State and local races loom large as Election Day arrives

Washington | Nov. 02, 2026, 3:20 p.m. ET | 4 min read The midterm elections are about more than just control of Congress. Voters are facing consequential decisions about state or local races, from governorships to city councils and school boards.Across the United States, the big local issues on Nov. 3 range from education to voter ID, from property taxes to data centers. This article and graphic highlight the closest governors’ races, with a nod to other contests over control of state legislatures, mayoral offices, and ballot initiatives.As with Congress, polling suggests a possible “blue wave”: A majority of states could have a Democratic governor next year, for the first time since 2010. In all, 26 states have Republican governors and 24 have Democrats. Our map focuses on the potential for change – the 12 states rated as toss-ups or with one party enjoying only a modest “lean” in polls. Not shaded with a color are states where the governor isn’t up for reelection (14 of them) or where the Cook Political Report judges the outlook to be solidly or likely for one party (14 for Democrats, 10 for Republicans).Some of the most populous states have either close-fought or open races for the governor’s mansion:California features Democratic former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra as the heavy favorite against Republican challenger and commentator Steve Hilton (with current Gov. Gavin Newsom capped at two terms). Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is hitting his term limit as well, leaving a close race that leans toward Republican Rep. Byron Donalds against Democrat David Jolly, a former Republican congressman.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott faces headwinds in a tough year for President Donald Trump’s Republican Party generally, in his race against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa. SOURCE: Cook Political Report | Jacob Turcotte/Staff Other big races and issues (keyed to our map):1. Could Oregon defy a blue wave? Oregon hasn’t had a Republican governor in more than 40 years. But GOP nominee Christine Drazan, seeking to oust incumbent Tina Kotek, is trying to capitalize on arguments that the state is overtaxed and overregulated, and that public safety has taken a back seat to liberal politics in Portland. It’s a possible red upset even during a predicted blue-wave year.2. Wealth taxes on the ballot. Voters in Washington state will decide whether to repeal a tax on annual income over $1 million that passed earlier this year. California voters will weigh Proposition 40, which calls for a one-time tax on the state’s 246 billionaires, to fund healthcare, among a wide range of ballot measures across the nation. 3. A major mayoral contest. In Los Angeles, a city more populous than some U.S. states, polls suggest Democratic Mayor Karen Bass is seen by many voters as ineffectual. She faces a challenger from the left, City Council member Nithya Raman, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. This comes as the District of Columbia is poised to elect a democratic socialist candidate as its next mayor.4. Calls for compromise. The Alaska governor’s race has four finalists competing in the state’s ranked-choice election system. Alongside the issues, they’re debating what role bipartisanship should play in politics. In a recent debate, Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins’ pledge to work across the aisle was met by Republican opponent Bernadette Wilson arguing that leadership isn’t about “singing ‘Kumbaya.’” Another Republican in the race, former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, joined Mr. Kreiss-Tomkins in saying voters are tired of partisan gridlock.5. Distancing from Trump. In the Iowa governor’s race, Republican Zach Lahn is stressing local issues – such as addressing health concerns around herbicides – rather than hitching his wagon to his party’s leader in the White House. Democrat Rob Sand aims to turn this red state blue, in part by pledging to work across party lines.6. It’s not just the governor’s mansion. Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona all feature close races for governor (although the Cook Political Report recently moved Arizona’s to “likely Democratic”). Control of state legislatures could also flip in those states. Republicans currently control the Michigan House and both chambers in Arizona and Wisconsin. Watch these states to see how far-reaching a blue wave might be. Deepen your worldviewwith Monitor Highlights.Politics with respectGet political stories with respectful analysis.There‘s a world of new ideas in everyBooks newsletter.There‘s more to life, enrich yours withCulture & Learning weekly.Follow humanity‘s discoveries withScience & Nature stories in your inbox.Gain a spiritual perspectivefrom the stories in your inbox.Want to understand the deeper impact of critical events? Learn the Monitor‘s insight.Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads. 7. Prayer and patriotism. Alabama voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to require the Pledge of Allegiance and give the option of student-led prayer in public schools.8. Will Latino voters tip toss-up races? In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking a fourth term in what has been a reliably red state. But the national headwinds around gas prices and overall affordability have created an opening for his Democratic opponent, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa – especially as Latino voters, who are a large share of the electorate, have grown less likely to support Republicans. ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LoginReal news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.The Christian Science Monitor was founded in 1908 to lift the standard of journalism and uplift humanity. We aim to “speak the truth in love.” Our goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you the essential knowledge and understanding to come to your own intelligent conclusions. Join us in this mission by subscribing.