Democrats had themselves a Tuesday night. In state after state, voters handed the party victories that would have sounded like fan fiction a year ago. Gina Hinojosa (D) took down Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R), Amy Acton (D) beat Trump-backed Vivek Ramaswamy (R) in Ohio, and Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) made history in Georgia. Meanwhile, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D) locked in a third term, and Republicans found something to smile about in Florida.

Texas and Ohio: Democrats Break Long Republican Streaks

Voters in 36 states headed to the polls on November 3, with Democrats seeking to overturn Republicans' 26-24 advantage in governorships. They made a serious dent.

In Texas, Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D) defeated three-term Republican Governor Greg Abbott (R), ending more than three decades of Republican control of the state's governorship. Hinojosa, who campaigned on affordability and public education, became the first Democrat elected governor of Texas since Ann Richards in 1990. Her victory also makes her the state's first Latina governor. The Associated Press called the race late Tuesday.

Ohio delivered another major Democratic victory as Amy Acton (D), the state's former health director, defeated Republican entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (R), whom President Donald Trump had endorsed. Acton became Ohio's first Democratic governor in two decades and the first woman elected to the office. Her campaign focused on affordability and healthcare access, overcoming substantial Republican spending and campaign appearances by Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland: Blue Walls Hold

In Illinois, JB Pritzker (D) defeated Republican Darren Bailey (R), securing a third term as governor. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) also won reelection against Republican Stacy Garrity (R), while Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) secured another term. All three Democrats have attracted attention as potential contenders for the 2028 presidential election.

Georgia Makes History

Georgia delivered a historic Democratic victory as former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) defeated Republican businessman Rick Jackson (R), becoming the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history. Her victory ended Republican control of Georgia's governorship, marking the party's first win in the state since 1998.

Florida Stays Red

Republicans, meanwhile, retained Florida as Byron Donalds (R), a Trump ally, defeated Democrat David Jolly (D) to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. Donalds became Florida's first Black governor and the nation's first elected Black Republican governor, giving Republicans a significant victory despite Democratic gains elsewhere.

New Mexico and Arizona: More Firsts and a Race Still Running

In New Mexico, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (D) defeated Republican Gregg Hull (R), becoming the first Native American woman elected governor in U.S. history. Haaland, who served in former President Joe Biden's Cabinet, will succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Her victory preserved Democratic control of the state.

Meanwhile, Arizona Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs (D) maintained a lead over Republican Andy Biggs (R) in her bid for reelection. Earlier Associated Press figures showed Hobbs leading with approximately 58.5% against Biggs' 40%, with about 64% of precincts reporting. The AP had not declared a winner at the time of writing.