““Also up for grabs in this year’s elections — governorships in 36 of the 50 states.” — Fox News report by Paul Steinhauser, Nov. 3, 2026”
The claim: ““Also up for grabs in this year’s elections — governorships in 36 of the 50 states.” — Fox News report by Paul Steinhauser, Nov. 3, 2026”
Why we rated it this way: The National Governors Association says there are 39 gubernatorial elections on Nov. 3, 2026, and its race list breaks down to 36 states plus Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. That matches Fox's count of 36 of the 50 states, and Fox's companion explainer also names the three territories. The NGA adds that 22 of the 39 races have an incumbent who is term-limited or not on the general election ballot.
See the evidenceWhat would change our rating: A state election record showing a governor's race added or canceled for 2026, such as a special election, would move this toward Missing context.
Our read
The National Governors Association says there are 39 gubernatorial elections on Nov. 3, 2026, and its race list breaks down to 36 states plus Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. That matches Fox's count of 36 of the 50 states, and Fox's companion explainer also names the three territories. The NGA adds that 22 of the 39 races have an incumbent who is term-limited or not on the general election ballot.
Broadcast
Picture to come
Nov 3, 2026, 6:50 AM CST
Sources
Script
Narration script. If a face or a voice delivers this, the anchor is synthetic.
Morning Check. Fox News says governorships are on the ballot in thirty-six of the fifty states today. The National Governors Association lists thirty-nine governor's races, thirty-six states plus three territories. Verdict: matches the record.
Corrections
None on file.