DGA - Democratic Governors Association

06/25/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/25/2026 17:04

Inside Elections Shifts Battleground Gov Races in Georgia, Iowa, and Ohio in Democrats’ Favor

Inside Elections Shifts Battleground Gov Races in Georgia, Iowa, and Ohio in Democrats' Favor

Inside Elections shifted the gubernatorial races in Georgia, Iowa, and Ohio in Democrats' favor as "the cycle continues to deteriorate for Republicans." This is just the latest sign of momentum for Democratic gubernatorial candidates across the map, as they campaign on plans to make life more affordable, in direct contrast to Republican policies that are driving up costs.

Read more on each race below:

Iowa: Move from Tilt Republican to Toss-up.

  • On the Democratic side, state auditor Rob Sand is the Democratic nominee. Sand is a strong fundraiser who reported $18 million in cash-on-hand on May 14, and… a nationwide donor network.
  • Sand will have to convince a significant portion of Republicans or independents to win the governorship, but as the agriculture economy struggles with the effects of Trump's tariffs and uncertainty in the Middle East, voters in Iowa seem interested in making a change.
  • Lahn is untested and has some vulnerabilities surrounding his current ties to Iowa.

Ohio: Move from Likely Republican to Lean Republican.

  • If the election were held today, former state health director Amy Acton might be on her way to being Ohio's first Democratic gubernatorial winner in two decades. Acton retains high name ID from her high-profile role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • GOP opponent Vivek Ramaswamy is personally wealthy and has already spent nearly $15 million on TV and digital advertising but is still seen skeptically by voters.

Georgia: Move from Tilt Republican to Toss-up.

  • Democrats have a chance to break their losing streak in this political environment, and Bottoms may be helped by her partner on the Democratic ticket, Sen. Jon Ossoff…
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