| State |
Governor |
Incumbent's Party |
Former Governors |
Next election status
 with winners marked |
|---|
| AK | |
| |
Bill Walker
elected 2014
|
Independent
|
Sean Parnell
GOP Governor, 2009-2015
Mead Treadwell
GOP Lt.Gov., 2010-2014
Sarah Palin;
GOP Governor, 2006-2009
Author: America by Heart
Frank Murkowski
GOP Governor, 2002-2006
Tony Knowles
Dem. Governor, 1995-2002
|
Next election: 2018
|
| AL | |
| |
Robert Bentley
First elected 2010;
Re-elected 2014; term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
Bob Riley GOP Governor, 2003-2010
Don Siegelman
Dem. Governor, 1999-2003
|
Next election: 2018. Former races:
2014 Alabama gubernatorial debate
2014 challenger: U.S.Rep. Parker Griffith (D)
|
| AR | |
| |
Asa Hutchinson
Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin
First elected 2014
|
Republican
|
Mike Beebe
Dem. Governor, 1979-81 & 1983-92
Mike Huckabee
GOP Governor until 2006
Author: A Simple Government
Bill Clinton
Dem. Governor, 1979-81 & 1983-92;
President, 1993-2001;
Author: My Life
David Pryor
Dem. Governor, 1975-79
Dale Bumpers
Dem. Governor, 1971-75
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 Arkansas gubernatorial debate
2014 challenger: Former Rep. Mike Ross(D)
|
| AZ | |
| |
Doug Ducey
Elected 2014
|
Republican
|
Jan Brewer
Republican Governor, 2009-2015;
Author: Scorpions for Breakfast, 2011
Janet Napolitano
Dem. Governor, 2002-2009;
Appointed to Obama's Cabinet in 2009.
Jane Dee Hull
GOP Governor, 1998-2002
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 Arizona gubernatorial debate
2014 challenger: Regents Chair Fred DuVal(D)
|
| CA | |
| |
Jerry Brown
First re-elected 2010
(previously governor, 1975-1983)
Re-elected 2014; term-limited in 2018
|
Democrat |
Arnold Schwarzenegger GOP Governor, 2003-2010
Gray Davis Dem. Governor, 1998-2003
Ronald Reagan GOP Governor, 1966-80
President, 1981-1989;
Memoir: Dutch, by Edmund Morris
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 California gubernatorial debate
2014 challenger: Neel Kashkari(R)
|
| CO | |
| |
John Hickenlooper
First elected 2010
Re-elected 2014; term-limited in 2018
|
Democrat
|
Bill Ritter
Dem. Governor 2006-2010
Bill Owens
GOP Governor 1998-2006
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 Colorado gubernatorial debate
2014 challenger: Rep. Bob Beauprez(R)
|
| CT | |
| |
Dan Malloy
First Elected 2010
Re-elected 2014
|
Democrat
|
Jodi Rell
Acting Governor, 2004; elected 2006-2010
John Rowland
GOP Governor, re-elected 2002, resigned July 2004
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 Connecticut gubernatorial debate
2014 challenger: Former Ambassador Tom Foley(R)
2014 Lt.Gov. challenger: Comptroller General David Walker(R)
|
| DE | |
| |
Jack Markell
First elected 2008
Re-elected 2012
Term-limited 2016
|
Democrat
|
Ruth Ann Minner
First elected 2000;
re-elected 2004;
Term-limited, 2008
Tom Carper Dem. Governor, 1993-2000
Michael Castle GOP Governor, 1985-1992
|
Next election: 2016; Gov. Markell is term-limited.
2016 Delaware Gubernatorial debates:
Colin Bonini(R)
vs.U.S. Rep. John Carney(D)
|
| FL | |
| |
Rick Scott
First elected, 2010
Re-elected 2014;
term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
Charlie Crist
GOP governor, 2006-2010
Jeb Bush
GOP governor, retired 2006;
Author: Profiles in Character
Bob Graham Dem. Governor, 1979-86
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 Florida gubernatorial debate
Former challengers:
Crist(D,2014);
Meek(D,2014);
McCollum(R,2010);
Davis(D,2006);
Reno(D,2002);
Moore(S,2008).
|
| GA | |
| |
Nathan Deal
First elected 2010;
Re-elected 2014;
Term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
Sonny Perdue
(Dem. Governor 2002-2010)
Roy Barnes (Dem. Governor, 1999-2002)
Zell Miller (Dem. Governor, 1991-98)
Jimmy Carter (Dem. Governor, 1971-74)
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 Georgia gubernatorial debate
Former challengers:
Jason Carter(D,2012)
Andrew Hunt (L,2012)
|
| HI | |
| |
David Ige
First elected 2014
|
Democrat
|
Neil Abercrombie Dem. Governor, 2010-2014
Linda Lingle GOP Governor, 2002-2010
Benjamin Cayetano Dem. Governor, 1995-2002
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 Hawaii gubernatorial debate
2014 challenger: Former Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona(R)
|
| IA | |
| |
Terry Branstad
First re-elected 2010; re-elected 2014;
previously governor 1983-1999
|
Republican
|
Chet Culver; Dem. Governor 2006-2010
Tom Vilsack Dem. Governor 2002-2006
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 Iowa gubernatorial debate
2014 challenger: State Sen. Jack Hatch(D)
2014 primary challenger: Tom Hoefling(R)
|
| ID | |
| |
Butch Otter
First elected 2006;
re-elected 2010 & 2014.
retiring 2018.
|
Republican
|
Dirk Kempthorne
GOP Governor, 1999-2006;
Appointed 2006-2009 to Bush's Cabinet.
|
Next election: 2018
Former challengers:
Jerry Brady (D,2006)
|
| IL | |
| |
Bruce Rauner
First elected 2014
|
Republican
|
Pat Quinn
Dem. Governor, 2009-2015.
Rod Blagojevich
Dem. Governor, 2002-2009;
resigned in scandal.
George Ryan
GOP Governor, 1999-2002
|
Next election: 2018
|
| IN | |
| |
Mike Pence
First Elected 2012
Running for re-election 2016
|
Republican
|
Mitch Daniels GOP Governor, 2004-2012
Joseph Kernan Dem. Governor, 2003
Frank O'Bannon Dem. Governor, 1997-2003
Evan Bayh Dem. Governor, 1989-96
|
Next election: 2016; Gov. Pence running for re-election:
2016 Indiana Gubernatorial debates:
Holcomb(R)
vs.Gregg(D)
vs.Pence(R)
vs.Brooks(R)
vs.Rokita(R)
|
| KS | |
| |
Sam Brownback
First elected 2010; re-elected 2014; term-limited 2018
Author: From Power to Purpose
|
Republican
|
Mark Parkinson
Dem. Governor, 2009-2010
Kathleen Sebelius
Dem. Governor, 2002-2009;
Appointed to Obama's Cabinet.
Bill Graves GOP Governor, 1995-2002
|
Next election: 2018
|
| KY | |
| |
Steve Beshear
First Elected 2007;
Re-elected 2011;
Term-limited 2015
|
Democrat
|
Ernie Fletcher GOP Gov., elected 2003; lost re-election 2007
Paul Patton Dem. Governor, 1995-2002
Wendell Ford Dem. Governor, 1971-74
|
Gov. Beshear term-limited in 2015;
2015 Kentucky Gubernatorial debates:
 Matt Bevin (R)
Jack Conway (D)
Former Louisville Councilman Hal Heiner (R)
|
| LA | |
| |
Bobby Jindal
Re-elected, 2011;
First elected, 2007;
Author: Leadership and Crisis;
Term-limited 2015.
|
Republican
|
Kathleen Blanco Dem. Governor, 2004-2008
Mike Foster GOP Governor, 1996-2004
|
Gov. Jindal term-limited in 2015;
2015 Louisiana Gubernatorial debates:
House Minority Leader John Bel Edwards (D, won)
Senator David Vitter (R, lost runoff)
Secretary of State Jay Dardenne (R, lost Oct. 2015 primary)
|
| MA | |
| |
Charlie Baker
First elected 2014
Lt.Gov.Karyn Polito
|
Republican
|
Deval Patrick
Democratic Governor 2007-2015
Author: A Reason to Believe, 2011
Mitt Romney GOP Governor, 2002-2006;
Author: Turnaround
Kerry Healey GOP Lt.Gov.; 2006 nominee
Jane Swift GOP Governor, 2001-2002
Paul Cellucci GOP Governor until 2001
Sen. John Kerry Dem. Lt. Gov., 1982-84;
Author: A Call to Service
|
Next election: 2018; Former races:
2014 MA Gubernatorial debate
2006 MA Democratic primary debate
2006 MA Gubernatorial debate;
Former contenders:
Coakley(D,2014);
Grossman(D,2014);
Berwick(D,2014);
Wolf(D,2014);
Mihos (R, 2010);
Ross (D, 2010);
Stein (G, 2010);
Gabrieli (D, 2006);
Reich (D, 2002);
O'Brien (D, 2002)
|
| MD | |
| |
Larry Hogan
First elected 2014
|
Republican
|
Martin O'Malley Dem. Governor, 2006-2014
Robert Ehrlich GOP Governor, 2002-2006
Parris Glendening Dem. Governor, 1995-2002
|
Next election 2018
Former contenders:
Steele (R,2006);
Vaughn (R,2010).
|
| ME | |
| |
Paul LePage
First elected 2010;
Re-elected 2014;
Term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
John Baldacci Dem. Governor, 2002-2010
Angus King Independent Governor, 1995-2002
Author: Governor`s Travels
|
Next election 2018;
Former races:
2014 Maine gubernatorial Debate
Former challengers:
Rep. Mike Michaud(D,2014)
Eliot Cutler(I,2010)
|
| MI | |
| |
Rick Snyder
First elected 2010
Re-elected 2014;
Term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
Jennifer Granholm , Dem. Governor, 2002-2010
John Engler GOP Governor, 1991-2002
|
Next election 2018;
Former races:
2014 Michigan gubernatorial Debate
Former challengers:
Former Rep. Mark Schauer (D,2014)
Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R,2010)
Former Rep. Joe Schwarz (I,2010)
|
| MN | |
| |
Mark Dayton
First elected 2010;
Re-elected 2014;
Retiring 2018.
|
Democrat
|
Tim Pawlenty
GOP Governor, 2002-2010;
Biography: Sam's Club Republican
Jesse Ventura
Independent Governor, 1998-2002;
Author: American Conspiracies
|
Next election 2018.
|
| MO | |
| |
Jay Nixon
First elected 2008;
Re-elected 2012
Term-limited 2016
|
Democrat
|
Matt Blunt GOP Governor, 2004-2008
Bob Holden Dem. Governor, 2000-2004
Mel Carnahan Dem. Governor, 1997-2000
John Ashcroft GOP Governor, 1985-93
Kit Bond GOP Governor, 1971-77 & 1981-85
|
Next Election: 2016
2016 Missouri Gubernatorial debates:
Attorney General Chris Koster(D)
vs.Eric Greitens(R)
vs.Former State House Speaker Catherine Hanaway(R)
vs.CEO John Brunner(R)
vs.Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder(R)
|
| MS | |
| |
Phil Bryant
First elected 2011.
|
Republican
|
Haley Barbour
First elected 2003;
Re-elected 2007;
Author: The Agenda for America, 1996
Ronnie Musgrove Dem. Governor, 2000-2003
|
Gov. Bryant running for re-election in 2015:
2015 MS debate coverage
Phil Bryant
Robert Gray (D, won August 2015 primary)
Vicki Slater (D, lost August 2015 primary)
|
| MT | |
| |
Steve Bullock
First elected 2012
Running for re-election 2016
|
Democrat
|
Brian Schweitzer Dem. Governor, 2004-2012
Biography: Blue Man in a Red State, 2008
Judy Martz GOP Governor, 2000-2004
|
Next Election: 2016; Gov. Bullock running for re-election.
2016 Montana Gubernatorial debates:
Bullock(D)
vs.Gianforte(R)
vs.Perea(R)
vs.Johnson(R)
2016 Challengers: Greg Gianforte(R)
vs.Mark Perea(R)
vs.Bill McChesney(D)
vs.Former Secretary of State Brad Johnson(R)
2012 Challenger: Former Rep. Rick Hill (R)
2008 challenger: Stan Jones
|
| NC | |
| |
Pat McCrory
First elected 2012
Running for re-election 2016
|
Republican
|
Bev Perdue Dem. Governor 2008-2012
Mike Easley Dem. Governor 2000-2008
|
Next election: 2016; Gov. McCrory running for re-election.
2016 North Carolina Gubernatorial debates:
Attorney General Roy Cooper(D)
vs.Spaulding(D)
|
| ND | |
| |
Jack Dalrymple
Succeeded Gov. Hoeven in 2010
Re-elected, 2012
Retiring, 2016
|
Republican
|
John Hoeven GOP Governor 2000-2010
(Elected to Senate in Nov. 2010)
|
Next Election: 2016; Gov. Dalrymple retiring.
2016 North Dakota Gubernatorial debates
Challengers: Burgum(R)
vs.Nelson(D)
vs.Dalrymple(R)
vs.Stenehjem(R)
vs.Rick Becker(R)
|
| NE | |
| |
Pete Ricketts
First elected 2014
|
Republican
|
Dave Heineman GOP Governor, 2004-2015
Mike Johanns GOP Governor, 2000-2004;
appointed to Bush's Cabinet, 2004
Ben Nelson Dem. Governor, 1991-99
Bob Kerrey Dem. Governor, 1983-87
Jim Exon Dem. Governor, 1971-79
|
Next election 2018
Former contenders: Jon Bruning(R,2014)
|
| NH | |
| |
Maggie Hassan
First elected 2012;
Re-elected 2014
|
Democrat
|
John Lynch (Dem. Governor, 2004-2012)
Craig Benson (GOP Governor, 2002-2004)
Jeanne Shaheen (Dem. Governor, 1997-2002)
Judd Gregg (GOP Governor, 1989-92)
|
Next Election: 2016
2016 New Hampshire Gubernatorial debates:
Chris Sununu(R)
vs.Jon Lavoie(R)
vs.Chris Van Ostern(D, won primary)
vs.Mark Connolly(D, lost primary)
vs.Mayor Steve Marchand (D, lost primary)
vs.Derek Dextrase(I)
|
| NJ | |
| |
Chris Christie
First elected Nov. 2009;
Biography: Teachers Under Attack, 2011;
Re-elected 2013;
Term-limited 2017
|
Republican
|
Jon Corzine (Dem. Governor, 2005-2009)
Richard Codey (Acting Governor 2004-2005)
James McGreevey (Dem. Governor, 2002-2004; resigned Aug. 2004)
Donald DiFrancesco (GOP Governor, 2001-2002)
Thomas Kean (GOP Governor, 1982-1990)
Christie Todd Whitman (GOP Governor, 1994-2001)
|
Next Election: 2017; challengers:
Steve Fulop (Dem.)
vs.Lesniak(D)
Former races:
2013 New Jersey gubernatorial debates
2009 N.J. gubernatorial debates
Former Challengers:
State Sen. Barbara Buono (D)
|
| NM | |
| |
Susana Martinez
First elected 2010
Re-elected 2014
Term-limited 2018
Lt. Gov. John Sanchez
|
Republican
|
Bill Richardson
Dem. Governor, 2002-2010
Author: Between Worlds
Gary Johnson
GOP governor, 1995-2002
Ran for President, 2012
|
Next election 2018;
Former races:
2014 New Mexico gubernatorial Debate
Former challengers:
State Attorney General Gary King (D)
|
| NV | |
| |
Brian Sandoval
First elected 2010;
Re-elected 2014;
Term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
Jim Gibbons
GOP Governor, 2006-2010
Kenny Guinn GOP governor, re-elected 2002
Richard Bryan Dem. Governor, 1983-1989
|
Next election 2018
|
| NY | |
| |
Andrew Cuomo
First elected 2010;
Re-elected 2014;
Author: Crossroads: The Future of American Politics, 2003
Lt.Gov. Kathy Hochul
|
Democrat
|
David Paterson Dem. Governor, 2008-2010
Eliot Spitzer Resigned in scandal, March 2008.
George Pataki GOP governor, re-elected 2002
Mario Cuomo Dem. Governor, 1982-94;
Author: Reason To Believe
|
Next election 2018
Former races:
2014 New York gubernatorial Debate
Former contenders:
Rob Astorino (R,2014)
Zephyr Teachout (D,2014)
Howie Hawkins (G,2014)
Rep. Rick Lazio (R,2010)
John Faso (R,2006)
|
| OH | |
| |
John Kasich
First elected 2010
Re-elected 2014
Term-limited 2018
Author: Stand For Something
|
Republican
|
Ted Strickland (Dem. Governor, 2006-2010)
Bob Taft (GOP Governor, 1999-2006)
George Voinovich (GOP Governor, 1991-98)
Mike DeWine (Dem. Lt. Governor, 1991-95)
Richard Celeste (Dem. Governor, 1983-91)
|
Next election 2018
|
| OK | |
| |
Mary Fallin
First elected 2010
Re-elected 2014
Term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
Brad Henry Dem. Governor 2002-2010
Frank Keating (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)
|
Next election 2018;
Former races:
2014 Oklahoma gubernatorial Debate
Former contenders:
Joe Dorman (D,2014)
Ernest Istook (R, 2006)
|
| OR | |
| |
Kate Brown
|
Democrat
Running for re-election 2016
|
John Kitzhaber Dem. Governor 1995-2002 and 2011-2015
Ted Kulongoski Dem. Governor 2002-2010
Mark Hatfield (GOP Governor, 1959-66)
|
Next election 2016:
2016 Oregon Gubernatorial debates
Kate Brown
vs.Bud Pierce(R)
vs.Julian Bell(D)
vs.Bob Niemeyer(R)
|
| PA | |
| |
Tom Wolf
First elected 2014
|
Democrat
|
Tom Corbett GOP Governor 2010-2014
Edward Rendell Dem. Governor 2002-2010
Tom Ridge (GOP Governor, 1995-2001)
Author: Test of Our Times
Mark Schweiker (GOP Governor, 2001-02)
|
Next election 2018
Former races:
2014 PA Gubernatorial debate
|
| RI | |
| |
Gina Raimondo
First elected 2014.
|
Democrat
|
Linc Chafee Independent Governor 2010-2014
Author: Against the Tide, 2008
Don Carcieri GOP Governor 2002-2010
Lincoln Almond (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)
John Chafee (GOP Governor, 1963-66)
|
Next election 2018
|
| SC | |
| |
Nikki Haley
First elected 2010
Re-elected 2014
Term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
Mark Sanford GOP Governor 2002-2010
Author: The Trust Committed To Me
Jim Hodges (Dem. Governor, 1999-2002)
Ernest Hollings (Dem. Governor, 1959-63)
|
Next election 2018
|
| SD | |
| |
Dennis Daugaard
First elected 2010
Re-elected 2014
|
Republican
|
Mike Rounds GOP Governor 2002-2010
Bill Janklow (GOP Governor, 1979-1986, 1995-2002)
|
Next election 2018
|
| TN | |
| |
Bill Haslam
First elected 2010
Re-elected 2014
Term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
Phil Bredesen Dem. Governor, 2002-2010
Don Sundquist (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)
Lamar Alexander (GOP Governor, 1979-87)
|
Next election 2018
|
| TX | |
| |
Greg Abbott
First elected 2014
|
Republican
|
Rick Perry GOP Governor, 2001-2014
Author: Fed Up!
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst
George W. Bush GOP Governor, 1994-2000,
President, 2000-2008
Author, Decision Points
|
Next election 2018
|
| UT | |
| |
Gary Herbert
Succeeded Gov. Huntsman, 2009; elected 2010;
Re-elected 2012
Running for re-election, 2016
|
Republican
|
Jon Huntsman GOP Governor 2004-2009
Appointed as Obama's Ambassador to China in 2009.
Olene Walker (GOP Governor, 2003-2004)
Mike Leavitt (GOP Governor, 1997-2003;
appointed as Bush's EPA chief)
|
Next election 2016: Gov. Herbert running for re-election:
2016 Utah Gubernatorial debates:
Gary Herbert
vs.Mike Weinholtz(D)
vs.CEO of Overstock.com Jonathan Johnson(R)
vs.Vaughn Cook(D)
|
| VA | |
| |
Terry McAuliffe
First elected 2013;
Term-limited 2017;
Author, What A Party!
|
Democrat
|
Bob McDonnell (GOP Governor, 2009-2013)
Tim Kaine (Dem. Governor, 2005-2009)
Mark Warner (Dem. Governor, 2001-2005)
Jim Gilmore (GOP Governor, 1998-2001)
George Allen (GOP Governor, 1994-97)
Chuck Robb (Dem. Governor, 1982-85)
|
Next election 2017; contenders:
Northam(D)
vs.Wittman(R)
vs.Gillespie(R)
Former races:
2013 Virginia gubernatorial debates
2009 Virginia gubernatorial debates
Former contenders:
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R,2013);
Creigh Deeds (D,2009)
|
| VT | |
| |
Peter Shumlin
First elected 2010;
Re-elected 2012;
Re-elected 2014;
Retiring, 2016
|
Democrat
|
James Douglas GOP Governor 2002-2010
Howard Dean
Dem. Governor, 1991-2002;
ran for President, 2004;
Author: Winning Back America
|
Next election 2016: Gov. Shumlin retiring:
2016 Vermont Gubernatorial debates:
Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott(R)
vs.former State Representative Sue Minter(D)
vs.Former state senator Matt Dunne(D)
vs.Bruce Lisman(R)
vs.Speaker of the House Shap Smith(D)
|
| WA | |
| |
Jay Inslee
First elected 2012
Running for re-election, 2016
|
Democrat
|
Christine Gregoire (Dem. Governor, 2004-2012)
Gary Locke (Dem. Governor, retired 2004)
Appointed to Obama's Cabinet in 2009.
|
Next election 2016: Gov. Inslee running for re-election:
2016 Washington Gubernatorial debates:
Jay Inslee
vs.Seattle Port Commissioner Bill Bryant(R)
|
| WI | |
| |
Scott Walker
First elected 2010;
Re-elected in 2012 recall
Re-elected 2014
|
Republican
|
Jim Doyle Dem. Governor 2002-2010
Scott McCallum (GOP Governor, 2001-02)
Tommy Thompson (GOP Governor, 1987-2000;
ran for President, 2007)
|
Next election 2018
Former challengers:
Neumann (R, 2010);
Barrett (D, 2010 & 2012);
Green (R, 2006)
|
| WV | |
| |
Earl Ray Tomblin
Special election Oct. 2011;
Succeeded Gov. Manchin early 2010;
Re-elected 2012;
Term-limited 2016.
|
Democrat
|
Joe Manchin Dem. Governor, 2004-2010
Bob Wise Dem. Governor, 2000-2004
Jay Rockefeller Dem. Governor, 1976-1984
|
Next election 2016; Gov. Tomblin term-limited.
2016 West Virginia Gubernatorial debates:
Jim Justice(R)
vs.State Senator Bill Cole(D)
vs.Minority Leader of the Senate Jeff Kessler(R)
vs.Former Senator Carte Goodwin(D)
|
| WY | |
| |
Matt Mead
First elected 2010
Re-elected 2014
Term-limited 2018
|
Republican
|
Dave Freudenthal Dem. Governor 2002-2010
Jim Geringer GOP Governor, 1995-2002
|
Next election 2018
|
