With the last House race of the 2024 election cycle finally being called in California, politicos are already beginning to turn their attention to the 2025-26 election cycle, and the Governor’s races look particularly interesting.

In relation to the small US House majority, the campaigns for Governor could have a tangential effect upon Congress.

A total of 38 Governors contests are on the ballot in the next election cycle and, because of term limit laws, 17 of the states will feature open campaigns. Another interesting feature is that both parties will be defending 19 of the 38 states hosting a gubernatorial contest.

We just saw our first major state 2026 gubernatorial candidate announcement. In Michigan, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who switched from the Democratic Party to Independent status earlier this year, is serving his third term having been originally elected at the end of 2013. Yesterday, the Mayor announced that he will run as an Independent for Governor setting up what will be a unique and potentially tight three-way statewide race.

Other potential candidates are signaling they are considering running for Governor of their respective states, and that could definitely affect the House of Representatives. Several Congressmen are calculating chances for their state’s top job.

Turning to New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) is one of the term-limited Governors and already a large field has formed for the open race. Two of the announced candidates are US House members, Reps. Josh Gottheimer* (D-Wycoff) and Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair). Neither will have to risk their House seats to run for Governor since the statewide election is in 2025. Should either of them win, however, a vacancy in the House would occur thus necessitating a special election.

In Tennessee, where Gov. Bill Lee (R) cannot succeed himself, two US House members are potential candidates. Rep. John Rose (R-Cookeville) is a virtual sure bet to enter the Governor’s race. His colleague, Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) is publicly saying he is considering becoming a gubernatorial candidate. A third Volunteer State Congressman, Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Columbia) who was just re-elected to a second term, says various groups are urging him to also run for Governor.

Colorado is another state where two House members are reportedly considering running for their open Governor’s post. Incumbent Jared Polis (D) is one of the Governors ineligible to seek a third term. Democratic US Reps. Joe Neguse (D-Lafayette/Boulder) and Jason Crow (D-Aurora) are both expected to at least test the waters for a gubernatorial run.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) cannot succeed himself and a crowded field is expected to form in both political parties. Resigned Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) is already indicating that he will run. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Naples) is also testing the waters for a statewide campaign.

For the Florida Democrats, Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Parkland) is reportedly considering launching a bid for his party’s gubernatorial nomination or the US Senate special election when Sen. Marco Rubio (R) departs to become Secretary of State. The Senate speculation may intensify once a replacement is appointed upon Mr. Rubio’s confirmation for his federal post.

Moving to South Carolina, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-Rock Hill) indicates he is potentially looking at a run for Governor with incumbent Henry McMaster (R) reaching his service time limit. Reportedly, Rep. Nancy Mace* (R-Charleston) is also considering entering the Governor’s race.

Finally, in New York, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) is making public statements about potentially challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 Democratic primary. He is also looking at entering the crowded New York City Mayor’s race but says the Governor’s challenge “is more interesting.”

Already the 2025-26 gubernatorial election cycle is beginning to cause political waves around the country, and we can expect a great deal more action to be soon forthcoming.