Pray that the best candidates in each state make the ballot and that the God-appointed candidate win in each state. Pray about whether and how God may want you involved in these elections.

“A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right” (Eccl 10:2 ESV)

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When it comes to gubernatorial races, Republicans say they’re a victim of their own success from two great election cycles in a row. Going into 2018, Republicans control a near-record high of 33 governor’s mansions, including a number in blue and swing states. Democrats, meanwhile, hold a near-record low.

Which means in 2018, the only place to go may be up for Democrats….

10. Maryland (Republican incumbent): This is one of several blue states that Republicans now control, and it won’t necessarily be easy for Democrats to wrestle it back. Polls show that two-thirds of the state approve of Gov. Larry Hogan (R), and Democrats are mired in a crowded and messy primary to unseat him.…
11. Ohio (Republican-held seat that will be open in 2018): Here’s the first of several governor’s mansions in Trump states that Democrats are targeting…. But it’s not clear if Ohio will go Democratic, given it went for President Trump by nearly 10 points.
12. Connecticut (Open): Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) has decided not to run for a third term, and with good reason. More than two-thirds of the state disapproves of him, according to a 2016 Quinnipiac poll, and the state is struggling financially. Republicans sense an opening, saying Connecticut will likely be their top offensive target next year.…
13. Michigan (Open): Democrats are bullish about taking back the governor’s mansion here for a few reasons. Trump won the state by less than a percentage point, and outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder (R) is highly unpopular; his handling of the Flint water crisis might taint any Republican nominee….
14. Florida (Open): This perpetually competitive governor’s race just got a lot more interesting thanks to Trump, who endorsed Rep. Ron DeSantis (R) to replace outgoing Gov. Rick Scott (R), setting up a potentially expensive primary on the Republican side against front-runner Adam Putnam, the state’s agriculture commissioner.
15. Nevada (Open): [T]erm-limited Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) is one of the most popular politicians in the state, and he has so far declined to offer his endorsement to the front-running Republican, Attorney General Adam Laxalt….
16. Illinois (Republican defending): What happens when two billionaires clash? We’re about to find out. Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) is running for reelection in the bluest states in the Midwest and has already given his own campaign $50 million….
17. Alaska (Independent): Gov. Bill Walker (I) is the only independent governor in office right now, and he could soon realize the perils of not having a major-party backer. Republicans are planning to make an effort to oust him….
18. Maine (Open): Term-limited Gov. Paul LePage (R) is one of the most controversial governors. He’s also one of the least popular, which makes any Republican effort to replace him an uphill battle….
19. New Mexico (Open): … This race could come down to two members of Congress: Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) and Stevan Pearce (R). (Excerpts from Amber Phillips’s article in the Washington Post)