In addition to the closely watched race between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden, there are 11 gubernatorial elections taking place around the country.
The races for governor haven't received much attention in the 2020 cycle, with the race for the presidency and the US Senate taking center stage.
But especially given the lack of a coordinated national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governors have taken on an outsize role and emerged as key players in shaping the trajectory of the pandemic in their states, on everything from stay-at-home orders to mask mandates and school reopenings to safety measures for businesses.
This year, governors have used their own executive authority in addition to working with their state legislatures and fellow governors to enact consequential policies in response to the virus, highlighting the importance of those offices.
Insider in partnership with Decision Desk HQ has live election results and race calls for all 11 gubernatorial elections on the ballot.
- Montana: Democratic Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney lost the race to Republican Greg Gianforte, who currently represents Montana's at-large congressional district. The two were vying to replace outgoing Gov. Steve Bullock. This competitive race was rated a tossup by the Cook Political Report and leans Republican by Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- North Carolina: Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper won reelection against Republican Lt. Gov Dan Forest, in one of the most highly-watched races in this key battleground state. The race was rated "likely Democratic" by the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- Missouri: Republican Gov. Mike Parson defeated Democratic State Auditor Nicole Galloway, who ran a formidable campaign and attracted significant fundraising. The race was rated "leans Republican" by the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- New Hampshire: Republican Gov. Chris Sununu secured another term, fending off a challenge from Democratic State Senator Dan Feltes. This race was rated solid Republican by the Cook Political Report and likely Republican by Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- Vermont: Republican Gov. Phil Scott handily beat Democratic Lt. Gov David Zuckerman. This race was rated safe/solid Republican by the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- Delaware: Democratic Gov. John Carney won a second term against Republican Julianne Murray. This race was rated safe/solid Democratic by the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- Washington: Democratic Governor and former 2020 presidential candidate Jay Inslee won his reelection race against Republican Loren Culp. This race was rated safe/solid Democratic by the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- Indiana: Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who succeeded Vice President Mike Pence in Indiana's governor's office, easily bested Democrat Woody Myers. This race was rated safe/solid Republican by the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- Utah: Republican Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox defeated Democratic nominee Christopher Peterson in the open race for Utah's governorship. This race was rated safe/solid Republican by the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- North Dakota: Republican Gov. Doug Burgum secured another term against Democratic candidate Dr. Shelley Lenz. This race was rated safe/solid Republican by the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball.
- West Virginia: Republican Gov. Jim Justice, who has initially elected as a Democrat in 2016 but almost immediately switched parties to become a Republican in 2017, won a second term against Democratic Ben Salango. This race was rated solid Republican by the Cook Political Report and likely Republican by Sabato's Crystal Ball.
