This FiveThirtyEight article reminded me of our class conversation about presidential coattails. Specifically, the article says that gubernatorial politics are becoming increasingly nationalized and more closely resemble presidential races. This is a shift away from the historical emphasis on local politics.

"Voters are likely to see them as Democrats and Republicans first, and as individual candidates a distant second. In recent years, gubernatorial elections have become increasingly nationalized, to the point where voting patterns in these races bear a striking resemblance to those in presidential races. If we look at all sitting governors, just 15 of the 50 lead states that were won by the other party in the last presidential election."