Top 3 Governor’s Races to Watch on Election Night
As the nation gears up for the upcoming election, all eyes are on the governor’s mansions in three key states: New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Washington. With retiring incumbents leaving the door open for potential party flips, these races are shaping up to be crucial battlegrounds in the fight for state leadership.
New Hampshire: A Toss-up Race
New Hampshire is set to host one of the most competitive gubernatorial races this year, with Republican Governor Chris Sununu choosing not to seek a fifth term in office. Sununu, known for his sound fiscal management and avoidance of culture wars, has been a popular figure in the state. In the last presidential cycle, he won by a significant margin, showcasing his appeal to voters.
The current power rankings from Fox News rate New Hampshire as a toss-up, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the race. While the gubernatorial primary is yet to take place, leading Republican candidates like former Senator Kelly Ayotte and state Senator Chuck Morse are vying for the nomination. Ayotte, in particular, has been following Sununu’s playbook and received his endorsement, positioning herself as a strong contender.
On the Democratic side, former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington are leading the charge with center-left campaigns focusing on families and healthcare, respectively. With New Hampshire showing a leftward drift at the presidential level, Democrats are eager to compete in an open race. However, Sununu’s influence may still play a significant role in determining the outcome, making this race too close to call.
North Carolina: A Tradition of Ticket-Splitting
North Carolina has a rich history of ticket-splitting in both presidential and gubernatorial elections, with Republicans dominating at the presidential level but Democrats often prevailing in the governor’s race. The current power rankings from Fox News rate North Carolina as “Lean D,” indicating a slight advantage for Democratic candidates.
In this year’s race, Democratic candidate Josh Stein, the state’s attorney general, is running a campaign focused on pro-business policies, support for law enforcement, and protection of abortion rights. These issues resonate well with North Carolina voters, setting Stein up as a strong contender. On the Republican side, Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, endorsed by former President Trump, faces challenges due to controversial statements and positions he has taken in the past.
Stein’s fundraising numbers far surpass Robinson’s, giving him a financial edge in the race. While a strong showing from Trump could boost Robinson’s chances, Stein currently holds the upper hand, making this race a leaning towards the Democrats.
Washington: A Likely Democratic Victory
In Washington, voters will be selecting a new governor after Democratic Governor Jay Inslee announced he would not seek a fourth term. The state, known for its blue-leaning tendencies, has not elected a Republican governor since 1985, highlighting the uphill battle for GOP candidates.
The current power rankings from Fox News rank Washington as “Likely D,” indicating a high probability of a Democratic victory. Democrat Bob Ferguson, a three-term attorney general, leads the race with a significant fundraising advantage over his Republican challenger, former congressman Dave Reichert. Ferguson’s focus on issues like abortion rights and worker rights align well with the state’s progressive values, solidifying his position as the frontrunner.
Reichert, a former county sheriff, hopes to leverage his law enforcement background to appeal to voters in a state grappling with crime-related concerns. By distancing himself from Trump, Reichert aims to broaden his appeal across party lines. However, Ferguson’s strong lead in fundraising and campaign messaging make him the favorite in this race, with Fox News predicting a likely Democratic victory.
Conclusion
As Election Night approaches, the governor’s races in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Washington are shaping up to be key battlegrounds that could determine the future political landscape of these states. With retiring incumbents, shifting voter demographics, and national political dynamics at play, these races are not to be overlooked. Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the results unfold on November 8th.
