We know them, but less than the representatives or senators. Governors obviously have a central position on the local, and often national, political spectrum. More than two-thirds of the governors will be renewed during the mid-term elections to be held on Tuesday 8-36 November to be precise.
Many presidents of the United States have previously been governors – they often are a stepping stone to a national position, see for the White House. Governors have great influence locally, and this year their election will sometimes determine the right to abortion or the electoral process… And therefore, no more and no less American democracy.
The governor is a head of state, the head of one of the American states.
In all states, the governor is elected by direct universal suffrage. His tenure is four years, with the exception of those in New Hampshire and Vermont which last only two years. Focus on 5 interesting states for the next mid-term elections.
Georgia: a first governor of color?
In Georgia, we are seeing a duel between the Democrats Stacey Abrams and the Republican Brian Kemp, candidate in the 2018 election. Stacey Abrams is an interesting politician. You have strong convictions, a voice that you count within the party and that at the same time cultivates a certain independence. If she wins this election, she will become the first black governor. Her name is circulating to gain national importance … And why not a race for the White House.
Arizona: Will Elections Be Contested?
This election is a social issue, particularly as the Republican Party has a large number of candidates, nearly 300, who embrace the 2020 election theory out of conviction or opportunism.
Among these candidates, Kari Lake in Arizona. She is a former journalist and has maintained a strong communication skills. She is well known in the state as she has long featured the evening news on a local channel.
In front of her, another woman Katie Hobbs, who is the current Secretary of State of Arizona (responsible for the smooth running of the elections). And she refused to argue with her conservative opponent … Which is a questionable strategy.
Florida: a “more presentable” Donald Trump.
The governor of Florida,
Ron de Santis, is not in danger for the elections on Tuesday 8 November, but it is interesting for its national stature. He is often compared to Donald Trump. The comparison is actually fair enough for ideas, but the form is different. To quote an article from Monde “He is a more presentable Trump.”
New York: an unexpected concern
The state of New York is an unexpected concern for Democrats. Katy Hochul is in danger. The current Democratic governor replaced Andrew Cuomo who had to resign after being accused of sexual assault. He was then lieutenant governor and is now running for a full term.
Some in his field criticize him for focusing on the right to abortion (which for the moment, however, is not in danger in New York State). Meanwhile, his opponent Lee Zeldin the attack on the economy and crime which are New Yorkers’ most immediate, most daily concerns – even if data analysis shows that there is no crime explosion.
Pennsylvania: the right to abortion in danger?
Abortion is one of the issues in these mid-term elections, as the Supreme Court leaves the decision to the states. So in Pennsylvania, another election is very important for his duel in the Senate between Dr. Oz and John Fetterman … but also for the election to the office of governor.
The concern of many women is that the Republican candidate for the government, Doug Mastriano, one of the most extremist candidates, wins the elections. He is opposed to abortion, even in cases of incest rape or danger to the mother’s life.
>> A letter from America, a series of exceptional episodes to be found every Tuesday. A sound postcard to help us better understand this America of today, as familiar as it is sometimes totally disconcerting. An RTL Originals podcast.
