Cook Report Shifts Texas and Florida Governor Races Toward Democrats Ahead of Midterms

The Cook Political Report updated its gubernatorial outlook, shifting Texas and Florida from likely Republican to lean Republican, signaling a modest swing toward Democrats. Iowa is now rated as leaning Democratic after Governor Kim Reynolds announced she will not run again, with Democrat Rob Sand leading Republican Zach Lahn in recent polls. The report also identifies five true toss-ups - Alaska, Georgia, Nevada, Ohio and Wisconsin - and highlights close races in Georgia, Ohio, Alaska and Nevada, where Democratic candidates are either ahead or within a few points of their Republican opponents.

Polls show Republican Brian Kemp trailing Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, while Democrat Amy Acton enjoys a lead over Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio. In Texas, Republican Greg Abbott faces a competitive challenge from Democrat Gina Hinojosa, with some surveys showing her ahead, and the controversy surrounding Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton could further affect the GOP ticket.