Senators Seek Governorships as Washington Loses Luster

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

There's a growing trend of U.S. senators seeking to become state governors, with four sitting senators - Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama - all announcing gubernatorial campaigns in 2026. This exodus from the Senate underscores how the balance of political ambition has shifted away from Washington, as governorships now offer senators the ability to govern, build a record, and shape a national profile in ways the Senate often cannot.

Why it matters

The increase in senators looking toward statehouses reflects a broader frustration with the gridlock and dysfunction in Washington. Senators like Bennet and Tuberville believe they can have a greater impact as governors, where they can more directly address issues like affordability and push back against national partisan battles that have increasingly defined even state-level politics.

The details

Eleven senators have announced their intent to retire next year, including nine in the final year of their term. Senators cited reasons like the Senate's inability to make progress on key issues and the allure of being a governor, or 'CEO of the state,' where 'your vote counts more.' Political historians note that being a governor is 'increasingly alluring' as states have become 'labs of democracy' where 'governance is possible' in ways the Senate often cannot provide.

• In 2026, four sitting U.S. senators announced gubernatorial campaigns.
• Eleven senators have announced their intent to retire next year, including nine in the final year of their term.

What they’re saying