Gubernatorial races are creeping into the spotlight as attention turns toward 2026, when three dozen governors’ mansions will be up for grabs.

Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy made headlines this week when he jumped into Ohio’s gubernatorial race, snagging a major endorsement from President Trump. He’s among several firebrand allies gunning for governor, including in Florida and Arizona.

Meanwhile, some blue states will see competitive primaries, as well. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) could face a bitter primary, while the primary to determine who could succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) in California appears likely to turn competitive.

The midterm races will follow off-year gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia this fall. Here are some of the key contests to watch in 2026.

Ohio

Ramaswamy jumped into the Ohio race Monday, vying to succeed term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine (R) to take the helm of the Buckeye State. After pulling in some of Vice President Vance’s top advisers, Ramaswamy got an endorsement from Trump that experts say could be game-changing in the red state.

“I will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country where patriots across America actually flock to instead of Florida and Texas,” the biotech entrepreneur said in his kickoff event, after praising Trump and touting his efforts to get the president elected.

Ramaswamy, who ran against Trump for the White House in 2024, was tapped to lead Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency alongside billionaire Elon Musk, but he departed the cost-cutting commission as he mulled a campaign. Musk also has endorsed the Republican firebrand.

He’ll go up in the GOP primary against Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R), who has also stressed his alignment with Trump and holds the advantage of experience in elected office, plus long-standing........

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