Skip to content

How Governors’ Races Will Shape the Future of Congress

House majority largely depends on who redraws the districts

Tuesday's Virginia gubernatorial race, which includes Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam pictured here, is just one of the many governorships up in the next two years that could have a big effect on Congress next decade. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Tuesday's Virginia gubernatorial race, which includes Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam pictured here, is just one of the many governorships up in the next two years that could have a big effect on Congress next decade. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Virginia governor’s race Tuesday is not the only one that could have an effect on the future makeup of Congress.

Over the next four years, the parties will fight state by state to determine the next decade of congressional power — 36 of those governorships are up next year.

In 28 of the 38 states with gubernatorial races in 2017 and 2018, the governors have the power to veto new congressional maps. Over the past decade, the number of governorships held by Democrats was cut nearly in half, allowing Republicans to draw maps that ensured their dominance in the House.

 

Recent Stories

Senate sidesteps parliamentarian, widens reach of CRA

Sweeping budget package passes House after weeks of arm-twisting

FDA won’t approve COVID shot for healthy, non-elderly population

Capitol Ink | Memorial Day

Forget ‘quiet, please.’ Not even libraries are safe

As House members run for Senate, their seats become prime targets