GOP, Dems split gov. races in key states

Democrats tried Tuesday to fight their way back to power in state capitols across the country by reclaiming governor’s seats in key Midwest states, major steps in their nationwide strategy to reverse years of Republican gains in state capitols.

Still, their early victories in Kansas, Illinois and Michigan were balanced by Republicans holding on to one of the top prizes, Florida, and the governor’s offices in Ohio and Arizona. All three states will figure prominently in the presidential map in two years.

The other most closely watched governor’s race, in Georgia, remained too close to call Tuesday night.

In Michigan, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer defeated Republican Bill Schuette, upending years of Republican control in the state. The former legislative leader will become the second female governor in a state where Democrats heavily targeted other statewide and legislative offices.

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in Illinois lost his bid for a second term to Democrat J.B. Pritzker. The billionaire appears to have capitalized not only on Rauner’s lack of popularity but broader dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump. And in Kansas, Democratic state lawmaker Laura Kelly defeated Republican Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a close ally of Trump.

New Mexico also tipped into the Democratic column, with voters choosing Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham to succeed two-term Republican Gov. Susana Martinez. The campaign had been defined by conflicts over struggling public schools and high poverty rates.

Democrats Andrew Cuomo in New York and Tom Wolf in Pennsylvania easily won re-election.