The Most Popular U.S. State Governors, Ranked main image
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The Most Popular U.S. State Governors, Ranked

John Carney

John Carney

Governor John Carney of Delaware has a strong approval rating of 68%, making him one of the most popular governors in the country. His steady leadership and focus on public health, infrastructure, and education reform have earned him broad support. Carney’s pragmatic approach and bipartisan appeal have helped him maintain a +43% net approval rating, even in a Democratic-leaning state.

Carney has focused on issues such as education reform, economic development, and infrastructure improvements and has made significant progress in these areas. His ability to listen to all voters' concerns and respond effectively has earned him praise from both sides of the political aisle.

(United States Congress, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Spencer Cox

Spencer Cox

Utah's Spencer Cox, a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, has defied expectations by maintaining high approval ratings throughout his time in office. He enjoys a 62% approval rating, with a +33.3% net approval. His down-to-earth style and focus on economic development, healthcare, and rural outreach have resonated with Utah voters. Cox has been praised for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to addressing key issues like mental health, housing affordability, and water crisis.

Cox has also been a strong advocate for economic development, and he has taken steps to attract new businesses and investment to Utah. His efforts have helped to create jobs and boost the state's economy as well as improve access to healthcare, strengthen the state's education system, and invest in critical infrastructure projects.

(Utah Reps/IMG_6446/PDM 1.0 DEED/Flickr)

Phil Scott

Phil Scott

Governor Phil Scott of Vermont has a 62.5% approval rating, with a +31.8% net approval. His centrist approach to politics and his commitment to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and government transparency have helped him maintain popularity in a traditionally Democratic state. Scott’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his focus on climate change and affordable housing have earned him praise.

He is known for his approachable demeanor and his willingness to listen to voters' concerns. Scott has also been a strong advocate for economic development by taking steps to attract new businesses, jobs, and investment to Vermont. His efforts have helped to boost the state's economy and create jobs.

 

(Master Sgt. Sarah Mattison, U.S. Air National Guard, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Wes Moore

Wes Moore

Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has a 56.1% approval rating, with a +30.3% net approval. Moore, the first Black governor of Maryland, has focused on equity, economic development, and educational reform. His inspirational leadership style and commitment to serving all Marylanders have helped him gain popularity.

Moore, the first Black governor of Maryland, has also focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and the environment. He has taken steps to improve access to education, strengthen the state's healthcare system, and address climate change. 

(The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)/Wes Moore/CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED/Flickr)

Maura Healey

Maura Healey

Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has a 56.3% approval rating, with a +30% net approval. Healey has focused on affordable housing, healthcare reform, and climate action. Her previous role as Attorney General has prepared her well for the challenges of leading Massachusetts. Healey’s administration has prioritized equity, economic development, and clean energy initiatives.

Healey, a progressive Democrat, has quickly established herself as a popular leader in the Bay State. Healey, the first openly LGBTQ+ woman to serve as governor of Massachusetts, and has also been a strong advocate for education and economic development so locals can thrive. 

(Governors office, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Ned Lamont

Ned Lamont

Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut has a 60% approval rating, with a +27% net approval. Lamont has focused on stabilizing Connecticut’s finances, improving the business climate, and investing in education and infrastructure. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to renewable energy have helped boost his approval ratings.

 Lamont, who was first elected in 2018, has demonstrated a willingness to compromise and find common ground with Republicans, which has helped him to deliver results for Connecticut residents. 

(Liam Enea/Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont following his second inauguration/CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED/Flickr)

Chris Sununu

Chris Sununu

Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire has a 59.2% approval rating, with a +26.5% net approval. Sununu has focused on economic growth, public health, and education reform. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to fiscal conservatism have earned him praise.

Despite being a Republican in a politically mixed state, Sununu has consistently maintained high approval ratings throughout his time in office. One of the key factors is that he has a genuine interest in understanding the needs and concerns of New Hampshire residents, and he is always willing to listen to their input. 

(Gage Skidmore/Chris Sununu/CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED/Flickr)

Josh Shapiro

Josh Shapiro

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a rising star in Democratic politics, has quickly established himself as a popular leader in the Keystone State. First elected in 2022, he has a 52.2% approval rating, with a +25.9% net approval. 

Shapiro has focused on education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. His pragmatic approach to problem-solving and his commitment to expanding economic opportunities and improving public safety have helped him gain support.

(Governor Tom Wolf/Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Governor Tom Wolf, First Lady Frances Wolf, Legislators, Victims and Advocates Rally for Reforms Recommended by Grand Jury on Abuse in the Church/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr)

Brian Kemp

Brian Kemp

Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia has a 60.1% approval rating, with a +24.9% net approval. Kemp has focused on economic development, election integrity, and education reform. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to keeping taxes low have helped him maintain popularity.

In addition to his economic policies, Hehhas taken steps to improve access to education, strengthen the state's healthcare system, and invest in critical infrastructure projects. Kemp's commitment to these issues has earned him praise from both Democrats and Republicans.

(U.S. Embassy Jerusalem/DAZ_1604PS/CC BY 2.0 DEED/Flickr)

Andy Beshear

Andy Beshear

Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky has a 52.3% approval rating, with a +23.7% net approval. Beshear has focused on healthcare, education, and economic development. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to expanding healthcare access and improving public education have earned him broad support.

Specifically, he has taken steps to improve Kentucky's infrastructure, support the state's agriculture industry, and protect the environment despite the controversy surrounding such policies. 


 

(Tkayne, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)