Gubernatorial Election

A gubernatorial election is an election in which voters choose a state governor. The ballot may also include other statewide, legislative, local, or ballot-measure contests. In the United States, gubernatorial elections are run under each state’s election laws, so the timing, primary system, term length, and voting procedures can differ by state.

A gubernatorial election generally starts with a process for selecting or qualifying candidates, often including party primaries, followed by a general election for governor. Voters cast ballots under their state’s rules, and the winning method depends on state law. Some states also elect a lieutenant governor jointly or in a separate contest.

No. A gubernatorial election chooses the governor of a state, while a presidential election selects presidential electors who determine the U.S. president and vice president. Gubernatorial elections may occur in presidential-election years or different years, depending on the state, and they follow state-specific schedules and candidate-selection rules.