 The elections were notable for the sheer number of state governorships that changed parties – 20 in total, constituting more than half of the seats up for election.Additionally, a number of Democratic and Republican gains occurred in states that typically favor the other party; for instance, Republican candidates won the usually Democratic states of Maryland, Hawaii, Minnesota and Vermont, while Democratic governors were elected in Republican-leaning states like Wyoming, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Kansas.In addition to the elections held in 36 states, elections were also held in the unincorporated territories of Guam and the United States Virgin Islands.