GOP gains extend to key governors' races

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is among the Republicans being elected or re-elected governor, as the Republican gains in Congress extend to state offices.

Brownback, a former senator and presidential candidate, had struggled to hold onto his job after putting in place an agenda of massive tax and spending cuts. Many Republicans threw their support to Democrat Paul Davis. But Davis has now conceded.

In Massachusetts, the governor’s office is returning to Republican hands for the first time since Mitt Romney left in 2007. Charlie Baker defeated Martha Coakley in her bid to become the first woman elected governor in the state.

Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker overcame fierce opposition from organized labor to win re-election. Republican candidates held Texas, Florida, Ohio and Michigan, and won in Democratic-leaning Illinois and Maryland.