Republicans backed by vast sums of money lost governors’ races in Texas, Ohio and Iowa, while Democrats also captured Georgia in a series of victories for candidates campaigning on affordability and economic concerns.
In Texas, Greg Abbott conceded to Democrat Gina Hinojosa, ending his bid for a record fourth term. Hinojosa, a Democratic state representative, led with 57 per cent of the vote to Abbott’s 42 per cent as counting continued.
Her victory makes her the first Latina governor of Texas and the first Democrat elected to the post there since 1990. Abbott began 2026 with $105.7 million in his campaign account, while his leading donors in the second half of 2025 included oil executive Javaid Anwar, who gave more than $1.6 million, and casino magnate Miriam Adelson, who donated $1 million.
Both candidates focused on the cost of living. Abbott backed tax and regulatory cuts, while Hinojosa proposed one-off payments of $1,500 and stronger consumer protections.
Hinojosa’s win came as Democrat James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton in the state’s Senate race. Elon Musk spent more than $200 million trying to help Paxton win.
Ohio governor’s race
In Ohio, former state health director Amy Acton defeated billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, despite more than $100 million being spent against her. An estimated $36 million of that came from Ramaswamy himself.
Acton, 60, is the first woman elected governor of Ohio and the first Democrat to win the office in 20 years.
The contest was dominated in its final weeks by an attack advert featuring Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, accusing her daughter of lying about her childhood. Court documents show that Acton’s stepfather was arrested for raping her as a child and that Arthur lost custody before the couple fled the state to avoid trial. Acton has said she has not seen her mother in nearly 50 years.
The advert was criticised by members of both parties. Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who is barred from seeking another term, urged Ramaswamy to withdraw it while continuing to endorse him.
Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance defended the advert. Acton described it as “absolutely despicable” and received a late rise in fundraising after it began airing.
Democrats regain Iowa and Georgia
Democrat Rob Sand, Iowa’s state auditor, defeated Republican businessman Zach Lahn to become the first Democrat elected governor of the state since 2006.
Sand, 44, campaigned on making life more affordable, expanding access to healthcare and ending the privatisation of Medicaid. He also appealed to disaffected Republicans and independents and spoke frequently about the influence of his Christian faith. He will govern with Republicans holding majorities in both chambers of the state legislature.
In Georgia, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican billionaire Rick Jackson to succeed the term-limited Governor Brian Kemp.
Bottoms is the first Black woman elected governor in US history and the first Democrat to win the governorship of Georgia since 1998. Her campaign, like those of Democratic candidates elsewhere, placed affordability and economic issues at its centre.
