United States gubernatorial elections, 2018

Election predictions

Several sites and individuals publish predictions of competitive seats. These predictions look at factors such as the strength of the incumbent (if the incumbent is running for re-election), the strength of the candidates, and the partisan leanings of the state (reflected in part by the state's Cook Partisan Voting Index rating). The predictions assign ratings to each seat, with the rating indicating the predicted advantage that a party has in winning that seat. Most election predictors use "tossup" to indicate that neither party has an advantage, "lean" to indicate that one party has a slight advantage, "likely" or "favored" to indicate that one party has a significant but not insurmountable advantage, and "safe" or "solid" to indicate that one party has a near-certain chance of victory. Some predictions also include a "tilt" rating that indicates that one party has an advantage that is not quite as strong as the "lean" rating would indicate.

California

Two-term consecutive, four-term non-consecutive Governor Jerry Brown is term-limited, as California Governors are limited to lifetime service of two terms in office. Brown previously served as Governor from 1975 to 1983 and the law only affects terms served after 1990.

Democratic candidates running include California State Treasurer John Chiang, former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, and former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa.

Former NFL player Rosey Grier, and Tulare County supervisor Allen Ishida, are running for governor as a Republicans.

Libertarian candidates include transhumanist activist Zoltan Istvan is running.

Colorado

Two-term Governor John Hickenlooper is term-limited, as Colorado does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms.

Potential Democratic candidates include U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter, former U.S. Senator and former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, former Lieutenant Governor Joseph García, Former State Treasurer Cary Kennedy, and former State House Speaker Mark Ferrandino.

Larimer County Commissioner Lew Gaiter has announced he will run for the Republican nomination.

Potential Republican candidates include Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler and State Treasurer Walker Stapleton.

Minnesota

Two-term Governor Mark Dayton is eligible to seek re-election, but has stated that he would not do so.

Declared Democratic candidates include St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman, State Representative Erin Murphy,, State Auditor Rebecca Otto , and Congressman Tim Walz . Potential Democratic candidates include Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith, Attorney General Lori Swanson, State Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, former State House Speaker Paul Thissen, former Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak,

Potential Republican candidates include U.S. Representative Erik Paulsen, businessman and 2014 U.S. Senate nominee Mike McFadden, State House Speaker Kurt Daudt, State Senator Julie Rosen, State Senator Michelle Benson, State Senator Karin Housley, and Chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota Keith Downey.

Former Independence Party Governor Jesse Ventura has expressed interest in running again.

Connecticut

Two-term Governor Dan Malloy is eligible for re-election, as Connecticut does not have gubernatorial term limits. Middletown Mayor Dan Drew officially announced his candidacy for Governor. Other potential Democratic candidates include State Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Attorney General George Jepsen.

State Representative Prasad Srinivasan is running as a Republican. Other potential Republican candidates include Trumbull First Selectman Tim Herbst, Danbury Mayor and 2014 candidate Mark Boughton, State Senator Joe Markley, former Senate Minority Leader and 2014 candidate John P. McKinney, and New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart.

Hawaii

One-term Governor David Ige is eligible for re-election. Ige took office after defeating previous Governor Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary and then winning the general election.

New York

Two-term Governor Andrew Cuomo is running for re-election, as New York does not have gubernatorial term limits.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is a potential Democratic candidate, despite Cuomo announcing his re-election bid. Other potential Democratic candidates include Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, and U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries.

Retiring U.S. Representative Chris Gibson is a potential Republican candidate. Other potential Republicans include Westchester County Executive and 2014 nominee Rob Astorino, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, State Assemblyman Steven McLaughlin, Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, U.S. Representative Peter T. King, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, 2010 nominee for Comptroller Harry Wilson, and Onondaga County Comptroller Bob Antonacci.

Oregon

Kate Brown became Governor of Oregon in February 2015 following the resignation of John Kitzhaber. In accordance with Oregon law, a special election was held in 2016, which Brown won. She will be able to seek a full term in 2018.

Pennsylvania

One-term Governor Tom Wolf is eligible for re-election.

State Senator Scott Wagner might be running for the Republican nomination. Potential Republican candidates include House Speaker Mike Turzai and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman.

Rhode Island

One-term Governor Gina Raimondo is eligible for re-election.

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, who will be term-limited in 2018, has not ruled out a potential primary challenge.

Alabama

Two-term Governor Robert Bentley is ineligible for re-election, as Alabama does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms.

Potential Republican candidates include Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, former State Senator Scott Beason, State Senator Slade Blackwell, former U.S. Representative Jo Bonner, State Treasurer Young Boozer, businessman Will Brooke, talk radio host Rick Burgess, U.S. Representative Bradley Byrne, Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington, Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey, businessman Tim James, Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Jim Main, State Senator Del Marsh, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan, Secretary of State John Merrill, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, State Senator Arthur Orr, State Senator Trip Pittman, State Senator Greg Reed, attorney Rob Riley, U.S. Representative Martha Roby, Anniston Mayor Vaughn Stewart, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, and State Senator Cam Ward Former Alabama Attorney General and U.S. Senator Luther Strange has ruled out a run for Governor in favor of a run for U.S. Senate.

Potential Democratic candidates include State Senator Billy Beasley, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Alabama Sue Bell Cobb, marijuana activist and 2016 U.S. Senate nominee Ron Crumpton, Minority Leader of the Alabama Senate Vivian Davis Figures, former First Lady of Alabama Marsha Folsom, Minority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives Craig Ford, former State Senator Tammy Irons, former Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox.

Florida

Two-term Governor Rick Scott is term-limited, as Florida does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms.

Potential Republican candidates include Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Will Weatherford will not run.

Mayor of Tallahassee, Andrew Gillum has announced he will run for the Democratic nomination. Potential Democratic candidates include former U.S. Representative Gwen Graham, U.S. Representative and former Republican-turned-independent Governor and 2014 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Charlie Crist, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman has stated that he will not run. A potential dark-horse candidate is major Democratic donor and attorney John Morgan.

Georgia

Two-term Governor Nathan Deal is term-limited, as Georgia does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms.

Potential Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, former state Attorney General Sam Olens, U.S. Representative Austin Scott, and former U.S. Representatives Lynn Westmoreland and Jack Kingston.

Potential Democratic candidates include State Senator and 2014 nominee Jason Carter, former Points of Light CEO and 2014 Senate nominee Michelle Nunn, former U.S. Representative John Barrow, House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, State Representative Scott Holcomb, and former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has denied interest in running.

Doug Craig, former Chair of the Libertarian Party of Georgia, is running for the Libertarian nomination.

Idaho

Three-term Governor Butch Otter is eligible to seek re-election, but has stated that he will not do so.

Potential Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Brad Little and U.S. Representative Raúl Labrador.

2014 Democratic nominee A.J. Balukoff, a businessman and member of the Boise School District Board of Trustees, is a potential candidate.

Kansas

Two-term Governor Sam Brownback is term-limited, as Kansas does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms.

Potential Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer, Secretary of State Kris Kobach, Attorney General Derek Schmidt, and Senate President Susan Wagle. U.S. Representative Kevin Yoder is also a potential Republican candidate.

2014 Democratic nominee and former State Representative Paul Davis may run again. Former United States Attorney Barry Grissom is another potential Democratic candidate. Former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer has announced he will run.

Maine

Two-term Governor Paul LePage is term-limited, as Maine does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms. LePage won re-election in a three-way race over Democrat Mike Michaud and independent Eliot Cutler, in 2014. This gubernatorial election is scheduled to be the first in Maine to be conducted with ranked choice voting, as opposed to a simple plurality, after voters passed a citizen referendum approving the change in 2016.

Potential Republican candidates include former Maine Republican Party Chairman Rick Bennett, State Senator Roger Katz, Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason, Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew, U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin, former Maine House Minority Leader Josh Tardy, and U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who was the 1994 Republican nominee.

Former U.S. Representative Michaud could run again in 2018. Other potential Democratic candidates include former Senate Minority Leader Justin Alfond, attorney and 2008 ME-01 candidate Adam Cote, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, former House Speaker Mark Eves, businessman Adam Lee, Attorney General Janet T. Mills, and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree. There are at least two efforts to encourage author Stephen King to run, though he has said he will not run or serve.

Shawn Moody, a businessman who got 5% of the vote the 2010 election, has not ruled out another run as an independent.

Michigan

Two-term Governor Rick Snyder is term-limited, as Michigan does not allow governors to serve more than two terms.

Potential Republican candidates include U.S. Representative Candice Miller, Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley and Attorney General Bill Schuette.

Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer announced her intention to file paperwork to run for Governor in 2018 on January 3, 2017. Abdul El-Sayed, executive director of the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion also has announced he will run.

Other potential Democratic candidates include U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and U.S. Representative Dan Kildee.

Nevada

Two-term Governor Brian Sandoval is term-limited, as Nevada does not allow governors to serve more than two terms.

Potential Republican candidates include U.S. Representative Mark Amodei, Lieutenant Governor Mark Hutchison, and former Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki. U.S. Senator Dean Heller has ruled out a run for Governor in favor of running for re-election. Potential Democratic candidates include former Secretary of State Ross Miller, Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak, and state senator Aaron Ford.

New Mexico

Two-term Governor Susana Martinez is term-limited, as New Mexico does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms.

Democratic US Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced she will run.

Potential Democratic candidates include Attorney General Hector Balderas, 2014 candidate Alan Webber, and Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales.

Ohio

Two-term Governor John Kasich is term-limited, as Ohio does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms.

Attorney General Mike DeWine is running for the Republican nomination. Other potential Republican candidates include Secretary of State Jon Husted and Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor.

Former US Representative and former Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Betty Sutton has announced she will run. Former State Senator Nina Turner is currently considering a run. Former State Representative and 2014 State Treasurer nominee Connie Pillich is reportedly considering running. Other potential Democratic candidates include former Attorney General Richard Cordray, U.S. Representative Tim Ryan, former Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, former Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, and former U.S. Representative and Ohio Cabinet member Eric Fingerhut.

Oklahoma

Two-term Governor Mary Fallin is term-limited, as Oklahoma does not allow governors to serve more than two terms.

Potential Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb and State Treasurer Ken A. Miller.

Democratic former U.S. Representative Dan Boren may run. Other potential Democratic candidates include House Minority Leader Scott Inman and former Governor Brad Henry.

South Dakota

Two-term Governor Dennis Daugaard is term-limited, as South Dakota does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms.

U.S. Representative Kristi Noem has announced she is running, other potential Republican candidates include Attorney General Marty Jackley, State Representative Mark Mickelson, Lieutenant Governor Matt Michels, Secretary of State Shantel Krebs, State Representative Lee Schoenbeck, and former Senate Majority Leader Larry Rhoden.

Potential Democratic candidates include former U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, former United States Attorney Brendan Johnson, Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether, Minnehaha County Commissioner Jeff Barth, 2014 candidate and former Wildland Fire Division Director Joe Lowe, and State Senator Jason Frerichs.

Tennessee

Two-term Governor Bill Haslam is term-limited, as Tennessee does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms.

Potential Republican candidates include U.S. Senator Bob Corker, U.S. Representatives Diane Black, Marsha Blackburn and former Rep. Stephen Fincher, Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell, former Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee and candidate for Governor in 2010 Ron Ramsey, former Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development Bill Hagerty, Commissioner of the Department of Transportation and former Mayor of Franklin John Schroer, State Senator Mark Green and former State Senator Jamie Woodson. Tre Hargett, the Secretary of State, has ruled out running.

Potential Democratic candidates include 2014 U.S. Senate nominee Gordon Ball, Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, U.S. Representative Jim Cooper, former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, actress and activist Ashley Judd, Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, businessmen Andrew Byrd, Bill Freeman, and Frank Garrison, State Senator Sara Kyle, and former Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell.

Wyoming

Two-term Governor Matt Mead is term-limited, as Wyoming limits governors to serving for eight years in a sixteen-year period. Potential candidates include State Treasurer Mark Gordon, Secretary of State Ed Murray, 2014 candidate Taylor Haynes, Former State Auditor and 2010 candidate Rita Meyer, and former U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis.

Arizona

One-term incumbent Doug Ducey is eligible for re-election.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton is a potential Democratic candidate.

Arkansas

One-term incumbent Asa Hutchinson is eligible for re-election.

Potential Democratic candidates include State Senator Keith Ingram and former U.S. Attorney and 2016 Senate nominee Conner Eldridge.

Illinois

One-term incumbent Bruce Rauner is running for re-election.

Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools Bob Daiber, former Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees and member of the Kennedy family Chris Kennedy, State Senator Daniel Biss, along with Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar have announced they will run for the Democratic nomination

Potential Democratic candidates include Attorney General Lisa Madigan, former Governor Pat Quinn, State Senator Kwame Raoul, and Valerie Jarrett, a senior advisor to President Obama. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has ruled out a run for governor.

Iowa

Two-term consecutive, six-term non-consecutive Governor Terry Branstad is eligible for re-election, as Iowa does not have gubernatorial term limits. Branstad has said he is not likely to run again. In January 2017, Branstad was nominted by President Donald Trump for ambassador to China. If Bransted is confirmed by the Senate, Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds would become Governor.

Potential Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, President and CEO of The Family Leader Bob Vander Plaats, Secretary of State Paul Pate, former Secretary of State Matt Schultz, State House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, State Representative Peter Cownie, and State Senator Amy Sinclair.

Potential Democratic candidates include State Senate President Pam Jochum, State Senator Liz Mathis, State Senator Janet Petersen, Cedar Rapids Councilwoman and 2014 Lieutenant Governor nominee Monica Vernon, Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, 2014 Secretary of State nominee Brad Anderson, former State Representative Tyler Olson, State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald, State Senator Chaz Allen, and State Representative Nancy Dunkel.

Jake Porter, who was the Libertarian nominee for Secretary of State in 2010 and 2014, is running for the Libertarian nomination for Governor.

Maryland

One-term incumbent Larry Hogan is eligible for re-election.

Potential Democratic candidates include Prince George's County Exeuctive Rushern Baker, U.S. Representative John Delaney, State Comptroller Peter Franchot, Attorney General Brian Frosh, former Attorney General and 2014 candidate Doug Gansler, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, former State Delegate and 2014 candidate Heather Mizeur, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, former Howard County Executive and 2014 Lieutenant Governor nominee Kenneth Ulman, and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.

Massachusetts

One-term incumbent Charlie Baker is eligible for re-election.

Potential Democratic candidates include Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Newton Mayor Setti Warren, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, and U.S. Representatives Seth Moulton and Joseph P. Kennedy III.

Nebraska

One-term incumbent Pete Ricketts is eligible for re-election. Former Governor Dave Heineman has not ruled out a primary challenge to Ricketts.

New Hampshire

As the Governor of New Hampshire serves a two-year term, Chris Sununu, who was elected in 2016 by a margin of two percent, will be eligible to seek re-election.

Texas

One-term incumbent Greg Abbott is eligible for re-election.

Potential Democratic candidates include State Representative Rafael Anchia, U.S. Representative Joaquín Castro, and former Mayor of Houston Annise Parker.

South Carolina

Having been elected for two terms, Governor Nikki Haley was term-limited, as South Carolina does not allow governors to serve three consecutive terms. On November 23, 2016, CNN reported that Nikki Haley had been nominated by Donald Trump for United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Upon her confirmation to serve as Ambassador and subsequent resignation as governor, Lieutenant Governor Henry McMaster became Governor and will be eligible for election to a full term in 2018.

Other potential Republican candidates include State Representative Tommy Pope, Department of Health and Environmental Control Director Catherine Templeton, Attorney General Alan Wilson, State Senator Tom Davis, State Representative Kirkman Finlay III, and U.S. Representative and former Governor Mark Sanford. U.S. Senator Tim Scott has ruled out running for Governor.

Potential Democratic candidates include State Senator Brad Hutto, State Senator Gerald Malloy, State Representative James E. Smith, Jr., former State Representative Bakari Sellers, Columbia Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin, Florence Mayor Steve Wukela, and State Representative Leon Stavrinakis.

Vermont

As the Governor of Vermont serves a two-year term, Phil Scott, who was elected in 2016, will be eligible to seek re-election.

Wisconsin

Two-term incumbent Scott Walker is eligible for re-election, as Wisconsin does not have gubernatorial term limits.

Potential Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, Senate Majority Leader Scott L. Fitzgerald, and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.

Potential Democratic candidates include former State Senator Timothy Cullen, Former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ, former candidate for CA-18 Bob Harlow, U.S. Representative Ron Kind, Kenosha County Executive James Kreuser, State Representative Cory Mason, Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, State Representative Chris Taylor, State Senator Kathleen Vinehout, and State Representative Dana Wachs.

Alaska

One-term incumbent Bill Walker is eligible for re-election.

Former U.S. Senator Mark Begich may run for the Democratic nomination.