The phrase "gubernatorial nominee" refers to a person who has been chosen or nominated by a political party to run for the position of governor in a state. Full definition
He's even tried to strike the Democratic gubernatorial nominee from the ballot altogether. (voices.washingtonpost.com)
In comparison, the campaign committees for the past three Republican gubernatorial nominees for governor received an aggregate total of $ 10.5 million in contributions. (politico.com)