In Races for Governor, Democrats See a Silver Lining

The Republican Governors Association is almost certain not to invest in either state.

At a time when Democrats are hungry for next-generation leaders, three states — Massachusetts, Maryland and Pennsylvania, a state the party is now favored in — could deliver the party a fresh-faced trio of governors that reflects their coalition. Maura Healey, a lesbian former college basketball player, is their likely standard-bearer in Massachusetts; Wes Moore, a young Black author with a compelling (if exaggerated) life story, is the nominee in Maryland; and in Pennsylvania, some believe that Josh Shapiro, the state attorney general and nominee for governor, has hopes of becoming the first Jewish president.

In a number of states with Democratic governors, including Pennsylvania, Illinois and Minnesota, Republicans have rallied behind candidates who may squander coveted opportunities for G.O.P. pickups. And in primaries this Tuesday in Michigan and Arizona, two battleground states, many Republicans are concerned their voters will nominate individuals who may imperil their chances or at least require a massive infusion of money to stave off defeat.

The lack of cash is a growing concern among many Republicans, a sore spot rubbed raw because some of the candidates propelled through primaries by Mr. Trump are the same ones now staring down gaping fund-raising deficits — and expecting a bailout from the Republican Governors Association.

“They’re furious about it,” Karl Rove, the Republican strategist, said of the Republican governors.

Compounding the frustration is Mr. Trump’s reluctance to transfer the more than $120 million he has in his fund-raising accounts for the candidates he’s backed, a topic Mr. Rove pointedly raised last week in his Wall Street Journal column.

“Trump-endorsed candidates might start to wonder how strong an ally the former president really is, beyond lending his name in a primary,” Mr. Rove wrote.

Attempting more positive reinforcement, Mr. Walker, the former Wisconsin governor, said Mr. Trump should consider how much the party’s success this fall could mean for his hopes of reclaiming the Republican presidential nomination.