Minnesota and Tennessee poised to elect first female governors this November
Minnesota and Tennessee could each choose their first woman governor, with Senate leaders Amy Klobuchar and Marsha Blackburn leading the tickets.
The 2024 elections may deliver the first female governors for Minnesota and Tennessee. In Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar entered the race after incumbent Tim Walz withdrew, and she now leads the Democratic campaign against Republican Lisa DeMuth. In Tennessee, Marsha Blackburn, who recently secured a second Senate term, is the Republican nominee and holds a clear advantage over Democrat Jerri Green, with numerous independents also on the ballot.
Both candidates have indicated they would resign their Senate seats if elected, allowing them to appoint successors. If successful, these wins would add to a record 14 women currently serving as governors nationwide, not counting the two female leaders of Puerto Rico and Guam. Several other states also have women running, though their odds vary.
Why it matters
First female governors would reshape state leadership and signal growing gender diversity in U.S. politics.
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