www.cookpolitical.com/…
Cook Political Report changed its ratings in six governor races today. Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin, and South Dakota were moved toward the Democratic candidate while the Rhode Island and Alaska governor races were adjusted in favor of Republican candidates.
#AKGov Toss Up -> Lean Rep
#GAGov Lean Rep ->Toss Up
#MIGov Toss Up -> Lean Dem
#RIGov Likely Dem -> Lean Dem
#SDGov Solid Rep -> Likely Rep
#WIGov Lean Rep -> Toss Up
This is good news for Democrats since all the larger states that were moved show improved chances for Democrats. Rhode Island moved from likely Democrat to lean Democrat, and so is still on the blue side of the chart.
Alaska has an independent governor who was elected with Democratic support, but now is in a three way race whose dynamics favor the Republican.
Michigan moved to lean Democrat after a number of polls showed consistent leads for Democratic statewide candidates. Wisconsin also has a number of polls showing Democrats are favored for Governor and Senator.
Georgia has a very tight race for Governor, according to the polls.
Cook’s analysis of South Dakota point to an appealing Democratic candidate for Governor, but it is still on the Republican side of the ratings chart.
Currently, Cook rates three Republican held governorships as favoring Democrats, Illinois, New Mexico, and now Michigan. Alaska is the only state Republicans are favored to take over.
In the tossup category, Connecticut is the single Democratic seat at risk, but 8 Republican held governorships are tossups: FL, GA, KS, WI, IA, NV, ME, and OH.
The map of governorships could change very dramatically after this election, especially in the Midwest.
Currently Democrats hold only Minnesota, but they are favored to win over Illinois and Michigan. Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kansas are tossups. With South Dakota at some risk, only Nebraska is currently rated safe. Indiana, Missouri, and North Dakota are not up this year.