Democratic candidates have moved within reach of winning four Republican-held governorships, with advantages in Iowa, Ohio, Alaska and a narrow lead over Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, according to New York Times/Siena University polls conducted about one month before Election Day. Gina Hinojosa is narrowly ahead of Abbott in Texas, while Democrats hold a wide lead in Iowa and an expanding advantage in Ohio. The Democratic candidate also leads in Alaska, based on the final round of a ranked-choice simulation. Republicans lead only in Kansas, where the governorship is held by a retiring Democrat. The surveys link the political environment to voter dissatisfaction with the economy, concerns about political extremism and frustration with President Trump. They also show Democrats ahead in Senate contests in Texas, Alaska and Ohio, with Iowa and Kansas effectively tied. The governor races could shape the 2028 presidential contest, election administration and redistricting battles expected to extend into 2027 and beyond. Across the five states, Trump’s approval ranged from 38% to 41%, while disapproval ranged from 55% to 60%.