The last time Democrats performed this poorly in gubernatorial races, World War I hadn't happened yet

President Obama won clear victories in 2008 and 2012, but at the state level, Democrats are having much greater difficulty capturing top executive office.

There are only 18 Democratic governors nationwide right now, and since 2010 Democrats have won a lower proportion — 37 percent — of gubernatorial races than in any decade since the first 10 years of the 20th century. Though seven of 12 decades since 1900 saw Democrats prevailing in a majority of gubernatorial races, Republicans have made serious gains since 1990.

Republicans also have an edge in congressional races, but at the mayoral level, intriguingly, the GOP cedes its advantage to Democrats, especially in major cities.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up