Two Midwestern states, traditionally Republican, have Gubernatorial races in 2026, where there might be some hope for Democrats.
In Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds has decided not to seek a third term, and at this point, Congressman Randy Feenstra is the likely nominee of the Republican Party, while the Democrats have Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, who is 43 years old, and has managed to be elected twice since 2018, as the only Democrat winning state wide. Sand is, at this point, leading Feenstra in public opinion polls by a small margin.
In Kansas, Democratic Governor Laura Kelly is term limited, after winning the office in the 2018 “Blue Wave” election and gaining a second term in 2022.
Ethan Corson, a member of the State Senate and age 43, is the most likely Democratic nominee, but Kansas is strongly Republican, so it is unlikely, based upon history, that Corson will be able to win the Governorship, although he has been endorsed by Governor Kelly. Additionally, Kansas State Senator Cindy Holscher is competing for the Governorship.
A number of Republican state officeholders are seeking the nomination of their party, including Ty Masterson, the President of the Kansas State Senate; Vicki Schmidt, the Kansas Insurance Commissioner; and Scott Schwab, the Kansas Secretary of State.
It would seem that Iowa might go Democratic, but Kansas seems likely to return the Governorship to the Republican party.