New polling shows that – for the fifth straight quarter – Republican governors remain overwhelmingly popular, even in the bluest of states. According to Morning Consult , America’s 15 most popular governors are all Republicans.

2018 Watch: Despite holding a staggering 33 governorships, Republicans still have several pick-up opportunities this cycle. According to FiveThirtyEight, Dem-held governorships in Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon, and Rhode Island are all on the table, as is the Independent-held governorship in Alaska.

Highlights…

AK: With the worst economy and highest unemployment rate of any state in the nation, Independent Gov. Bill Walker’s approval/disapproval stands at an abysmal 29%/52%. He’s the least popular governor running for re-election in 2018, and it’s why both The Cook Political Report and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball rate the race as a “Toss Up.”

CO: With a Dem primary field that’s more liberal than current Dem Gov. John Hickenlooper, Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball rates the race as a “Toss-Up.”

CT: Dem Gov. Dan Malloy is America’s least popular governor with an approval/disapproval of 21%/72%. The leading Dem to replace him, perennial candidate Ned Lamont, is being dragged down by Malloy’s economic failures. A recent poll showed a generic Republican governor winning by nearly 20 points. The Cook Political Report rates the race as a ”Toss Up.”

MN: Following former Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s entrance into the race, both The Cook Political Report and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved the race from “Lean Democrat” to “Toss-Up.”

OR: Dem Gov. Kate Brown’s approval rating plummeted by 15% in the last year, and that was before her new $244 million tax hike went into effect.

RI: Dem Gov. Gina Raimondo is the most vulnerable Dem running for re-election with approval/disapproval of 39%/50%.

Elections

Governors 2018

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