How we grade.
The composite formula
Every governor receives a single A+ to F grade. Each metric is scored 0–100 by blending two sub-scores:
- 60% — Cohort Rank. Where does the state rank against all 50 states on this metric? The best state scores 100, the worst scores 0, the median scores 50. Same rule applies to every metric regardless of unit or scale.
- 40% — Trend During Tenure. Has the metric improved or declined since the governor took office? A ±25% change during tenure spans the full 0–100 range. Metrics already at a natural ceiling (e.g. a perfect credit rating) get full credit for being maintained.
Per-metric scores are averaged within three pillars — Economy, Fiscal Health, Quality of Life — which are then weighted equally to form the composite. No regional peer adjustment, no separate national-average benchmark: a single, transparent 60/40 split.
The letter scale
Final composite scores are curved across the full cohort of 50 governors so the leaderboard spreads cleanly from A to F instead of bunching at B and C. The curve centers the cohort at a B-/C+ and stretches the distribution so the best and worst performers are clearly distinguishable. Category sub-scores on each governor's profile remain uncurved — they reflect raw performance against benchmarks.
Metrics in v1
Fourteen metrics across three categories. Each category contributes equally to the overall grade — so adding more metrics to one pillar won't dilute the others.
Economy
Fiscal Health
Quality of Life
All metrics carry equal weight within their category. Categories are then weighted equally in the overall composite.
What we don't grade on
Party affiliation, social positions, campaign rhetoric, endorsements, scandals, and media coverage are deliberately excluded. We also exclude subjective leadership traits — policy implementation, ethics, transparency, and crisis management — because any score we assigned would be editorial judgment rather than measured outcome. We grade only on quantifiable results a governor's administration can directly influence.
Limitations
- Federal policy and global economics affect every state — we don't perfectly isolate executive impact.
- Data lags 6–18 months for most metrics. We mark the as-of date on each value.
- Short tenures (under 2 years) have less reliable trend signal.
- v1 covers governors only. Mayors and other officials are on the roadmap.