Definition and meaning of gubernatorial: Gubernatorial is a term referring to the role of a governor in the United States political system. A governor is a public official, elected by the people of a state, who is the chief executive of the state and is responsible for implementing the laws and policies of the state. Governors have broad executive powers and control over the executive branch of their state governments. They have the power to appoint executive officers, issue executive orders, and sign or veto legislation passed by the state legislature. Governors are also responsible for representing their state in national and international forums. Governors are elected in a variety of ways, including in partisan elections or primaries, as independents, or through various forms of coalition building. In today's political climate, gubernatorial elections are often seen as a battle between the two major parties in a state, with more independent or third party candidates struggling for a foothold. However, reform-minded advocates are pushing for more independent candidates to be elected in gubernatorial races, in order to break the two-party system and create a more fair, representative government.