Multiple states are gearing up for competitive gubernatorial elections next year, which will offer a litmus test for the parties on voter sentiment.

Michigan and Georgia are teeing up open races as both Govs. Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Brian Kemp (R), respectively, are term-limited. Wisconsin could also see an open race, as Gov. Tony Evers (D) has not said yet whether he’ll run for a third term.

Meanwhile, incumbent Govs. Katie Hobbs (D) of Arizona and Joe Lombardo (R) of Nevada are bracing for high-stakes reelection battles. While President Trump won all five of those states in November, the president’s party is bracing for midterm backlash next year.

Here are the five most competitive gubernatorial races to watch in 2026:

Wisconsin

All eyes are on Evers in the Badger State as both parties wait to see whether the Wisconsin governor runs for a third term.

Evers ousted two-term incumbent Gov. Scott Walker (R) in 2018 by just more than a percentage point, later beating Trump-endorsed candidate Tim Michels (R) by more than 3 points in 2022. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported in January that Evers appeared inclined toward running for another term.

There’s been speculation that if Evers opts against a third term that Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, could launch a bid. Wikler has dodged questions over whether he would run should Evers not seek reelection.

The only Republican candidate who’s announced a bid so far is Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. Others who could launch bids include businessman Bill Berrien, who formed Never Out of the Fight PAC last month.

A press release for the political action committee says it’s “dedicated to........

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