Governor Tim Walz is expected to choose a new lieutenant governor for his upcoming re-election campaign, as Peggy Flanagan runs for U.S. Senate. Several potential candidates are being discussed, including Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt, and others, with considerations around gender and race to create a balanced ticket. Walz has not yet made a decision, and discussions about his choice are ongoing.
Former Republican Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, Geoff Duncan, has announced his candidacy for governor as a Democrat, marking a significant political shift amid Georgia's evolving status as a swing state. Duncan, known for opposing Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, has aligned more closely with Democrats in recent years and aims to leverage his statewide experience to succeed in a competitive race against other Democratic and Republican contenders.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to appoint State Senator Jay Collins as the new lieutenant governor, a move that could position Collins as a potential challenger in the 2026 gubernatorial race and possibly oppose Trump-endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds.
Virginia's primary election saw Democrats choose their nominee for lieutenant governor from a crowded field, with Ghazala Hashmi and Levar Stoney leading, while Jay Jones narrowly won the Democratic attorney general race. Republicans faced uncontested races for lieutenant governor and reelection. Low voter turnout was reported across counties, with key races setting the stage for the November elections.
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has announced that he will not seek a third term, leaving the field open for potential candidates, including his lieutenant governor Tammy Miller, who is considering a run. Attorney General Drew Wrigley has declined to run for governor, while former state Sen. Tom Campbell has announced his intention to enter the race. Rep. Kelly Armstrong and other potential candidates are also being considered. Burgum cited family as a reason for not seeking reelection and expressed interest in future opportunities in the private sector.
Mississippi voters will elect leaders for all eight statewide offices in the general election on November 7. The candidates for governor include incumbent Republican Tate Reeves, who implemented COVID-19 restrictions but later reversed them, signed a bill giving teachers a pay raise, and opposes Medicaid expansion and abortion rights. Democratic candidate Brandon Presley supports Medicaid expansion, raising the minimum wage, and increasing education funding. In the lieutenant governor race, incumbent Republican Delbert Hosemann supports infrastructure funding, expanding Medicaid, and increasing teacher pay, while Democratic candidate Ryan Grover wants to make voting easier, expand Medicaid, and integrate technology into state government. The candidates for attorney general are incumbent Republican Lynn Fitch, who opposes abortion rights and transgender rights, and Democratic candidate Greta Kemp Martin, who wants to investigate wrongful convictions and establish a fair labor division. The candidates for secretary of state are incumbent Republican Michael Watson, who supports voter ID laws and online voter registration, and Democratic candidate Ty Pinkins, who wants to restore voting rights and expand voting options. Incumbent Republican David McRae is running for re-election as state treasurer, focusing on fiscal responsibility and unclaimed property, while Democratic candidate Addie Lee Green supports Medicaid expansion and raising the minimum wage. Incumbent Republican Shad White, the state auditor, pledges to recover misspent taxpayer dollars and increase government efficiency, while Democratic candidate Larry Bradford wants to increase transparency and help small towns. Incumbent Republican Andy Gipson is running for re-election as commissioner of agriculture and commerce.
Mississippi's general election is taking place on Tuesday, with Republican Governor Tate Reeves seeking a second term against Democrat Brandon Presley. While Reeves won in 2019 with a narrow margin, Presley has remained competitive in terms of campaign cash. The race for lieutenant governor is also on the ballot, with Republican incumbent Delbert Hosemann facing Democrat D. Ryan Grover. If no candidate receives a majority in the gubernatorial race, a runoff will be held on November 28. Mississippi does not allow Election Day registration, and turnout in the 2019 general election was 43%.
Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher's path to becoming lieutenant governor faces challenges as former state Senator Bob Onder, R-Lake Saint Louis, enters the race with a $500,000 campaign contribution. Plocher is dealing with ethics problems related to false travel reimbursements, which have led to calls for his resignation. Onder, a physician who served two terms in the state Senate, is now a strong contender in the crowded Republican primary that includes Plocher, state Senator Holly Rehder, Franklin County Clerk Tim Baker, and Paul Berry III.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has chosen Secretary of State Tahesha Way to be the state's next lieutenant governor following the death of Sheila Oliver. Way, who is expected to be sworn in on Friday, is a former Passaic County freeholder and administrative law judge. She has been serving as secretary of state since 2017 and is the first Black person and New Jersey official to become the president of the National Association of Secretaries of State. As lieutenant governor, Way will be New Jersey's second-in-command and may act as governor when Murphy is out of state.
Mississippi is holding primary elections today, with key races to watch including the Republican primary for lieutenant governor between incumbent Delbert Hosemann and challenger Chris McDaniel, the margin of victory for Republican Governor Tate Reeves, the possibility of another record Republican turnout, potential surprises in House and Senate races, and the performance of the far right wing of the Republican Party. There are also contested primaries for statewide offices and regional commissions, as well as important local races for sheriffs and district attorneys.
Sheila Oliver, New Jersey's lieutenant governor and the first Black woman to hold statewide elected office in the state, has passed away at the age of 71. Oliver, a Democrat, had been serving as acting governor while Governor Philip D. Murphy was on vacation in Italy. Known for her decades of public service and breaking barriers, Oliver leaves behind a legacy of representation, diversity, and progress. Condolences have poured in from political figures, highlighting her trailblazing achievements.
Daniel Cameron, the Republican candidate for governor in Kentucky, has announced his running mate, Senator Robby Mills. Mills, who represents District 4 in southwest Kentucky, is described as pro-coal and well-respected in the legislature. He has also been vocal about his opposition to what he calls "radical gender ideology." The announcement comes as Lt. Gov. Jaquelyn Coleman files for re-election on Gov. Andy Beshear's ticket. The Kentucky gubernatorial election will take place on November 7, 2023.
Attorney General Daniel Cameron has chosen Senator Robby Mills as his running mate for lieutenant governor in the Kentucky gubernatorial race. Mills, a Republican, is known for his conservative values and support for legislation such as Senate Bill 150 and Lofton's Law. Cameron praised Mills' defense of the coal industry and his opposition to radical gender ideology. Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman has filed for reelection as a Democrat under Governor Andy Beshear.
