by Barbara Head, January 10, 2022
There are 36 (20R, 16D) governors races in 2022, and these may be the most interesting political races of all this year! Here are some overviews:
Best races for 2022 might be for governor
TEN INTERESTING RACES AT A GLANCE:
These races and their candidates are summarized below. Right now, most races are too early to call. But as the 2022 election nears and predictions become more accurate, we will add what the oddsmakers are saying about possible outcomes.
Georgia – flip prospect
Dem (likely candidate): Stacy Abrams – lost to Brian Kemp in 2018 in contested race;
GOP (showdown): Brian Kemp – incumbent, Trump ire for losing GA in 2020 vs. David Perdue – lost to Jon Ossoff in Jan runoff elections in 2021
Read: GOP showdown in Georgia, Early Look at GA gov race
Arizona – open seat (was Doug Ducey, R, term-limited)
Dem (likely candidate): Katie Hobbs, AZ Secretary of State
GOP (uncertain): Many, but Kari Lake leading
Read: AZ race
Wisconsin – must defend
Dem (incumbent): Tony Evers
GOP (likely candidate): Rebecca Kleefisch, former WI Lt. Governor
Read: Wisconsin races, WI gov election critical in 2022 for free and fair elections
Michigan — must defend
Dem (incumbent): Gretchen Whitmer
GOP (uncertain): Many
Read: MI gov race polls and predictions
Nevada — must defend
Dem (incumbent): Steve Sisolak (seen as highly vulnerable)
GOP (showdown): Dean Haller (former US Senator) vs. Joe Lombardo (county sheriff)
Read: Dem Sisolak faces challenges
Maryland – flip prospect
Dem (uncertain): Many heavy hitters
GOP (showdown): Kelly Schulz (Sec of Commerce) vs Daniel Cox (state lawmaker with Trump endorsement
Read: Dems face off in primary – can they prevail in red year?
Kansas – reverse flip? Toss-up
Dem (incumbent): Laura Kelly (see as highly vulnerable)
GOP (likely candidate): Derek Schmidt (KS Attorney General)
Read: Who’s running for KS gov
Pennsylvania – open seat (was John Wolf, D, term-limited)
Dem (likely candidate): John Shapiro (PA Attorney General) – very strong candidate
GOP (uncertain): Many
Read: The PA gov race summary
Florida – maybe flip prospect
Dem (showdown): Nikki Fried (FL Agriculture Commissioner) vs Charlie Crist (US Rep and former GOP governor from 2007-2011)
GOP (incumbent): Ron DeSantis
Read: Can Dems defeat DeSantis?
Maine – must defend
Dem (incumbent): Janet Mills
GOP (unclear): Maybe Paul LePage? (former and unpopular ME governor)
Read: Mills vs LePage? Heavyweights contest
HONORABLE MENTION:
Ohio –unlikely to flip
Dem (showdown): Nan Whaley (former Dayton major) vs. John Cranley (former Cincinnati mayor)
GOP: Mike DeWine (incumbent)
Read: Who’s running for OH gov?
Texas – possible flip – or just wishful thinking?
Dem (likely candidate): Beto O’Rourke (former US Rep, narrowly lost Senate race to Ted Cruz and run for president in 2020)
GOP (incumbent): Greg Abbott
Read: TX election 2022