Dems look for comeback in battle for governorships

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The Hill:

Democrats hope to launch a comeback this fall in the battle for governor’s mansions across the country.

 

Republicans have a huge lead after two strong midterm elections in a row, in which the party netted eight new governorships once held by Democrats.

 

Now, Republicans control 31 of the nation’s 50 governor’s mansions. Democrats hold only 18 (Alaska Gov. Bill Walker is an independent.

And unlike the favorable map Democrats see in the battle for the Senate, the fight for governorships isn’t on the best turf for Democrats. Only 12 states will hold gubernatorial elections this year, and Republicans are playing offense in several.

 

Still, Democrats think they can take the first step toward holding a majority of governor’s mansions this year as they look for more opportunities going forward.

 

In North Carolina, Gov. Pat McCrory ® is beset by low poll numbers after controversies over a so-called “bathroom bill” and the conservative direction of the state legislature. He faces Attorney General Roy Cooper (D). Polls both public and private show Cooper maintaining a narrow lead, while McCrory’s favorable ratings remain weak.