Nevada's governor race is among the most competitive as Democrats seek their first majority of governorships since 2010

What happened

Republicans are increasingly on defense in governor's races ahead of November's midterm elections, according to a Stateline report published by the Las Vegas Sun. Democrats could win a majority of governorships for the first time since 2010, and Republicans currently hold a 26-24 advantage.

Voters in 36 states will choose governors this November. Thirteen of those races are considered competitive by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. Stateline reported that some of the most competitive are in politically divided states such as Nevada and Wisconsin.

Why Nevada's race matters

More than 160 vetoes

Stateline noted that Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo has vetoed more than 160 bills passed by the Democratic-controlled legislature during his term. The report said a Democratic governor in Nevada could start a new era of policymaking. In other states, it said, Democratic wins could instead bring more bipartisan compromise or more gridlock.

The Democratic nominee

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford won the Democratic nomination for governor on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, according to a photo caption with the Sun's story. The article did not include polling on the Nevada race. Readers can follow Ford's positions in our coverage of his school funding pledge and his criticism of Lombardo's budget record.

The national picture

Republicans defending conservative states

Stateline reported that Republicans are also defending seats in deeply conservative states, including Alaska, Iowa and Ohio. Last week, Cook moved the Florida and Texas governor races from Likely Republican to Leans Republican. Senate and Governors Editor Jessica Taylor wrote, "given the grim political environment for the GOP, we can't rule out the possibility of an upset in one or both contests."

In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott faces a close race with Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa. A Sept. 29 fundraising email from the Abbott campaign carried the subject line "Our race is now a toss-up."

What is driving the shift

Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, told Stateline the trend is "overwhelmingly a national phenomenon" tied to President Donald Trump's low approval ratings. Stateline reported that Democrats are benefiting from dissatisfaction over the Iran war and the high prices of healthcare, housing, groceries and energy. Republican Governors Association spokesperson Kollin Crompton said GOP governors and candidates remain focused on lowering taxes, unleashing American energy and keeping communities safe.

Divided government

Power is split between the parties in only 11 states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Democratic wins could bring divided power to Alaska, Ohio, Georgia, Florida and Texas. In Kansas, the shift could run the other way: state Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican, leads Democratic state Sen. Cindy Holscher in polling to replace Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Legislatures and redistricting

Republicans hold 4,044 state legislative seats and Democrats hold 3,227, according to Katy Owens Hubler of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Democrats hope to flip 500 seats this cycle, and 15 legislative chambers are considered competitive. Hubler said she thinks Republicans will likely keep their advantage in the total number of seats.

Stateline reported that 10 states have completed mid-decade redistricting after a White House push to give Republicans more U.S. House seats. Will Rusche of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee said, "It all runs through statehouses." More on Nevada races is on our elections page.

What to watch next

• November's general election, when voters in 36 states, including Nevada, will choose governors.
• Cook Political Report ratings for the governor races it currently considers competitive.
• Results in the 15 state legislative chambers identified as competitive, which Stateline reported could shape future redistricting.
• Whether Florida and Texas, recently moved to Leans Republican, stay in the GOP column.