2020 Governor Races

Montana is considered the most competitive race in this cycle and is rated a tossup by all major pundits. Incumbent Democratic governor Steve Bullock is term-limited, but his lieutenant governor, Mike Cooney, a longtime political figure in the state, is the Democratic nominee. The Republican nominee is Montana at-large congressman Greg Gianforte, who is a controversial figure because he was arrested for body-slamming a reporter the day of a 2017 special election. North Carolina is the next most competitive race, as it is a Republican-leaning state with a Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, meaning that Cooper faces a tough reelection, though most forecasters give the race a Democratic lean as Cooper has high approval ratings.

Vermont and New Hampshire are both races that could become competitive seeing as they are Democratic states with Republican governors in a presidential year. Republican incumbents Phil Scott and Chris Sununu are ranked among the most popular governors in the United States; however, Phil Scott has said he will not be voting for President Trump, while Chris Sununu has welcomed the President to New Hampshire. In Missouri, Republican incumbent Mike Parson assumed office after the resignation of Eric Greitens, and his lack of name recognition and unpopularity could make his race against state auditor Nicole Galloway, Missouri’s only Democratic statewide office holder, competitive, though most forecasters still rate the race as likely Republican due to Missouri’s heavy Republican lean. West Virginia’s gubernatorial race was seen as safe for Republicans because the state heavily leans Republican, but recent forecasts now[when?] rate it as likely Republican due to corruption allegations against incumbent Jim Justice that have led to rising unpopularity. Justice will face centrist Democrat Ben Salango, who is endorsed by U.S. senator Joe Manchin.

The gubernatorial races in Delaware and Washington are seen as safe for Democrats, while Indiana, North Dakota, and Utah are seen as safe for Republicans.

Source: Wikipedia

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Delaware – Governor 2020 Election

Democrat John Carney was first elected in 2016, winning with 58 percent of the vote. No Republican has won a gubernatorial race in Delaware since Mike Castle in 1988.

We rate the race for governor in Delaware as Solid Democratic.
Politico  4/19/20

For more information, see these posts on the Delaware Hub.

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Montana – Governor 2020 Election

Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock is term-limited, but Democrats have controlled the governorship in Helena for 16 years.

We think the race for governor in Montana leans toward the Republican candidate
Politico   4/19/20

For more information, see these posts on the Montana Hub.

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New Hampshire – Governor 2020 Election

GOP Gov. Chris Sununu won reelection in 2018 by 7 points, but Democrats hope it will be more difficult for him to outrun the top of the ticket in a presidential year.

We think the race for governor in New Hampshire leans toward the Republican candidate.
Politico  4/19/20

For more information, see these posts on the New Hampshire Hub.

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North Carolina – Governor 2020 Election

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina has won his party’s primary and will face Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Forest in the November general election as he seeks a second term.

The two will face off for the state’s highest office later this year.

It’s a race that Forest has long been preparing for. Cooper enters that match up flush with cash and hoping his reelection could help Democrats take back one or both General Assembly chambers.

Source: WCNC

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Utah – Governor 2020 Election

Expect a crowded GOP field for the open seat in Utah, which hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since Scott Matheson in 1980.

We rate the race for governor in Utah as Solid Republican.
Politico  4/19/20

For more information, see these posts on the Utah state Hub.

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Vermont – Governor 2020 Election

GOP Gov. Phil Scott, who was reelected in 2018 with 55 percent of the vote, has charted a moderate course, even saying he favors the impeachment inquiry into President Trump.

We think the race for governor in Vermont is a toss-up.
Politico  4/19/20

For more information, see these posts on the Vermont Hub.

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Washington – Governor 2020 Election

Popular Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee dropped out of the presidential race and is running for a third term

We rate the race for governor in Washington as Solid Democratic.
Politico  4/19/20

For more information, see these posts on the Washington state Hub.

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West Virginia – Governor 2020 Election

Gov. Jim Justice switched parties shortly after taking office in 2017. Some Republicans are still skeptical, and Justice faces a primary challenge in 2020.

We think the race for governor in West Virginia leans toward the Republican candidate.
Politico  4/19/20

For more information, see these posts on the West Virginia Hub.

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