbent is running for re-election), the strength of the candidates, and the partisan leanings of the state (reflected in part by the state's Cook Partisan Voting Index rating). The predictions assigned ratings to each seat, with the rating indicating a party's predicted advantage in winning that seat.

Most election predictors use:

• "tossup": no advantage
• "tilt" (used by some predictors): advantage that is not quite as strong as "lean"
• "lean": slight advantage
• "likely": significant, but surmountable, advantage
• "safe" or "solid": near-certain chance of victory

State	PVI	Incumbent	Last race	Cook [2]	IE [3]	Sabato [4]	RCP [5]	ED [6]
Delaware				data-sort-value="-59.5"	59.5% D
Indiana				data-sort-value="56.5"	56.5% R
Missouri				data-sort-value="57.1"	57.1% R
Montana				data-sort-value="54.4"	54.4% R
New Hampshire				data-sort-value="57.0"	57.0% R
North Carolina				data-sort-value="-51.5"	51.5% D
North Dakota				data-sort-value="65.8"	65.8% R
Utah				data-sort-value="63.0"	63.0% R
Vermont				data-sort-value="69.2"	69.2% R
Washington				data-sort-value="-56.6"	56.6% D
West Virginia				data-sort-value="63.5"	63.5% R

Race summary

States

State	Governor	Party	First elected	Last race	Status	Candidates
Delaware			Democratic	2016	data-sort-value="-59.5"	59.5% D		Term-limited	nowrap
Indiana			Republican	2016	data-sort-value="56.5"	56.5% R		Term-limited	nowrap
Missouri			Republican	2018	data-sort-value="57.1"	57.1% R		Term-limited	nowrap
Montana			Republican	2020	data-sort-value="54.4"	54.4% R	Incumbent renominated	nowrap
New Hampshire			Republican	2016	data-sort-value="57.0"	57.0% R		Retiring[7]	nowrap
North Carolina	Roy Cooper		Democratic	2016	data-sort-value="-51.5"	51.5% D		Term-limited	nowrap
North Dakota			Republican	2016	data-sort-value="65.8"	65.8% R		Retiring[8]	nowrap
Utah			Republican	2020	data-sort-value="63.0"	63.0% R	Incumbent renominated	nowrap
Vermont			Republican	2016	data-sort-value="69.2"	69.2% R	Incumbent renominated	nowrap
Washington			Democratic	2012	data-sort-value="56.6"	56.6% D		Retiring[9]	nowrap
West Virginia			Republican	2016	data-sort-value="63.5"	63.5% R		Term-limited	nowrap

Territories

State	Governor	Party	First elected	Last race	Status	Candidates
American Samoa			Nonpartisan	2020	data-sort-value="60.3"	60.3%	Running	nowrap
Puerto Rico			New Progressive	2020	data-sort-value="32.9"	32.9% PNP		Lost renomination	nowrap

Delaware

See main article: 2024 Delaware gubernatorial election.

See also: 2024 Delaware lieutenant gubernatorial election. Governor John Carney was re-elected to a second term in 2020 with 59.5% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the Delaware Constitution in 2024 and cannot seek re-election for a third term. Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer have announced their candidacies for the Democratic nomination and state House Minority Leader Michael Ramone has announced for the Republican nomination.

Indiana

See main article: 2024 Indiana gubernatorial election.

Governor Eric Holcomb who was re-elected in the 2020 with 57% of the vote, will be term-limited by the Indiana Constitution in 2024 and cannot seek re-election for a third consecutive term. U.S. Senator Mike Braun has won the Republican nomination, defeating Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, former president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Eric Doden and former Attorney General Curtis Hill.

Former Republican state Superintendent of Schools Jennifer McCormick won the Democratic nomination, previously switching parties in 2021.^[10]

Missouri

See main article: 2024 Missouri gubernatorial election.

See also: 2024 Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election.

Governor Mike Parson took office on June 1, 2018, upon the resignation of Eric Greitens and was elected to a full term in his own right in 2020 with 57.2% of the vote. Because Parson served more than two years of Greitens' term, he is term-limited by the Missouri Constitution in 2024 and cannot seek re-election for a second full term. Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe won the Republican gubernatorial nomination with 39% of the vote, defeating state Senator Bill Eigel and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.^[11] In the Democratic primary, state House Minority Leader Crystal Quade won the nomination.^[12]

Montana

See main article: 2024 Montana gubernatorial election.

Governor Greg Gianforte was elected in 2020 with 54.4% of the vote. He is running for re-election and defeated State Representative Tanner Smith in the primary.

Businessman Ryan Busse won the Democratic nomination and will face Gianforte in the general election.

New Hampshire

See main article: 2024 New Hampshire gubernatorial election. Governor Chris Sununu won re-election to a fourth term in 2022. However on July 19, 2023 he announced he would not seek re-election.^[13] Former state Senator Chuck Morse and former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte have announced their campaigns for the Republican nomination.^[14] In the Democratic primary, former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig^[15] and state Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington^[16] have declared their candidacies.

North Carolina

See main article: 2024 North Carolina gubernatorial election.

See also: 2024 North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election.

Governor Roy Cooper was re-elected to a second term in 2020 with 51.5% of the vote. He will be term-limited by the North Carolina Constitution in 2024 and cannot seek re-election for a third consecutive term. Attorney General Josh Stein defeated former state Supreme Court justice Michael Morgan for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, while Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson defeated State Treasurer Dale Folwell for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.^{[17] [18] [19] [20]}

North Dakota

See main article: 2024 North Dakota gubernatorial election.

Governor Doug Burgum was re-elected to a second term in 2020 with 65.8% of the vote. In the November 2022 elections, voters amended the North Dakota Constitution to place a limit of two, four-year terms for succeeding governors sworn into office after the amendment's effective date of January 1, 2023.^[21] Burgum, sworn into office before the amendment's effective date, remained eligible to run for re-election for a third term. Burgum initially ran for the Republican nomination in the 2024 United States presidential election,^[22] but dropped out before the primaries. On January 22, 2024, he announced he would not seek re-election as Governor. United States Representative Kelly Armstrong won the Republican nomination and defeated Lieutenant Governor Tammy Miller. ^[8]

On the other side, state Senator Merrill Piepkorn won the Democratic nomination unopposed.

Utah

See main article: 2024 Utah gubernatorial election.

Governor Spencer Cox was elected in 2020 with 63% of the vote and is running for re-election to a second term. He won the Republican primary over conservative state Representative Phil Lyman to be the nominee.^[23]

On the other side, state Representative Brian King won the Democratic nomination unopposed.

Vermont

See main article: 2024 Vermont gubernatorial election.

See also: 2024 Vermont lieutenant gubernatorial election.

Governor Phil Scott won re-election to a fourth two-year term in 2022. Because Vermont does not have gubernatorial term limits in its constitution, he is eligible to run for re-election for a fifth term in 2024, and has announced that he will do so.^[24] Scott won the August 12 primary unopposed and will face educator Esther Charlestin in the general election.^[25]

Washington

See main article: 2024 Washington gubernatorial election.

See also: 2024 Washington lieutenant gubernatorial election.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee was re-elected to a third term in 2020 with 56.6% of the vote. Because Washington does not have gubernatorial term limits in its constitution, he is eligible to run for re-election for a fourth term, but he has decided not to seek re-election.^[26] State Attorney General Bob Ferguson won the Democratic nomination.^{[27] [28]} In the Republican primary, former U.S. representative Dave Reichert won the nomination.^{[29] [30]}

West Virginia

See main article: 2024 West Virginia gubernatorial election.

Governor Jim Justice was re-elected to a second term in 2020 with 63.5% of the vote. He is term-limited by the West Virginia Constitution in 2024 and ineligible to seek re-election for a third consecutive term. Justice is running for the United States Senate.

State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey won the Republican nomination, defeating former state Delegate Moore Capito, businessman Chris Miller, and Secretary of State Mac Warner.^{[31] [32] [33] [34]}

Huntington Mayor Steve Williams won the Democratic nomination unopposed.^{[35] [36]}

Territories

American Samoa

See main article: 2024 American Samoan general election. Lemanu Peleti Mauga was elected Governor in the 2020 general election with 60.3% of the vote. On April 10, 2024, Mauga and incumbent Lieutenant Governor Eleasalo Ale announced their campaign for reelection under the slogan "E Lavatia le Alofa” — "Love Beareth All."^[37] Prior to Magua's announcement, Paramount Chief Mauga Tasi Asuega was advocating for the Governor's reelection. Pula T. I. Nikolao Pula, former Director of the Office of Insular Affairs, announced his candidacy on March 4, 2024.^[38] Pula announced High Chief Pulu Ae Ae, Jr., a former faipule for Maʻopūtasi County as his running mate.^[39]

Puerto Rico

See main article: 2024 Puerto Rico gubernatorial election.

Governor Pedro Pierluisi was elected in 2020 with 32.9% of the vote. He announced his re-election campaign on March 20, 2022, during the New Progressive Party's general assembly. However, he was defeated by Jenniffer González-Colón, the resident commissioner, in the New Progressive Party primary election.^[40]

Territorial legislator Jesús Manuel Ortiz won the nomination of the Popular Democratic Party.^[41] Other candidates include former territorial senator Juan Dalmau of the Puerto Rican Independence Party and San Sebastián mayor Javier Jiménez of Project Dignity.

See also

• 2024 United States elections
  • 2024 United States presidential election
  • 2024 United States House of Representatives elections
  • 2024 United States Senate elections

Notes and References

1. Web site: Coleman . J. Miles . 2023-01-19 . 2024 Governors Races: A First Look – Sabato's Crystal Ball . 2024-02-19 . en-US.
2. Web site: 2024 Governor Race ratings. 2024-05-28. The Cook Political Report. en.
3. Web site: January 20, 2023. Gubernatorial Ratings. Inside Elections.
4. Web site: July 19, 2023 . 2024 Gubernatorial race ratings . Sabato's Crystal Ball. en.
5. Web site: 2024 Governor Races . 2024-07-13 . www.realclearpolling.com . en.
6. Web site: 2023-07-22 . Election Ratings . 2023-07-23 . Elections Daily . en-US.
7. News: Gov. Chris Sununu decides against run for reelection. WMUR9. July 19, 2023. July 19, 2023.
8. News: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum says he won't seek a third term as governor. WCVB5. January 22, 2024. January 22, 2024.
9. Web site: WA Gov. Jay Inslee won't seek reelection for fourth term. The Seattle Times. May 1, 2023. May 1, 2023.
10. Web site: Herron. Arika. Jennifer McCormick is running for governor — as a Democrat. Axios Indianapolis. May 4, 2023.
11. Web site: Hancock . Jason. March 22, 2021 . Mike Kehoe passes on 2022 Senate run to focus on 2024 Missouri governor's race. September 7, 2021 . Missouri Independent.
12. Web site: 2023-07-09 . Democrat Crystal Quade shows off roller derby skills in Missouri governor campaign launch video . 2023-07-18 . AP News . en.
13. News: Astor . Maggie . 2023-07-19 . Chris Sununu Won't Run for Re-Election as Governor of New Hampshire . en-US . The New York Times . 2023-07-19 . 0362-4331.
14. Web site: N.H. GOP Gov. Sununu says he will not seek fifth term . 2023-07-20 . spectrumlocalnews.com . en.
15. Web site: Sexton . Adam . 2023-07-11 . Manchester Mayor Craig officially launches campaign for governor . 2023-07-20 . WMUR . en-US.
16. Web site: Sexton . Adam . 2023-06-01 . NH Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington launches campaign for governor . 2023-07-20 . WMUR . en.
17. Web site: North Carolina AG Josh Stein launches bid for governor . Elena . Schneider . . January 18, 2023 .
18. Web site: Former North Carolina justice enters Democratic primary for governor in 2024 . Hannah . Schoenbaum . . September 12, 2023 .
19. Web site: Craver. Richard. 'Uniquely qualified': Winston-Salem native and NC Treasurer Dale Folwell will run for governor. The Winston-Salem Journal. March 25, 2023. March 25, 2023.
20. News: Mikkelsen . Emily . Stamps . Brayden . Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson announces run for governor at cloudy Ace Speedway rally . 22 April 2023 . Fox 8 . 22 April 2023.
21. Web site: MacPherson. James . November 8, 2022 . North Dakota voters OK term limits for governor, legislators . dead . November 20, 2022 . St. Louis Post-Dispatch . Associated Press . https://web.archive.org/web/20221110015413/https://www.stltoday.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/north-dakota-voters-ok-term-limits-for-governor-legislators/article_fc775b59-4c32-5054-aa6c-933faeb8c075.html . November 10, 2022.
22. Web site: 2023-05-26 . A North Dakota governor running for president? You betcha . 2023-05-27 . Gomez . Henry J.. NBC News . en.
23. Web site: GOP primary called for Gov. Spencer Cox against Phil Lyman. Seariac, Hanna. June 25, 2025. August 14, 2024. Deseret News.
24. Web site: Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is running for reelection to 5th term . . 12 May 2024.
25. Web site: Mearhoff . Sarah . 2024-08-13 . Esther Charlestin wins Democratic gubernatorial nod while statewide incumbents cruise to primary victories . 2024-08-16 . VTDigger . en-US.
26. Web site: Furtado . David . 2023-05-01 . Governor Inslee announces he will not seek re-election . 2023-05-01 . KEPR . en.
27. Web site: 2023-06-01 . What to know about state Sen. Mark Mullet as he joins race for WA governor . 2023-07-15 . The Seattle Times . en-US. Withycombe . Claire.
28. Web site: 2023-05-02 . WA Attorney General Bob Ferguson announces campaign for governor . 2023-07-15 . The Seattle Times . en-US. Gutman . David. Brunner . Jim.
29. Web site: July 7, 2023 . Dave Reichert wants to be state's 'servant' as governor . 2023-07-18 . king5.com . en-US. Mikkelsen . Drew.
30. News: Sowersby . Shauna . November 11, 2022 . Controversial Richland school board member announces bid for Washington governor in 2024 . . May 3, 2024.
31. Web site: McElhinny . Brad . 2022-11-29 . Moore Capito, whose name likely rings a bell, says he's running for West Virginia governor . 2023-07-18 . WV MetroNews . en-US.
32. Web site: Adams . Steven . December 24, 2021 . Chris Miller, Son of Congresswoman Carol Miller, Announces 2024 Run for West Virginia Governor . December 24, 2021 . The Intelligencer. Wheeling-News Register.
33. Web site: 2023-01-10 . W.Va. Secretary of State Mac Warner announces he will run for governor . 2023-07-18 . WCHS . en.
34. Web site: Patrick Morrisey wins Republican nomination for governor in West Virginia primary election . ABC News . en. 15 May 2024.
35. News: Nolting . Mike . April 5, 2023 . Huntington mayor eyes run for governor as 'a climb worth taking' . .
36. News: September 4, 2023 . Steve Williams becomes 1st Democrat to enter West Virginia governor's race . . September 4, 2023.
37. News: Fa’asau. Asi Andrew. Lemanu/ La'apui campaign for the 2024 gubernatorial election officially opens. April 10, 2024. Samoa News. April 21, 2024.
38. News: Annesley. Rhonda. 2024 HOPE: Pula T.I. Nikolau Pula becomes the first to announce his candidacy for Governor. March 5, 2024. Samoa News. April 5, 2024.
39. News: Fa’asau. Asi Andrew. Pulu Ae Ae, Jr confirms his run for Lt. Governor with Pula Nikolao Pula. March 25, 2024. Samoa News. April 5, 2024.
40. News: Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi concedes defeat in surprise primary upset by Jenniffer González . Dánica . Coto . . June 3, 2024 . July 7, 2024 .
41. News: Puerto Rico Rep. Jesús Manuel Ortiz wins gubernatorial primary . June 2, 2024 . July 7, 2024 . .