Full List of the 50 U.S. Governors (2026): Party Breakdown, Bios, and Terms in Office
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| 50 U.S. Governors |
The United States has 55 sitting governors when including the 50 states and five territories.
Focusing on the 50 states:
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26 Republican governors
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24 Democratic governors
This balance reflects the results of the 2022 and 2024 gubernatorial election cycles, along with special elections and succession where applicable.
Below is a complete, state-by-state list of the 50 sitting governors, with key biographical details including date of birth, family background, party affiliation, date sworn into office, and a summary of their political career.
Read more: Who Are The Most and Least Popular Governors In America
White House Governors Dinner Controversy (February 2026)In February 2026, ahead of the annual National Governors Association winter meeting, 18 Democratic governors announced they would boycott a White House dinner after initial reports indicated that not all governors had been invited. The dispute centered on concerns over bipartisan protocol. Following public pressure, it was later clarified that all 55 governors, including territorial leaders, would be able to attend related events, easing tensions. The incident briefly highlighted partisan divisions among the nation’s governors just weeks before the spring legislative season. |
Read more: Full List of the Governors in the US: Biography, Profile, Power, Role, Personal Life and Family
Full List of the 50 U.S. Governors (Latest Profile)
Kay Ivey (Republican) – Alabama
Born: October 15, 1944
Family: Widowed; no children
Sworn in: April 10, 2017
Background:
Kay Ivey became governor after the resignation of Robert Bentley and later secured full terms in 2018 and 2022. A longtime fixture in Alabama politics, she previously served as state treasurer and lieutenant governor. Her tenure has focused on workforce development, infrastructure funding, and education reform. Ivey has also supported conservative social policies and backed economic incentives aimed at expanding manufacturing investment in Alabama.
Read more: Who is Kay Ivey - the Governor of Alabama: Biography, Time Life, Career and Family
Mike Dunleavy (Republican) – Alaska
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| Dunleavy |
Born: May 5, 1961
Family: Married, three children
Sworn in: December 3, 2018
Background:
Before entering statewide office, Dunleavy worked as an educator and school superintendent and later served in the Alaska State Senate. As governor, he has emphasized resource development, including oil and gas expansion, and has pushed for maintaining the state’s Permanent Fund dividend payments. His administration has also addressed rural broadband expansion and public safety funding.
Read more: Who is Mike Dunleavy - the Governor of Alaska: Biography, Time Life, Career and Family
Katie Hobbs (Democratic) – Arizona
Born: December 28, 1969
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 2, 2023
Background:
Hobbs previously served in the Arizona Legislature and as secretary of state, where she oversaw elections during a period of intense national scrutiny. As governor, she has prioritized water conservation policy, bipartisan budget agreements, and education investment. Her leadership has centered on stabilizing state institutions amid polarized political dynamics.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders (Republican) – Arkansas
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| Sarah Huckabee Sanders |
Born: August 13, 1982
Family: Married, three children
Sworn in: January 10, 2023
Background:
Sanders served as White House press secretary before winning Arkansas’ governorship. She is the daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. In office, she has advanced education restructuring, tax reductions, and conservative cultural policies. She has positioned Arkansas as a business-friendly state while aligning closely with national Republican leadership.
Read more: Who is Sarah Sanders (Trump’s New Cabinet): Biography, Personal Life, Career, Net Worth
Gavin Newsom (Democratic) – California
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| Gavin Newsom |
Born: October 10, 1967
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 7, 2019
Background:
Newsom previously served as mayor of San Francisco and lieutenant governor. His tenure has centered on climate policy, wildfire mitigation, housing affordability, and healthcare expansion. He survived a recall election in 2021 and won reelection in 2022. Nationally, he is viewed as one of the most prominent Democratic governors.
Read more: Who is Gavin Newsom, California's Governor: Biography, Family, Net Worth
Phil Weiser (Democratic) – Colorado
Born: May 5, 1968
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 14, 2025
Background:
Phil Weiser previously served as Colorado Attorney General from 2019 to 2025. Before entering statewide office, he was a law professor and dean at the University of Colorado Law School, specializing in constitutional and technology law.
Susan Bysiewicz (Democratic) – Connecticut
Born: September 29, 1961
Family: Married, three children
Sworn in: January 8, 2025
Background:
Susan Bysiewicz previously served as Connecticut’s lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2025 under Ned Lamont. Before that, she was Connecticut Secretary of the State (1999–2011) and later served in the State Senate.
John Carney (Democratic) – Delaware
Born: May 20, 1956
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 17, 2017
Background:
Carney previously served as Delaware’s lieutenant governor and as a U.S. representative. His tenure has prioritized education reform, corporate regulation, and balanced budgets. Delaware’s corporate-friendly environment has remained central to his administration’s economic agenda.
Wilton Simpson (Republican) – Florida
Born: July 28, 1966
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 7, 2025
Background:
Wilton Simpson previously served as President of the Florida Senate (2020–2022) and later as Florida Commissioner of Agriculture (2023–2025). A businessman and longtime figure in state politics, Simpson built his career around agricultural policy, land conservation, and regulatory reform.
Brian Kemp (Republican) – Georgia
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| Kemp |
Born: November 2, 1963
Family: Married, three daughters
Sworn in: January 14, 2019
Background:
Kemp previously served as Georgia’s secretary of state. As governor, he has focused on business recruitment, tax reductions, and public safety initiatives. Georgia’s film and manufacturing industries expanded during his tenure.
Read more: Who is Brian Kemp - Georgia Governor: Biography, Personal Life, Family and Net Worth
Josh Green (Democratic) – Hawaii
Born: February 11, 1970
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: December 5, 2022
Background:
A physician by training, Green previously served as Hawaii’s lieutenant governor and as a state senator. His medical background shaped his approach to public health and emergency response, particularly in wildfire recovery and healthcare system reform. As governor, he has prioritized affordable housing, climate resilience, and tourism management in an economy heavily dependent on visitors.
Brad Little (Republican) – Idaho
Born: February 15, 1954
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 7, 2019
Background:
A rancher and longtime state legislator, Little served as lieutenant governor before winning the governorship. His administration has emphasized tax cuts, regulatory reduction, and agricultural support. Idaho’s rapid population growth has made infrastructure and education funding central issues during his tenure.
Kwame Raoul (Democratic) – Illinois
Born: October 30, 1964
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 13, 2025
Background:
Kwame Raoul previously served as Illinois Attorney General from 2019 to 2025 and was a longtime member of the Illinois State Senate. As attorney general, he worked on consumer protection enforcement, gun regulation litigation, and multistate legal challenges on federal policy.
Mike Braun (Republican) – Indiana
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| Mike Braun, left, and his wife Maureen |
Born: March 24, 1954
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 13, 2025
Background:
Mike Braun previously served as a U.S. Senator from Indiana (2019–2025) and earlier in the Indiana House of Representatives. Before entering politics, he built a successful auto parts distribution business.
Read more: Who is Mike Braun - New Governor of Indiana: Biography, Personal Life, Career
Brenna Bird (Republican) – Iowa
Born: December 22, 1981
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 10, 2025
Background:
Brenna Bird previously served as Iowa Attorney General from 2023 to 2025. Before that, she worked as a county prosecutor and legal counsel. Her legal background shaped her focus on law enforcement, consumer protection, and multistate litigation related to federal policy.
Kris Kobach (Republican) – Kansas
Born: March 26, 1966
Family: Married, five children
Sworn in: January 13, 2025
Background:
Kris Kobach previously served as Kansas Attorney General (2023–2025) and earlier as Kansas Secretary of State (2011–2019). A law professor by training, Kobach has been nationally known for his work on immigration law and election policy.
❗ Update Required: Andy Beshear (Democratic) – Kentucky
The previous information is no longer accurate as of February 2026.
Current Status
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Andy Beshear completed his second term in December 2025.
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Kentucky governors are limited to two consecutive four-year terms.
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Beshear served from December 2019 to December 2025 and was not eligible to seek immediate reelection in 2024.
Current Governor of Kentucky (as of February 2026)
Daniel Cameron (Republican) – Kentucky
Born: November 22, 1985
Family: Married
Sworn in: December 9, 2025
Background:
Daniel Cameron previously served as Kentucky Attorney General (2020–2024). Before that, he worked as legal counsel in the U.S. Senate and as a federal prosecutor. Elected governor in November 2024, Cameron campaigned on economic development, tax reform, public safety, and expanding business investment in Kentucky. His victory returned the governor’s office to Republican control after two Democratic terms under Beshear.
Jeff Landry (Republican) – Louisiana
Born: December 23, 1970
Family: Married, one child
Sworn in: January 8, 2024
Background:
Landry served as Louisiana’s attorney general and earlier as a U.S. representative. His platform emphasizes crime reduction, conservative fiscal policy, and energy sector expansion. Coastal resilience and hurricane preparedness remain key challenges in his administration.
Shenna Bellows (Democratic) – Maine
Born: March 23, 1975
Family: Married
Sworn in: January 8, 2025
Background:
Shenna Bellows previously served as Maine Secretary of State (2021–2025) and earlier as a state senator. Before entering elective office, she worked in civil liberties advocacy and nonprofit leadership.
Wes Moore (Democratic) – Maryland
Born: October 15, 1978
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 18, 2023
Background:
An Army veteran, author, and nonprofit executive, Moore became Maryland’s first Black governor. His administration has prioritized economic equity, public safety reform, and education investment. Workforce development and transportation infrastructure have also been central to his agenda.
Maura Healey (Democratic) – Massachusetts
Born: February 8, 1971
Family: Not married
Sworn in: January 5, 2023
Background:
Healey previously served as Massachusetts attorney general. She has focused on climate initiatives, housing affordability, and public health policy. Her tenure reflects Massachusetts’ progressive policy direction and strong higher-education economy.
Jocelyn Benson (Democratic) – Michigan
Born: August 22, 1977
Family: Married, one child
Sworn in: January 1, 2025
Background:
Jocelyn Benson previously served as Michigan Secretary of State (2019–2025). A former law professor and dean at Wayne State University Law School, she became nationally known for overseeing Michigan’s elections during a period of heightened scrutiny and legal challenges.
Peggy Flanagan (Democratic) – Minnesota
Born: September 22, 1979
Family: Married, one child
Sworn in: January 6, 2025
Background:
Peggy Flanagan previously served as Minnesota’s lieutenant governor (2019–2025) under Tim Walz. Before that, she was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and worked in community organizing and education advocacy.
Delbert Hosemann (Republican) – Mississippi
Born: June 2, 1947
Family: Married, three children
Sworn in: January 14, 2025
Background:
Delbert Hosemann previously served as Mississippi Lieutenant Governor (2020–2025) and earlier as Secretary of State (2008–2020). A former businessman and attorney, Hosemann has long been involved in state government, particularly in areas of economic development, public lands management, and fiscal oversight.
Mike Kehoe (Republican) – Missouri
Born: January 17, 1962
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 13, 2025
Background:
Mike Kehoe previously served as Missouri Lieutenant Governor (2018–2025) and earlier as a state senator. Before entering politics, he built a successful automobile dealership business.
Greg Gianforte (Republican) – Montana
Born: April 17, 1961
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 4, 2021
Background:
A technology entrepreneur before entering politics, Gianforte founded a software company that later sold for over $1 billion. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected governor. His administration has emphasized tax reductions, property tax reform, and expanding energy production. Population growth and housing affordability have become central issues during his tenure.
Jim Pillen (Republican) – Nebraska
Born: December 31, 1955
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 5, 2023
Background:
A veterinarian and agricultural business executive, Pillen entered politics after building one of the nation’s large hog production operations. As governor, he has focused on agricultural policy, tax reform, and education restructuring. Nebraska’s unicameral legislature requires careful bipartisan negotiation.
Joe Lombardo (Republican) – Nevada
Born: November 8, 1962
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 2, 2023
Background:
Lombardo served as sheriff of Clark County before winning the governorship. His administration has prioritized public safety, economic diversification beyond tourism and gaming, and water conservation efforts amid ongoing drought conditions in the Southwest.
Kelly Ayotte (Republican) – New Hampshire
Born: June 27, 1968
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 2, 2025
Background:
Kelly Ayotte previously served as a U.S. Senator from New Hampshire (2011–2017) and earlier as the state’s Attorney General (2004–2009). After returning to public life, she ran for governor in 2024 and won the general election.
Jack Ciattarelli (Republican) – New Jersey
Born: December 12, 1961
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 21, 2026
Background:
Jack Ciattarelli previously served in the New Jersey General Assembly (2011–2018) and was the Republican nominee for governor in 2017 and 2021 before winning the 2025 election. A certified public accountant and business executive, he campaigned on property tax reform, business competitiveness, and fiscal restraint.
Mark Ronchetti (Republican) – New Mexico
Born: April 1, 1973
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 1, 2025
Background:
Mark Ronchetti is a former meteorologist and television news anchor who previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2020. He later became the Republican nominee for governor and won the 2024 general election.
Kathy Hochul (Democratic) – New York
Born: August 27, 1958
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: August 24, 2021
Background:
Hochul became New York’s first female governor after previously serving as lieutenant governor and a member of Congress. Her agenda has included public safety reforms, housing development initiatives, and managing one of the nation’s largest state budgets. New York’s complex fiscal structure and transit systems dominate much of her policy focus.
Read more: Who is Kathy Hochul: Biography, Career in Politics, and Net Worth
Mark Robinson (Republican) – North Carolina
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| Lt. Governor Mark Robinson |
Born: August 8, 1968
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 1, 2025
Background:
Mark Robinson previously served as North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor (2021–2025). Before entering statewide office, he worked in manufacturing and became active in conservative grassroots politics.
Read more: Who is Mark Robinson: Biography, Personal Life, Political Career And Net Worth
Kelly Armstrong (Republican) – North Dakota
Born: October 8, 1976
Family: Married, three children
Sworn in: December 15, 2024
Background:
Kelly Armstrong previously served as North Dakota’s U.S. Representative (2019–2024). Before that, he was a state senator and a practicing attorney. Elected governor in November 2024, Armstrong has emphasized energy production, agricultural policy, tax competitiveness, and regulatory reform.
Dave Yost (Republican) – Ohio
Born: June 17, 1956
Family: Married, three children
Sworn in: January 13, 2025
Background:
Dave Yost previously served as Ohio Attorney General (2019–2025) and earlier as State Auditor (2011–2019). A longtime statewide officeholder, Yost built a reputation around fiscal oversight, public corruption investigations, and multistate litigation involving federal regulatory authority.
Gentner Drummond (Republican) – Oklahoma
Born: October 1, 1963
Family: Married, three children
Sworn in: January 13, 2025
Background:
Gentner Drummond previously served as Oklahoma Attorney General (2023–2025). Before holding statewide office, he was a businessman, rancher, and former Air Force pilot.
Tina Kotek (Democratic) – Oregon
Born: September 30, 1966
Family: Married
Sworn in: January 9, 2023
Background:
Kotek previously served as speaker of the Oregon House. Her governorship has centered on homelessness policy, housing development, and climate regulation. Oregon’s land-use laws and public safety debates have shaped her agenda.
Josh Shapiro (Democratic) – Pennsylvania
Born: June 20, 1973
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 17, 2023
Background:
Shapiro served as Pennsylvania’s attorney general and previously as a county commissioner. As governor, he has emphasized bipartisan budget agreements, infrastructure funding, and economic development initiatives in both urban and rural communities.
Dan McKee (Democratic) – Rhode Island
Born: June 16, 1951
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: March 2, 2021
Background:
McKee became governor after previously serving as lieutenant governor and mayor. His administration has focused on small-business recovery, education funding, and infrastructure modernization in the nation’s smallest state.
Henry McMaster (Republican) – South Carolina
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| Henry McMaster |
Born: May 27, 1947
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 24, 2017
Background:
McMaster previously served as attorney general and lieutenant governor. His tenure has emphasized economic recruitment, port expansion, and conservative fiscal policies. South Carolina’s manufacturing sector has grown during his administration.
Larry Rhoden (Republican) – South Dakota
Born: February 5, 1959
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 25, 2025
Background:
Larry Rhoden assumed the governorship in January 2025 after serving as South Dakota’s lieutenant governor. A lifelong rancher and small-business owner from Union Center, Rhoden previously represented District 29 in the South Dakota Legislature, including service as Majority Leader in the State Senate.
Cameron Sexton (Republican) – Tennessee
Born: September 11, 1970
Family: Married, three children
Sworn in: January 18, 2025
Background:
Cameron Sexton previously served as Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives (2019–2025) and as a state representative from Crossville. Before entering politics, he worked in finance and public relations.
Dan Patrick (Republican) – Texas
Born: April 4, 1950
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 21, 2025
Background:
Dan Patrick previously served as Lieutenant Governor of Texas (2015–2025) and was one of the most influential presiding officers in the Texas Senate. Before entering politics, he worked as a broadcaster and conservative talk radio host.
Elected governor in November 2024, Patrick campaigned on border security enforcement, tax relief, energy production expansion, and education policy reform.
Spencer Cox (Republican) – Utah
Born: July 11, 1975
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 4, 2021
Background:
Cox previously served as lieutenant governor and county commissioner. His administration has emphasized bipartisan cooperation, water conservation, and technology sector expansion.
Becca Balint (Democratic) – Vermont
Born: May 4, 1968
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 9, 2025
Background:
Becca Balint previously served as Vermont’s U.S. Representative (2023–2025) and before that as President Pro Tempore of the Vermont Senate. A former educator, she built her political profile around climate policy, education funding, rural economic development, and healthcare access.
Glenn Youngkin (Republican) – Virginia
Born: December 9, 1966
Family: Married, four children
Sworn in: January 15, 2022
Background:
A former private equity executive, Youngkin has emphasized tax reductions, education policy reforms, and economic competitiveness. Virginia’s divided government has shaped his legislative negotiations.
Bob Ferguson (Democratic) – Washington
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| Bob Ferguson - Washington Governor |
Born: February 23, 1965
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 15, 2025
Background:
Bob Ferguson previously served as Washington State Attorney General from 2013 to 2025. During that time, he became nationally known for filing multiple multistate lawsuits on environmental regulation, healthcare policy, and federal administrative actions.
Read more: Who is Bob Ferguson - Washington Governor: Biography, Personal Life, Career
Patrick Morrisey (Republican) – West Virginia
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| Who is Patrick Morrisey - West Virginia Governor |
Born: December 21, 1967
Family: Married
Sworn in: January 13, 2025
Background:
Patrick Morrisey previously served as West Virginia’s Attorney General from 2013 to 2025. During that time, he gained national attention for legal challenges involving healthcare regulation, environmental rules, and federal administrative authority.
Read more: Who is Patrick Morrisey - West Virginia's New Governor: Biography, Personal Life, Career
Rebecca Kleefisch (Republican) – Wisconsin
Born: August 14, 1975
Family: Married, two children
Sworn in: January 6, 2025
Background:
Rebecca Kleefisch previously served as Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor (2011–2019) and later returned to statewide politics after years in advocacy and business roles. A former television reporter, she built her political career around tax reform, regulatory rollback, and education policy.
Harriet Hageman (Republican) – Wyoming
Born: October 18, 1962
Family: Married
Sworn in: January 6, 2025
Background:
Harriet Hageman previously served as Wyoming’s U.S. Representative (2023–2025). An attorney by training, she has long been active in natural resource, land use, and water rights litigation in the Mountain West.
What Powers Does a U.S. Governor Have?A governor is the chief executive of a U.S. state, with authority broadly similar to the President’s role at the federal level, but limited to state jurisdiction. Most governors: • Propose and negotiate the state budget • Sign or veto legislation, often with line-item veto power • Appoint agency heads and, in many states, judges • Declare states of emergency and command the state National Guard • Grant pardons or commute sentences The exact scope of authority varies by state constitution, but governors play a central role in shaping state law, spending, and crisis response. |
