In all American states, the governor is directly elected by the people.
Voters in the state usually register with one party (Republican, Democrat, or Independent), and during primaries, cast their vote for the candidate who will run for governorship for this party.
During the following general election, the winners of these primaries face the winners for the other parties.
A governor's term is 4 years, except in Vermont and New Hampshire, where it is 2 years. In most states, there is a limit of 2 consecutive terms.