democrats are likely hold on to their seats in west virginia and missouri ; and expected to notch safe wins in races for seats they hold in vermont and delaware .
polls and race analysts suggest that only three of tonight 's contests are considered competitive , all in states where incumbent democratic governors are n't running again : montana , new hampshire and washington .
holding sway on health care while the occupant of the governor 's office is historically far less important than the party that controls the state legislature , top state officials in coming years are expected to wield significant influence in at least one major area .
while those state races remain too close to call , republicans are expected to wrest the north carolina governorship from democratic control , and to easily win gop - held seats in utah , north dakota and indiana .
republicans currently hold 29 governorships , democrats have 20 ; and rhode island 's gov.
republicans currently hold 29 governorships , democrats have 20 , and rhode island 's gov.
gop eyes gains as voters in 11 states pick governors jim cole ap jim cole ap voters in 11 states will pick their governors tonight , and republicans appear on track to increase their numbers by at least one , with the potential to extend their hold to more than two - thirds of the nation 's top state offices .
eight of the gubernatorial seats up for grabs today are now held by democrats ; three are in republican hands .
eight of the gubernatorial seats up for grabs are now held by democrats ; three are in republican hands .