The role of a governor is both demanding and diverse, requiring strong leadership to shape legislation, manage budgets, issue executive orders, champion community needs, uphold public safety, and so much more. To meet these responsibilities with excellence, governors must maintain not only sharp minds but also physical resilience. By prioritizing their health and fitness, they equip themselves to serve with vigor, focus, and resilience.
Governors who invest in their own well-being set a powerful example for their constituents, showing that a commitment to health can fuel the energy and clarity needed to lead effectively. Their dedication to physical and mental fitness can inspire others to embrace healthier lifestyles, fostering a broader culture of wellness across their communities. When a governor champions fitness, it resonates widely, motivating others to follow suit and catalyzing positive health changes in society.
In politics, it’s easy to focus on policies and rhetoric, but what about the physical fitness of our leaders? Imagine a governor who could outrun or outlift the average citizen! A healthy body often complements a healthy mind, making a governor’s fitness an often-overlooked aspect of their ability to lead. Given their influence over public health policy, governors have a unique role in shaping the health culture of their states—and it’s inspiring to see those who lead by example.
This year, we honor U.S. governors who champion health and fitness, both in their personal lives and through the policies they advocate. Our list, meticulously researched under the guidance of HFR founder Samir Becic, highlights the top 10 fittest governors in the country. This selection process involved extensive research, data analysis, and industry insight to identify the governors who exemplify what it means to be fit leaders.
“Governors are like mini-presidents, often wielding more political and financial power than many heads of state around the world,” says Samir Becic. “I urge you to use this powerful position to inspire Americans to lead the world in health and fitness, just as they do in so many other areas.”
We are at the forefront of fitness in politics, and our previous lists of the fittest politicians have generated buzz in some of the nation’s leading media outlets. Our research and insights have been featured in major outlets like The New York Times, LA Times, Houston Chronicle, Refinery29, The Washington Post, and many others, reaching diverse audiences nationwide. Politico dubbed our list of the Top 10 Fittest Senators 2016 their “List du Jour,” and they recently also praised our Top 20 Fittest Mayors in America 2020 list.
Here are the Fittest U.S. Governors 2024, in alphabetical order:
Greg Abbott (TX)
Greg Abbott is an American politician that represents Texas as the governor. He has been serving this role since January 2015. His conservative values are reflected through issues such as gun rights, education, women’s rights, abortion, and immigration.
Greg Abbott has been a crucial part in fitness for not only his community, but also his own personal journey. When he was rendered partially paralyzed in 1984 due to an accident, he had to relearn how to take care of himself. He has spent time advocating for health throughout his career and puts an important emphasis on the concept that all challenges can be overcome.
Why is Greg Abbott one of the fittest governors?
- He is into football culture and often goes to support local colleges.
- Active in his community.
- Has a large appreciation for baseball.
- Has been involved in recognizing “National Champion Schools” which advocate for physical education and activity of students.
- Made HFR’s top 10 fittest governors of 2016, 2017, and 2020.
- Enjoys hunting.
- He was a member of his high school track team in Duncanville.
Doug Burgum (ND)
Doug Burgum is a fitness enthusiast who is often seen running and participating in outdoor activities. He is the governor of North Dakota and he has a heavy importance on the health outcomes of communities. He often preaches about combining fitness, mental health and well-being to complete the perfect balance. His platform has focused a lot of their energy onto economic development, workforce issues, and technology initiatives. He represents the Republican party.
Why is Doug Burgum one of the fittest governors?
- North Dakota was chosen for the National Foundation Of Governors Fitness Councils (NFGFC) for the Don’t Quit campaign, which is shared by Fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld that helps the health and well-being of North Dakota’s children by getting them interested in fitness and good nutrition.
- He rides horses.
- He enjoys hunting.
- Has personal experiences that help motivate him to stay healthy.
- He enjoys playing pick up basketball games. He even got hurt playing over a year ago, but reminded everyone injuries happen but we need to keep showing up.
Spencer Cox (UT)
Spencer Cox represents the Republican party in Utah as the governor He has been in this position since 2021, and before his time in this governor role, he has practiced law and public service. Representing a very right wing state, it is understandable that his main platforms revolve around fiscal conservativism, economic development, reformation of education, and more, however he is known to be a very moderate Republican.
Spencer Cox is known for being not just an advocate of physical fitness, but also mental well-being. Cox has been a dominant figure in the governor field to represent individuals who are fitness conscious.
Why is Spencer Cox one of the fittest governors?
- Enjoys engaging in activities such as running, cycling, and skiing.
- His social media often includes posts that encourage Utahns to be healthy and get outside.
- Advocated for policies to promote access to outdoor recreation, including increasing investment in state parks and public lands.
- Enjoys horseback riding.
- Helps his community with labor tasks, such as structuring new railroads.
Ron DeSantis (FL)
Ron DeSantis is the Republican governor of Florida. In his community, he typically takes a very conservative standpoint on key aspects, including education, public health, economy, gun rights, and social issues. Ron DeSantis has always been quite a large advocate for prioritizing fitness as he has shown a commitment to personal well-being and discipline that is very similar to his leadership approach.
Why is Ron DeSantis one of the fittest governors?
- Has a baseball background.
- He was captain of his college baseball team at Yale and when he was selected his coach in 2001 stated “being voted by your peers says a lot of what they think of you.” This emphasized his early leadership skill and foothold in fitness.
- Often uses his experiences in athletics in his speeches to connect and convey messages.
- Military background: Iraq veteran. He was a Navy lawyer who advised a SEAL commander.
- Engages in running and working out.
- DeSantis’ Dunedin Little League team made it to the Little League World Series in 1991.
Mike Dunleavy (AK)
Mike Dunleavy is a representative of the Republican party and is currently the governor of Alaska. Through his journey in politics, he has prioritized fiscal responsibility, which surrounds things like resource development, therefore, there is a huge emphasis to prioritize oil and gas initiatives.
A big part of Alaskan culture is being active outside in outdoor activities. Fishing is a much bigger activity in Alaska. Then it probably isn’t a lot of other places in the United States.
Why is Mike Dunleavy one of the fittest governors?
- He partakes in snowmachining and camping.
- Joined the National Foundation for Governor’s Fitness Council “Don’t Quit” campaign.
- Has been particularly involved in healthcare bills.
- Enjoys outdoor activities, including fishing and hiking.
Maura Healey (MA)
Maura Healey is a member of the Democratic Party and she is currently governor of Massachusetts. She has taken a large stance on LGBTQ rights and equality within the state, as she is the first openly gay individual to hold office in the state.
She has received national recognition for her ideas and executions on things, such as consumer protection, environmental
issues and civil rights.
She has a love for basketball and it is showcased all throughout her Instagram. It is always exciting to see people of power have their niche interests as well!
Why is Maura Healey one of the fittest governors?
- Places emphasis on addressing healthcare disparities.
- Understands and promotes mental health advocation.
- She is interested in cooking healthy foods.
- Walks for pride.
- Enjoys playing basketball and supports University of Massachusetts.
- Promotes health and fitness initiatives.
Brian Kemp (GA)
Brian Kemp is the governor of Georgia and his beliefs align him with the Republican party, pushing him to emphasize things such as job creation, and public safety.
He has promoted an importance of fitness and healthcare throughout his career. A big goal of his is to create new opportunities for Georgia citizens to make positive changes and choices in their lifestyles.
Why is Brian Kemp one of the fittest governors?
- Enjoy outdoor activities, such as hunting and fishing.
- Involved in his community.
- Enjoys football and got to be a part of the Georgia Tech and Georgia State football game coin toss.
- Helps out on occasion with labor jobs.
- Regularly participates in running and fitness events.
- Has fought to improve healthcare access and affordability.
Tina Kotek (OR)
Tina Kotek is a member of the Democratic Party and she represents Oregon as the governor. Before she was governor, she served as a speaker of the house of representatives and through her career she has addressed the importance of changing the narrative around climate change and public safety. When it comes to physical health, she has often been very outspoken about maintaining overall well-being, and being understanding of the demands of life.
Why is Tina Kotek one of the fittest governors?
- She has placed an emphasis on mental health by supporting her fellow citizens of LGBTQ stances.
- Placed an importance of the military.
- Marches for pride events.
- Enjoys the outdoors.
- Partners with clean up teams such as Sullivan Gulch to accomplish better environments.
Gavin Newsom (CA)
Gavin Newsom is the governor of California and he represents the Democratic Party. With this, he is not only a representative of good fitness and health, but he is also an advocate for the community to do the same. He has promoted physical fitness and mental well-being, which has helped construct a healthier and more resilient California.
Why is Gavin Newsom one of the fittest governors?
- He is listed amongst multiple sources praising his fitness, as he has made The 25 Fittest Men in Politics, Fittest American Politicians, Top 100 Fittest Politicians, and more.
- Promotes healthy habits being taught to children early for learned behaviors.
- He regularly enjoys running.
- He partakes in cycling.
- Goal to help better community outcomes in health related realms.
- Gets involved in sports and voting interactions.
- Newsom was a shooting guard in basketball and an outfielder in baseball in his high school years.
- He was a left-handed pitcher for Santa Clara, and an injury took him out of the sport.
Kristi Noem (SD)
Kristi Noem is a representative of the Republican party in South Dakota. Her priorities as a governor have represented things such as education reform, healthcare, and economic growth. Through her platform, she has often shared her own fitness regimens, highlighting a promotion of physical health.
Why is Kristi Noem one of the fittest governors?
- She enjoys outdoor living and frequently hunts.
- Backs freedom works which emphasizes the laborious importance of the working class.
- Takes part in the labor of her community by building a relationship with the national guard.
- Participated in the Buffalo Round Up! Making her a skilled horseback rider.
- Made the Top Fittest Governors in 2020, Top 10% Fittest Congress Members, and Top 100 Fittest Politicians.
- Noem participated in basketball, track, volleyball and cheerleading before her political career.
Jared Polis (CO)
Jared Polis is the governor of Colorado and he has been in office since January of 2019. He represents the Democratic party and focuses a lot on issues that reflect topics such as LGBTQ rights, energy sources, education, and healthcare.
Jared is known for his very active lifestyle in his political career. He emphasizes the importance of fitness, health, and well-being. He also has a strong standpoint on promoting messages of maintaining and uplifting good mental health.
Why is Jared Polis one of the fittest governors?
- Strives for community growth and involvement in fitness.
- Pushed for Colorado to reach new heights of accomplishing stats of a fittest month.
- Pushed for gyms and swimming pools to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Enjoys walking his dog.
- Likes to fish with his family.
- Stays active by attending and supporting the Denver Broncos.
- Has excitement around attending and supporting PAC-12 football.
Tim Walz (MN)
Tim Walz is a name that has been so incredibly prominent in politics as of lately. He recently just ran for Vice President alongside Kamala Harris. As he returns to Minnesota, he regains his role as governor where he will continue to represent the Democratic Party. Tim Walz has made a huge political career by emphasizing huge focuses on service of the military veterans and huge commitments to health reform and educational growth.
Walz has a military background, as he has served in the US Army National Guard for over 24 years and was even deployed to Bosnia and Iraq. Aside from his political career, Walz made a name for himself as a high school teacher and a football coach in Mankato Minnesota.
Why is Tim Walz one of the fittest governors?
- Did a tiktok with Kate Mackz running through central park. She has made a platform interviewing people on runs.
- Joined the national guard.
- Believes running is the “best stress reliever you can find.”
- High school and football coach.
- Enjoys hunting.
- Provided free school meals to all students in Minnesota.
- Ran the Rochester Marathon.
