Republican could gain one gubernatorial seats this year , crossing the 30-seat mark nationally . Democrat Jay Nixon hopes to become the first Missouri governor re-elected to a second term since the late Mel Carnahan in 1996 . Republican gains could help the GOP fight federal initiatives like health care reform . Races in North Carolina and Washington could elect GOP governors for the first time since this year .
Republican could gain one gubernatorial seats this year , crossing the 30-seat mark nationally . Republican gains could help the GOP fight federal initiatives like health care reform . Races in North Carolina and Washington could elect GOP governors for the first time since this year .