United States gubernatorial elections, 2009

The U.S. gubernatorial elections of 2009 will be held in November 2009 in the states of New Jersey and Virginia. Both governorships are presently held by Democrats elected in 2005. These elections will form part of the 2009 U.S. general election.

Parties

As of September 2007, the Democratic Party holds 28 governorships, while the Republican Party holds 22. However, these numbers are almost certain to change as a result of the 2008 gubernatorial elections.

Election Summaries

Two governorships are up for election in 2009; both are currently held by Democrats. One incumbent governor is term-limited, while the other is eligible to run again.

Retiring Democratic

Tim Kaine (Virginia)

Virginia's term-limits law restricts Governor Tim Kaine to a single term (though governors can run for re-election to a second term after sitting out a term).

Popular Democratic former Governor Mark Warner, Kaine's predecessor, was thought to be interested in running again for his old job. No other serious Democrat is likely to mount a campaign if Warner runs; however, Warner has indicated he will seek the open U.S. Senate seat in 2008, and his candidacy for the governor would hinge on the outcome of that race. Former Governor and Senator Charles Robb and State Delegate Brian Moran are sometimes mentioned. State senator Creigh Deeds, who ran for Attorney General of Virginia in 2005, is sometimes mentioned as a possible alternative. State Treasurer Braxton Powell is also sometimes mentioned as a possible candidate.

Among the Republicans, Attorney-General Bob McDonnell announced his intention to run at American Legion's Boy's State of Virginia 2007. This would be the sixth consecutive Virginian gubernatorial election where an elected Attorney General has run. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling is also a likely candidate, as is former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore. Other possible candidates include Congressmen Bob Goodlatte, Randy Forbes, Rob Wittman and Eric Cantor. Former Governor Jim Gilmore is also occasionally mentioned.

Democratic Incumbents

Jon Corzine (New Jersey)

Democratic Governor Jon Corzine is eligible to run for a second term, and is expected to do so. No Republicans have yet announced plans to challenge him. He may be vulnerable given a number of recent scandals and low approval ratings [http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj--e-mails-corzines0531may31,0,7109047.story] .

Rick Merkt has formed an exploratory committee to run for governor. [http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080911/COMMUNITIES/809110361/1005/NEWS01] Other Republicans who could run are Tom Kean Jr, Republican Senate Leader, and State Senator Kevin O'Toole.

Polling

Covenant Incumbents

Benigno Repeki Fitial (Northern Mariana Islands)