This story at a glance…

1. Eleven states elect new governors, with eight open races.

2. New Hampshire’s race focuses on abortion issues.

3. North Carolina’s GOP candidate faces controversies.

4. Indiana surprises with a competitive race; Utah sees a write-in challenge.

Key Governor’s Races to Watch in 2024 Elections

This election season brings several noteworthy governor’s races, with voters in 11 states electing new leaders. Out of these states, eight are open races with no incumbent on the ballot, creating unique dynamics and competitive matchups in key areas. While the balance of power across these states is not expected to shift significantly, several races stand out due to close polling, political controversies, and unexpected candidates.

New Hampshire: High-Profile Candidates Face Off
New Hampshire’s gubernatorial race has drawn attention as one of the closest contests of the season. With Gov. Chris Sununu stepping down, former Senator Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, and Joyce Craig, the Democratic former mayor of Manchester, are vying for the seat. Ayotte, widely recognized for her past tenure in the U.S. Senate, leads in name recognition but faces criticism from Craig over her pro-life voting record and her support of the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that removed the federal right to abortion. Craig has focused on these issues to mobilize her base, making the race a test of how abortion and social policy impact voter turnout.

North Carolina: A Scandal-Ridden Campaign Trail
In North Carolina, Republican Mark Robinson, the current lieutenant governor and a strong supporter of former President Trump, is running against Democrat Josh Stein, the state attorney general. Robinson entered the race with high expectations but has since been plagued by controversy, including allegations linking him to explicit online comments, which he denies. Stein now holds a double-digit lead, and Robinson’s challenges could have broader effects on other races across the North Carolina ballot. This race may signal how the public perceives candidates aligned with Trump’s platform in state-level contests.

Indiana: Unexpected Competition in a Conservative State
Indiana, traditionally a safe Republican state, has seen a surprising level of competitiveness in its governor’s race. Republican Senator Mike Braun initially looked poised to win easily but now faces challenges after state delegates chose his running mate, a vocal Christian nationalist, against Braun’s preferences. Democrat Jennifer McCormick, a former Republican and former state superintendent, has focused her campaign on preserving abortion rights, energizing her base. In response, the Republican Governors Association and Trump’s campaign team have rallied to support Braun, with Trump hosting a virtual rally and the RGA contributing $1 million to his campaign.

Utah: A Unique Write-In Candidate Joins the Race
In Utah, Republican Gov. Spencer Cox is expected to retain his position comfortably, given the state’s strong conservative leanings. However, a twist in the race involves Phil Lyman, a state representative who ran in the primary and then opted to continue his campaign as a write-in candidate, claiming that Cox is not conservative enough. Lyman, who unsuccessfully contested his primary loss in court, faces criticism but has remained persistent. Adding to the complexity, another candidate, Richard Lyman, was forced to withdraw after Phil Lyman accused him of attempting to split the conservative vote.

National Implications of Key Governor’s Races
While these elections may not drastically change the state-level political landscape, they serve as indicators of public opinion on key issues like abortion, education, and social policies. They could also shape voter turnout patterns and provide insight into how national-level issues influence state races. Observers will be watching to see if candidates with strong alignments to national political figures are helped or hindered by their associations, potentially setting the tone for the 2024 presidential race.

Reflection
In Romans 13:1, Paul reminds us, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” This scripture invites us to trust God’s hand in governance and to pray for His guidance over our leaders, encouraging us to engage in civic duty with hope and discernment.