2025-26 Governor Run Has Interesting Change

America is witnessing a growing wave of women candidates — both Republicans and Democrats — preparing to compete for governor’s mansions in the upcoming 2025 and 2026 election cycles. With more women already serving as state executives than at any point in U.S. history, the stage is being set for even more breakthroughs.

Virginia and New Jersey in the Spotlight

This November, Virginia could make history as Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R), a Marine Corps veteran and conservative firebrand, faces off against Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer. The winner will become the first female governor in Virginia’s long history.

Over in New Jersey, Democrat Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, is running to become only the second woman ever to lead the Garden State.

Incumbents and New Challengers

Several women already in office are preparing for reelection, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R), the daughter of former Trump Press Secretary Mike Huckabee. At the same time, big names like Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), known for her unapologetic conservative record in Washington, and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) are entering gubernatorial contests for the first time.

According to the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), at least 40 women have already declared or filed their intent to run for governor in the 2026 cycle — a record-setting pace.

A New Generation of Female Leaders

In South Carolina, a crowded Republican field features Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (R). In Pennsylvania, Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R), a retired Army Reserve colonel, is emerging as a top contender. And in New York, conservative rising star Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is widely expected to challenge Gov. Hochul after rising through the GOP leadership ranks.

Military and law enforcement credentials are a common theme among these women — with veterans like Earle-Sears, Sherrill, and Garrity showcasing their toughness and leadership experience in service to America.

Breaking Barriers but Facing Hurdles

Despite progress, the numbers still show a stark contrast. Only 51 women in U.S. history have served as governors, compared to hundreds of men. Polling shows that many voters still view women as better suited for legislative or committee roles rather than executive decision-makers, a stereotype that candidates like Earle-Sears and Stefanik are working to shatter.

Democrats Invest in Women Candidates

On the Democratic side, groups like the Democratic Governors Association have poured tens of millions into recruiting female candidates, with their “Women Governors Fund” backing contenders such as Spanberger and Sherrill. Republicans, however, are leaning heavily on proven conservative leaders with strong national security backgrounds — and that message is resonating with voters hungry for decisive leadership.

The Bottom Line

With more women entering governor’s races than ever before — from conservative powerhouses like Sarah Sanders, Marsha Blackburn, and Elise Stefanik, to Democrats hoping to flip key states — the next two election cycles will be pivotal. For conservatives, 2025 and 2026 represent a chance to expand strong Republican leadership in statehouses nationwide, while also shattering historic barriers along the way.