Democrats gain state governor
The state of Missouri shifted from Republican to Democrat, electing the state’s former attorney general Jay Nixon as governor.
The long-serving former state attorney general defeated Republican Kenny Hulshof who was standing as former Republican governor Matt Blunt had served the maximum number of terms.
Also for the first time North Carolina elected a female governor with Beverley Perdue handing them what is an important victory.
The position of state governor was up for grabs in 11 states. The governors of each state are key indicators of approval.
Of the 11 states with governorship up for grabs four were held by Democrats and four by Republicans, with two Democrats in Delaware and Montana not running for re-election and one Republican Missouri not running.
There were 28 Democrats and 22 Republicans holding gubernatorial positions.
Nine of the 11 states re-elected incumbents.
Of the 11 states electing governors seven are now Democrat and four Republican.
