Democrats celebrated significant wins in gubernatorial races across the blue-wall states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin on Tuesday, bolstering their ability to counter Republican-controlled legislatures on crucial issues such as abortion rights and election integrity. These victories highlight the ongoing importance of state-level leadership in shaping policy and preserving democratic norms.
In Michigan and Wisconsin, Democratic governors Gretchen Whitmer and Tony Evers successfully secured re-election, while in Pennsylvania, Democrat Josh Shapiro triumphed, succeeding outgoing Democratic Governor Tom Wolf. These three states, often referred to as the “blue wall,” played a pivotal role in President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory over Donald Trump, particularly as Republicans sought to challenge and overturn election results in these battlegrounds.
The governorships in these states are particularly significant because Republicans maintain control of their state legislatures. Democratic governors serve as a critical check, with veto power over legislation that could impact issues such as voting rights, reproductive health, and election oversight.
Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections featured 36 gubernatorial contests nationwide, with heightened stakes surrounding abortion rights and the management of future elections. The results reflect a growing focus on state-level races, which often receive less attention compared to the fight for control of Congress.
Democrats emerged with a net gain of two gubernatorial seats, although some tightly contested races on the West Coast remain undecided. Meanwhile, Republican incumbents secured victories in high-profile races in Florida, Georgia, and Texas, according to projections by Edison Research.
In Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro’s victory over Republican opponent Doug Mastriano marked a significant win for Democrats in a state where the governor plays a key role in appointing the official responsible for overseeing elections. Mastriano, a vocal supporter of Trump’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, drew scrutiny for his presence at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, during the insurrection.
Despite his controversial stance on election integrity, Mastriano told his supporters on Tuesday night that he would accept the election results. However, he emphasized that many votes were still uncounted and stated he would wait to see “what voters have to say.”
In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer won re-election by running a campaign focused on defending abortion rights following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Whitmer’s opponent, Tudor Dixon, who was endorsed by Trump, advocated for a near-total abortion ban, including in cases of rape, incest, or pregnancies involving minors. This stark contrast in policy priorities galvanized voters, with Whitmer positioning herself as a defender of reproductive freedoms.
Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race was similarly consequential. Democratic Governor Tony Evers narrowly defeated Republican challenger Tim Michels, a construction executive who falsely claimed Trump had won the 2020 presidential election. Michels had pledged to enforce a 19th-century abortion ban still on the books in Wisconsin, a measure Evers has been fighting in court.
The stakes of these elections were reflected in record-breaking fundraising and national attention, as both parties recognized the importance of governorships in shaping state and national policy. Issues like abortion, voting rights, and election oversight drew unprecedented focus, with governors holding significant influence over how these matters are handled in their respective states.
While Democrats celebrated their victories in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, Republicans maintained their stronghold in critical states such as Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis won re-election by a wide margin, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the GOP. Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp and Texas Governor Greg Abbott also secured re-election, continuing Republican leadership in these key southern states.
The gubernatorial results underscore the growing recognition of state-level politics as a battleground for shaping the nation’s future. Democrats’ ability to retain control in the blue-wall states not only reinforces their policy priorities but also serves as a safeguard against potential Republican efforts to restrict voting access or roll back abortion rights.
As the dust settles on the midterm elections, these critical victories in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin highlight the importance of state governments in addressing the nation’s most pressing issues. With the balance of power in Congress still uncertain, the role of governors in shaping the political landscape has never been more evident.