Overview of the 2018 Gubernatorial Elections
The 2018 gubernatorial elections determined the partisan balance of U.S. governorships during a midterm cycle. Thirty-six states and three territories held gubernatorial contests in 2018, with primaries staggered across spring and summer and general elections held in November. These elections occurred alongside other midterms, influencing national perceptions of the president’s party and shaping state-level policy agendas for the following years. This overview compiles verified outcomes, notable contests, and subsequent shifts to serve as a durable reference.
National Results and Partisan Performance
In 2018, Democrats defended every seat they held and flipped Republican-held open seats in several states, contributing to a Democratic net gain of seven governorships nationwide. Republicans maintained seats in states won by Republican presidential candidates in 2016, while Democrats made gains in states that voted for the Democratic presidential nominee or had trending Democratic demographics. Below is a concise table summarizing key metrics from the cycle.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Total gubernatorial elections | 39 (36 states + 3 territories) | Official state election records |
| Democratic net gain | 7 seats | Federal Election Commission and state canvases |
| States with Democratic flips | Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, Wisconsin | State election certification reports |
| Highest turnout (approx.) | Midwestern and Western states with competitive races | U.S. Census Bureau voting and registration supplements |
Notable State-Level Outcomes
Several 2018 gubernatorial contests drew national attention due to competitiveness, candidate quality, or policy significance. In Colorado, Jared Polis became the first openly gay governor elected in the state; in Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer flipped the office after years of Republican control; in Maine, Janet Mills won a crowded Democratic primary and secured the governorship. These victories reflected shifts in suburban and independent voters in suburban and down-ballot races. Outcomes in Kansas and New Mexico also demonstrated Democratic inroads in historically red states, while Wisconsin’s race solidified a Democratic executive after a period of divided government.
Post-Election Appointments and Changes
After the 2018 elections, several states experienced transitions due to retirements, resignations, or successor appointments before the next regular election. A governor who left office mid-term can create an additional vacancy, leading to an appointment that does not require a 2018 election but affects the political landscape. Tracking these developments is important for accurate historical records and understanding party control over time. The table below highlights select post-2018 changes through the end of the 2020 cycle.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| December 2018–January 2019 | Resignations and appointments in multiple states | Shifted party control without a special election |
| 2019–2020 | Mid-term successor elections | Restored voter input for long vacancies |
| 2020 | Census and reapportionment effects | Determined future district boundaries and electoral influence |
Election Administration and Turnout Context
Turnout in 2018 gubernatorial races was shaped by heightened national interest, expanded early voting, and competitive media coverage. States implemented varied policies on registration, mail ballots, and provisional counting, affecting participation rates. Analysts often compare gubernatorial turnout to presidential and other midterm races to assess enthusiasm and electoral management. Key takeaways include higher participation in states with competitive governor’s races and more accessible voting mechanisms, while restrictive policies correlated with lower turnout in some regions.
Long-Term Implications and Legacy
The outcomes of the 2018 gubernatorial elections influenced state policy on healthcare, education, environmental regulation, and ballot access for years following. Democratic gains altered the balance of power in statehouses and affected redistricting cycles, with implications for legislative maps after the 2020 census. These contests also provided a national testing ground for campaign strategies, messaging, and coalition-building that shaped subsequent cycles. Understanding this election cycle helps contextualize ongoing debates over executive authority and state governance.
Definitions and Key Terms
- Gubernatorial election: A ballot contest to elect a state governor, typically held in midterm years.
- Open seat: A race where the incumbent is not seeking reelection, often more competitive.
- Partisan flip: A change from one party holding an office to the other party winning it.
- Midterm elections: National elections held between presidential cycles that determine Congress and many state offices.
- Reapportionment: The redistribution of legislative districts following census data, which can affect future elections.