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Lawmakers have their eyes on governors’ mansions

Lawmakers have their eyes on governors’ mansions

We’re only a few weeks into the 119th Congress, and a slew of lawmakers are already looking to leave Capitol Hill to run statewide back home.

Nearly 20 lawmakers are taking active steps or exploring a bid for governor in their home states, according to interviews with over a dozen sources. Even though Republicans have unified control of Washington, the prospect of leading an entire state — and being a more direct governing partner to President Donald Trump during his second term — can be more appealing than serving in Congress. That’s especially true if you’re just one of 435 members of the House.

There are 10 states where Republican governors are term-limited in 2026, paving the wave for open races. These include Alabama, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), a former chair of the House Freedom Caucus, became the latest member of Congress to make their intentions for higher office known. The Arizona Republican submitted a “letter of intent” this week to seek the governorship, although he’s not launched a formal campaign.

Aside from Biggs, at least two other HFC members are looking to use their House seats as potential launching pads for the governorship: GOP Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, who is almost certain to run, and Rep. Ralph Norman (R) of South Carolina, who told us he’s thinking about it. GOP Rep. Nancy Mace (S.C.) said she’s also strongly considering running in the Palmetto State as well.

In Ohio, both Reps. Mike Carey (R-Ohio) and Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) are said to have aspirations for the governor’s mansion. In Tennessee, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said she’s seriously running for governor, while Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.) has also been floated as a potential candidate. And in Alabama, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) hasn’t ruled out a bid for the governorship.

Kentucky won’t have an election for governor until 2027, but Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) confirmed he’s “interested.” Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) is also seen as a potential contender, although some sources think Barr is more likely to run for Senate if there’s an open seat in 2026.

Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is running for reelection this cycle, but she could still face some challenges from House members on both sides of the aisle: Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) are both exploring whether to run.

Democrats. On the Democratic side, there are six states where the current Democratic governors will be term-limited in 2026: California, Colorado, Kansas, Maine, Michigan and New Mexico.

Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M) has been floated as potentially throwing his hat in the ring for New Mexico governor, while Democratic Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) is supposedly considering taking a look at Maine governor or a future Senate bid. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) has also received encouragement to launch a statewide run.

Meanwhile, two House Democrats — Reps. Josh Gottheimer (N.J.) and Mikie Sherrill (N.J.) — are already running for governor in New Jersey, which will have an election this fall. And Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) still isn’t ruling out running for the Virginia governorship this year, which means he’d have to face former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) in a primary, as we previously reported.

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