Democrats holds 28 of the 50 governorships, but the Republicans aim to seriously challenge that edge. Between now and November 2010, 39 states will elect governors, and the Democrats are defending their hold on 21 of those seats -- including those in New Jersey and Virginia, which elect governors this year.

Republicans are the defenders in 18 states, including Utah, where there is a special election. Democrats hold 10 seats in states where incumbents cannot run again because of term-limit laws, while Republicans hold seven.

Virginia and New Jersey have gubernatorial elections in 2009.