Election Day Recap: Incumbent Governors Win; Democrats Flip Virginia House

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Governor

Incumbents Andy Beshear (D-KY) and Tate Reeves (R-MS) won reelection.  Beshear overcame the deep-red lean of his state to defeat Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who had been endorsed by Donald Trump. Already one of the country's more popular governors, this will undoubtedly boost Beshear's national profile.

Reeves fended off a credible Democratic challenger in Brandon Presley, but Mississippi's partisan lean was too much for him to take out the incumbent. Reeves was able to clear 50% of the vote, avoiding a runoff.

Last month, Republican Jeff Landry was elected governor in Louisiana, flipping that seat from Democratic control. Once Landry is seated in January, there will be 27 Republican and 23 Democratic governors.  11 states hold gubernatorial elections in 2024.

In other statewide races, Republicans held on to the Secretary of State and Attorney General seats in Kentucky. Likewise, Republicans won those offices in Mississippi, as well as the Lt. Governor's race, which is run separately from governor.

State Legislatures

Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin was not on the ballot, but his star was dimmed a bit by Tuesday's results here. Democrats held control of the State Senate, while flipping the House of Delegates. As of this writing, Democrats have won 21 seats in the Senate to 17 for Republicans; two races remain uncalled. In the House, Democrats hold a 51-44 margin, with five races yet to be decided.

In New Jersey, Democrats regained a Senate seat lost in 2021, when Republican Ed Durr pulled off a major upset over President Steve Sweeney. Democrats will retain their majority in both branches of the legislature.

In Mississippi, where many of the races were uncontested, Republicans maintained large margins in both chambers.

Rhode Island District 1 Special Election 

As expected, former White House aide Gabe Amo won a special election to complete the term of fellow Democrat David Cicilline, who resigned earlier this year. Amo will be the first Black member of Congress from Rhode Island.

Once seated, Republicans will hold a 221-213 partisan advantage. On November 21, a special election will be held in Utah's Second District to fill the other congressional vacancy.

A number of legislative special elections were also held.

Ohio Ballot Initiatives

Voters approved Issue 1, establishing a right to abortion in the State Constitution, and Issue 2, legalizing recreational marijuana use. 

Pennsylvania Supreme Court

Democrats regained a 5-2 majority on the Court, as Superior Court Judge Daniel McCaffery defeated Montgomery County Count Court Judge Carolyn Carluccio.

Mayoral Elections

In Houston, Texas State Sen. John Whitmire and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee ran well ahead of a huge field. However, neither cleared the necessary 50% threshold, so the two will meet in a runoff on December 9.  

Houston is the nation's 4th largest city based on population. 12 others in the top 100 held mayoral elections as well. In Philadelphia (#6), Democrat Cherelle Parker easily turned back her GOP challenger to become the city's first Black woman mayor. 

In Wichita (#50), Libertarian Lily Wu ousted incumbent Democrat Brandon Whipple. Other incumbents were in races that have still not been called.