Much of the attention ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections has fallen on the battle for control of the United States Congress.

But key state-level races are also unfolding, with far-reaching consequences for the country’s future.

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This year, 36 US states will vote for their next governor, the most powerful elected official in state government.

An unusually high proportion of those races centre on open seats, with no incumbent governor on the ballot seeking re-election.

In 19 of the races, the current officeholder is either term-limited, like California Democrat Gavin Newsom , or voluntarily opted to not run again, like Iowa Republican Kim Reynolds.

This historic turnover creates the potential for several states to take on significant…