With so much drama at the top of the ticket and control for both chambers of Congress hanging in the balance, there’s little oxygen left for this cycle’s 11 gubernatorial races. But with eight open seats, America’s governors — many of whom will emerge as rising stars and exert enormous influence on issues from education to abortion — are poised to look considerably different once the 2024 election is said and done.
At this point, the bulk of the intrigue surrounds the two races left in our Toss Up column: New Hampshire and North Carolina. In New Hampshire, Republican former Sen. Kelly Ayotte is hoping for a comeback even as President Joe Biden remains favored to win its four electoral votes — albeit perhaps more narrowly now. Democrats instead see a chance to flip the Granite State back into their column now that popular Republican Gov. Chris Sununu is retiring.
And Democrats are particularly concerned about the prospect of a victory for GOP Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in North Carolina considering his far-right rhetoric and positions, while Republicans hope a
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The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the US House of Representatives, US Senate, Governors and President as well as American political trends.
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