| State |
Governor
(2012 winners marked  ) |
Incumbent's Party |
Former Governors |
2012 Challengers and Former Candidates |
|---|
| AK | |
| |
Sean Parnell
Succeeded Gov. Palin in 2009; elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Sarah Palin ;
GOP Governor, 2006-2009
Author: America by Heart
Frank Murkowski
GOP Governor, 2002-2006
Tony Knowles
Dem. Governor, 1995-2002
|
Next election: 2014
Rep. Artur Davis (D, AL-7) 2010 challenger
|
| AL | |
| |
Robert Bentley
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Bob Riley GOP Governor, 2003-2010
Don Siegelman
Dem. Governor, 1999-2003
|
Next election: 2014
|
| AR | |
| |
Mike Beebe
First elected 2006; re-elected 2010
|
Democrat
|
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: 2014; Contenders:
Former Congressman and DEA Administrator Asa Hutchison
Former Congressman Mike Ross
Former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter
|
| AZ | |
| |
Jan Brewer
Succeeded Gov. Napolitano in 2009; elected 2010;
Author: Scorpions for Breakfast, 2011
|
Republican
|
Janet Napolitano
Dem. Governor, 2002-2009;
Appointed to Obama's Cabinet in 2009.
Jane Dee Hull
GOP Governor, 1998-2002
|
Next election: 2014
|
| CA | |
| |
Jerry Brown
First re-elected 2010
(previously governor, 1975-1983)
|
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: 2014
2003 CA Recall Debate
Arianna Huffington 2003 Independent challenger;
Author: Third World America
Cruz Bustamante 2003 Democratic challenger
Peter Camejo 2003 Green Challenger
Tom McClintock 2003 Republican Challenger
|
| CO | |
| |
John Hickenlooper
First elected 2010
|
Democrat
|
Bill Ritter
Dem. Governor 2006-2010
Bill Owens
GOP Governor 1998-2006
|
Next election: 2014
Rep. Tom Tancredo (C), 2010 challenger
Author: In Mortal Danger
Rep. Bob Beauprez (R), 2006 challenger
|
| CT | |
| |
Dan Malloy
First Elected 2010
|
Democrat
|
Jodi Rell
Acting Governor, 2004; elected 2006-2010
John Rowland
GOP Governor, re-elected 2002, resigned July 2004
|
Next election: 2014
|
| DE | |
| |
 Jack Markell
First elected 2008
Running for re-election 2012
|
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: 2012
Challenger: Jeff Cragg (R)
|
| FL | |
| |
Rick Scott
First elected, 2010
|
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: 2014
Former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum
(lost Aug. 2010 primary)
Jim Davis (D, lost 2006 challenge)
Janet Reno (D, lost 2002 challenge)
Brian Moore
(Past challenger & 2008 Socialist Presidential nominee)
|
| GA | |
| |
Nathan Deal
First elected 2010
|
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: 2014
|
| HI | |
| |
Neil Abercrombie
First elected 2010
|
Democrat
|
Linda Lingle GOP Governor, 2002-2010
Benjamin Cayetano Dem. Governor, 1995-2002
|
Next election: 2014
|
| IA | |
| |
Terry Branstad
First re-elected 2010;
previously governor 1983-1999
|
Republican
|
Chet Culver; Dem. Governor 2006-2010
Tom Vilsack Dem. Governor 2002-2006
|
Next election: 2014
Jim Nussle (R, 2006 challenger)
|
| ID | |
| |
Butch Otter
First elected 2006; re-elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Dirk Kempthorne
GOP Governor, 1999-2006;
Appointed 2006-2009 to Bush's Cabinet.
|
Next election: 2014
Jerry Brady (D, 2006 challenger)
|
| IL | |
| |
Pat Quinn
Succeeded Gov. Blagojevich in 2009; elected 2010
|
Democrat
|
Rod Blagojevich
Dem. Governor, 2002-2009;
resigned in scandal.
George Ryan
GOP Governor, 1999-2002
|
Next election: 2014
|
| IN | |
| |
Mitch Daniels
First Elected 2004;
Re-elected, 2008;
Term-limited 2012
|
Republican
|
Joseph Kernan Dem. Governor, 2003
Frank O'Bannon Dem. Governor, 1997-2003
Evan Bayh Dem. Governor, 1989-96
|
Next Election: 2012
Challengers: Former House Speaker John Gregg (D)
vs. U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (R)
|
| KS | |
| |
Sam Brownback
First elected 2010;
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: 2014
|
| KY | |
| |
Steve Beshear
Re-elected 2011;
First Elected 2007
|
Democrat
|
Ernie Fletcher GOP Gov., elected 2003; lost re-election 2007
Paul Patton Dem. Governor, 1995-2002
Wendell Ford Dem. Governor, 1971-74
|
Next election: 2015
Candidates:
2010 Senate nominee Bill Johnson (R);
State Sen. Pres. David Williams (R)
|
| LA | |
| |
Bobby Jindal
Re-elected, 2011;
First elected, 2007
Author: Leadership and Crisis
|
Democrat
|
Kathleen Blanco Dem. Governor, 2004-2008
Mike Foster GOP Governor, 1996-2004
|
Next election: 2015
Challengers:
Sec. of St. Jay Dardenne (R);
Caroline Fayard (D);
Dan Northcutt (I)
|
| MA | |
| |
Deval Patrick
First elected 2006; re-elected 2010
2006 MA Democratic primary debate
2006 MA Gubernatorial debate;
Author: A Reason to Believe, 2011
|
Democrat
|
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 2014
Christy Mihos (R, 2010 challenger)
Grace Ross (D, 2010 challenger)
Dr. Jill Stein (G, 2010 challenger)
Chris Gabrieli 2006 primary challenger;
2002 Lt.Gov.nominee;
Robert Reich Dem.primary challenger, 2002;
Author: Locked in the Cabinet
Tom Reilly State Atty.Gen.; 2002 challenger
Shannon O'Brien (Democratic nominee, 2002)
Steve Grossman (Dem.primary challenger, 2002)
|
| MD | |
| |
Martin O'Malley
First elected 2006; re-elected 2010
|
Democrat
|
Robert Ehrlich GOP governor, 2002-2006
Parris Glendening Dem. Governor, 1995-2002
|
Next election 2014
Corrogan Vaughn (R, 2010 challenger)
|
| ME | |
| |
Paul LePage
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
John Baldacci Dem. Governor, 2002-2010
Angus King Independent Governor, 1995-2002
Author: Governor`s Travels
|
Next election 2014
|
| MI | |
| |
Rick Snyder
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Jennifer Granholm , Dem. Governor, 2002-2010
John Engler GOP Governor, 1991-2002
|
Next election 2014
Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R, 2010 challenger)
Former Rep. Joe Schwarz (I, 2010 challenger)
|
| MN | |
| |
Mark Dayton
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Tim Pawlenty
GOP Governor, 2002-2010;
Biography: Sam's Club Republican
Jesse Ventura
Independent Governor, 1998-2002;
Author: American Conspiracies
|
Next election 2014. Challenger:
Businessman Scott Honour (R)
|
| MO | |
| |
Jay Nixon
First elected 2008;
Running for re-election 2012
|
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: 2012
Challenger: Dave Spence (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
|
Next election 2015
Candidates:
Bill Luckett (D);
Mayor Johnny Dupree;
Attorney General Jim Hood
|
| MT | |
| |
Brian Schweitzer
First elected 2004;
Re-elected 2008;
Term-limited 2012;
Biography: Blue Man in a Red State, 2008
|
Democrat
|
Judy Martz GOP Governor, 2000-2004
|
Next Election: 2012
Challengers: Attorney General Steve Bullock (D)
vs. Former Rep. Rick Hill (R)
2008 challenger: Stan Jones
|
| NC | |
| |
Bev Perdue
First elected 2008;
Retiring 2012
|
Democrat
|
Mike Easley
Dem. Governor 2000-2008
|
Next election: 2012 (Gov. Perdue retiring)
Challengers: Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton (D)
vs. Mayor Pat McCrory (R)
Other contenders: Rep. Virginia Foxx (Withdrew);
State Sen. Fred Smith; Mayor Tom Fetzer; State Sen. Phil Berger
|
| ND | |
| |
Jack Dalrymple
Succeeded Gov. Hoeven in 2010
|
Republican
|
John Hoeven GOP Governor 2000-2010
(Elected to Senate in Nov. 2010)
|
Next Election: 2012
Challenger: State Senate Minority Leader Ryan Taylor (D)
Withdrawn candidates: Ag. Commissioner Roger Johnson (D);
Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D)
|
| NE | |
| |
Dave Heineman
Succeeded Gov. Johanns 2004;
Elected in 2006;
Re-elected 2010
|
Republican
|
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 2014
|
| NH | |
| |
John Lynch
First elected 2004;
re-elected 2006, 2008, & 2010; retiring 2012.
|
Democrat
|
Craig Benson (GOP Governor, 2002-2004)
Jeanne Shaheen (Dem. Governor, 1997-2002)
Judd Gregg (GOP Governor, 1989-92)
|
Next Election: 2012
Gov. Lynch announced retirement, Sept. 2012
Challengers: Former State Senate Majority Leader Maggie Hassan (D)
vs. Former State Board of Education Chair Ovide Lamontagne (R)
|
| NJ | |
| |
Chris Christie
First elected Nov. 2009;
Biography: Teachers Under Attack, 2011
|
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: 2013
Challenger: State Sen. Barbara Buono (D)
Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D)
Chris Daggett (I, 2009 challenger)
2009 N.J. gubernatorial debates
|
| NM | |
| |
Susana Martinez
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Bill Richardson
Dem. Governor, 2002-2010
Author: Between Worlds
Gary Johnson
GOP governor, 1995-2002
Running for President, 2012
|
Next election 2014
|
| NV | |
| |
Brian Sandoval
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Jim Gibbons
GOP Governor, 2006-2010
Kenny Guinn GOP governor, re-elected 2002
Richard Bryan Dem. Governor, 1983-1989
|
Next election 2014
|
| NY | |
| |
Andrew Cuomo
First elected 2010;
Author: Crossroads: The Future of American Politics, 2003
|
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 2014
Rep. Rick Lazio (R, lost 2010 primary)
|
| OH | |
| |
John Kasich
First elected 2010
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 2014
|
| OK | |
| |
Mary Fallin
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Brad Henry Dem. Governor 2002-2010
Frank Keating (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)
|
Next election 2014
Ernest Istook (R, 2006 challenger)
|
| OR | |
| |
Former Gov. John Kitzhaber
First re-elected 2010
Previously governor 1995-2002
|
Democrat
|
Ted Kulongoski Dem. Governor 2002-2010
Mark Hatfield (GOP Governor, 1959-66)
|
Next election 2014
|
| PA | |
| |
Tom Corbett
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
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 2014; contenders:
Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D)
|
| RI | |
| |
Sen. Linc Chafee
First elected 2010;
Author: Against the Tide, 2008
|
Independent
|
Don Carcieri GOP Governor 2002-2010
Lincoln Almond (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)
John Chafee (GOP Governor, 1963-66)
|
Next election 2014
|
| SC | |
| |
Nikki Haley
First elected 2010
|
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 2014
Rep. Gresham Barrett (R, 2010 challenger)
|
| SD | |
| |
Dennis Daugaard
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Mike Rounds GOP Governor 2002-2010
Bill Janklow (GOP Governor, 1979-1986, 1995-2002)
|
Next election 2014
|
| TN | |
| |
Bill Haslam
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Phil Bredesen Dem. Governor, 2002-2010
Don Sundquist (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)
Lamar Alexander (GOP Governor, 1979-87)
|
Next election 2014
Rep. Zach Wamp (R, 2010 challenger)
|
| TX | |
| |
Rick Perry
Succeeded Gov. Bush, 2001;
Re-elected 2002; 2006; 2010
Author: Fed Up!
|
Republican
|
George W. Bush GOP Governor, 1994-2000,
President, 2000-2008
Author, Decision Points
|
Next election 2014
Kay Bailey Hutchison (R, 2010 primary)
Chris Bell (D, 2006 challenger)
|
| UT | |
| |
Gary Herbert
Succeeded Gov. Huntsman, 2009; elected 2010; Running for re-election 2012
|
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 2012
Challenger: Maj.Gen Peter Cooke (D)
|
| VT | |
| |
Peter Shumlin
First elected 2010; Running for re-election 2012
|
Democrat
|
James Douglas GOP Governor 2002-2010
Howard Dean
Dem. Governor, 1991-2002;
ran for President, 2004;
Author: Winning Back America
|
Next election 2012
Challenger: Former State Sen. Randy Brock (R)
|
| VA | |
| |
Bob McDonnell
First elected 2009;
Term-limited 2013
|
Republican
|
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 2013; Challengers:
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R)
Former DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe (D)
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (I)
Creigh Deeds (D, 2009 challenger)
Virginia 2009 gubernatorial debates
|
| WA | |
| |
Christine Gregoire
First elected 2004;
Re-elected 2008;
Retiring 2012
|
Democrat
|
Gary Locke (Dem. Governor, retired 2004)
Appointed to Obama's Cabinet in 2009.
|
Next election 2012
Challengers: Attorney General Rob McKenna (R)
vs. U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (D);
Withdrawn contenders: Rep. Dave Reichert
Dino Rossi; Lisa Brown; Rob McKenna
|
| WI | |
| |
Scott Walker
First elected 2010
|
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 2014; special recall election June 5, 2012:
Former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D, 2010 challenger & 2012 recall nominee)
Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann (R, 2010 primary challenger)
Mark Green (R, 2006 challenger)
|
| WV | |
| |
Earl Ray Tomblin
Special election Oct. 2011;
Succeeded Gov. Manchin early 2010;
Running for re-election 2012.
|
Democrat
|
Joe Manchin Dem. Governor, 2004-2010
Bob Wise Dem. Governor, 2000-2004
Jay Rockefeller Dem. Governor, 1976-1984
|
Next election 2012
(special election for one-year term)
Challengers: Bill Maloney (R);
Marla Ingels (Independent); Bob Barber (Mountain Party); Harry Bertram (American Third Position Party);
State Sen. Jeffrey Kessler (D); State Sen. Walt Helmick (D).
|
| WY | |
| |
Matt Mead
First elected 2010
|
Republican
|
Dave Freudenthal Dem. Governor 2002-2010
Jim Geringer GOP Governor, 1995-2002
|
Next election 2014
|
