We Like Our Odds

DGA Executive Director Meghan Meehan-Draper on a record decade for Democratic governors, and the 36 races that could make it even bigger.

When I started at the Democratic Governors Association in 2015, things looked a little different than they do now. Democrats held thirteen fewer governorships than Republicans. So many Americans couldn’t tell you who their governor was. And there were more governors named John than there were women Democratic governors.

But that’s all changed. In 2026, no matter where you turn, it’s hard to miss Democratic governors fighting for their states – and winning. While during the first Trump administration we had 15 Democratic governors, we now have 24 – and those 24 represent nearly 200 million Americans, or almost 60% of the country. That includes governors in states north and south, east and west, big and small. It includes blue states like New York and red states like Kentucky.

And it's not just about numbers on a map. It's about what those numbers mean for people. Americans look to Dem govs for solutions, and for hope – because Dem govs are the leaders that our party needs right now. From coast to coast, our governors are protecting their people from Trump's chaos, lowering costs for working families, and securing big wins every single day, from free school lunch and universal child care to fixed roads and canceled medical debt.

None of that happens by accident. This is the result of hard work, not just by those hard-fought campaigns in the states, but also by the DGA. The DGA works closely with our governors to get their winning messages out, both through our own channels and with help and support from strong state parties, passionate people on the ground, and grassroots Democrats following along at home.

But that work doesn’t stop with our incumbents. With governors’ races every November, there are no off years at the DGA – so we’re constantly learning, refining, and planning.

2025 already showed us what’s possible: We’re hot off two historic wins in New Jersey and Virginia with the elections of Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, turning our number of women Dem govs into a record TEN. And we’re not slowing down – we’re looking forward to 36 more races in just a few short months.

It’s a big number – but we like our odds. Americans are tired of Republicans who put Donald Trump and their own special interests first. They’re tired of the chaos in Washington. They’re tired of broken promises. And they’re tired of endless rising prices, from the grocery store to the gas pump.

Wherever I go, I hear from Americans who are excited to elect leaders who are laser-focused on their states – not themselves – like Rob Sand in Iowa or Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia. And I promise them: the leaders that they’re looking for are Dem govs.

We’ve got 36 governors’ races in 2026.

That’s 36 chances to lower costs and improve lives.

36 chances to bring bold solutions to more Americans.

And 36 chances to show Americans what a Dem gov can do.

Across the country, Americans know what’s on the line. That’s why, this November, we’re going to win big. I hope you’ll join us by following along with our Substack over the next few months or making a contribution to power our work ahead.

— Meghan Meehan-Draper, Executive Director of the DGA