Election Night Brings a Blue Tide of Governors

Washington, D.C. – Democrats last night won a majority of governorships for the first time since 1994. Governorships switched parties in 6 states – New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Colorado, Arkansas and Maryland.

“Last night, America took a step toward getting our country on the right track by electing a majority of Democratic governors,” said Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Chair New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, “Voters have welcomed in a blue tide. Democratic governors showed strength across the country, winning in every region.  These widespread victories set the groundwork and establish tremendous momentum for Democratic victories in 2007 and 2008.”

Gov. Richardson continued, “From the Northeast to the South, from the Midwest to Mountain West, last night’s elections results confirm that voters prefer Democratic leadership. Americans like what Democratic governors have done to improve education, create jobs, expand quality, affordable heath care, and make communities safer.  They are calling loud and clear for more of this responsible, innovative Democratic leadership.”

The election creates a number of historic firsts. Massachusetts elected its first African American governor and first Democratic governor in 16 years, Gov.-elect Deval Patrick.  For the first time since 1951, Maryland voters unseated an incumbent governor, which resulted in Martin O’Malley’s election.  And for the first time in more than a decade, Democratic governors hold a majority of the governorships in the Mountain West.

Democratic Gubernatorial candidates led efforts to work with national and state-based groups.  Allies in Labor, both the AFL-CIO and Change to Win, were a significant factor in key governors’ races from Wisconsin and Ohio to Massachusetts and Maryland, and in the final four days, the national Labor community had tens of thousands of volunteers dedicated to GOTV for Democratic candidates in gubernatorial races.

Arkansas Gov.-elect Mike Beebe commented, “America chose a new direction last night, a blue direction. Democratic governors have been solving problems, giving hope, and exemplifying effective governing.  Voters in Arkansas and across the country know they can trust Democratic governors to improve the quality of life and make their states stronger than ever before.”

Ohio Gov.-elect Ted Strickland agreed.  “Tonight Ohioans chose hope over fear and division.  I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to unite all Ohioans in an effort to turnaround Ohio,” Gov.-elect Strickland said.

“Our victory in Colorado and Democratic governors’ victories across the country show that Americans want to see their states move forward.  They want practical, pragmatic leaders who have a positive vision of where their states should go, not just for now but for our children and grandchildren,” said Colorado Gov.-elect Bill Ritter.  “Here we call it the Colorado Promise, but the promise of better health care, better education, and a commitment to renewable energy is promise we as Democrats should keep to every state in the nation.”

Under Gov. Richardson’s leadership, the DGA won the first Democratic majority of governorships since 1994.  During the past two years, the DGA has shattered previous fundraising records – allowing itself to make early investments in promising candidates, ensuring re-election of all its Democratic incumbents, and protecting its one open seat.  “The DGA started planning and investing early to ensure last night’s outcome.  And while we set records in what we raised and spent, that was only part of the story.  Our work in the states—providing staffing, developing state-specific policy ideas, giving invaluable strategic campaign counsel, and much more—might be the untold story,” Gov. Richardson said.

The Numbers

Current Democratic governors: 22 of 50
Post-election Democratic governors: 28 of 50

Republican Open Seats Won: 5 of 8
Republican Incumbent Defeated: 1
Democratic Open Seat Won: 1 of 1
Democratic Governors Re-elected: 13 of 13

Democratic governors in red states: 15

In January, states with Democratic governors will account for 295 electoral votes, up from 126.

# #