In many states, election-denying candidates are running to control voting
In 23 states, including five presidential swing states, candidates who have denied past election results are running for offices that oversee future election certification, according to a States United Action analysis. These positions include secretary of state, governor, and attorney general, which play key roles in administering, certifying, or enforcing election laws. While the number of election-denying candidates is lower than in previous cycles, their presence raises concerns about the integrity of future elections.
- ▪States United Action identified at least 53 election-denying candidates running for statewide offices in 2026 that oversee elections.
- ▪Candidates qualify as election deniers if they falsely claimed Trump won in 2020 or supported efforts to overturn election results after legal challenges concluded.
- ▪In Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan, election-denying candidates are running for critical election-administering roles, including secretary of state and governor.
- ▪Secretary of state positions are typically responsible for administering elections and faced intense pressure during the 2020 election.
- ▪Joanna Lydgate, CEO of States United, stated that election denial has proven to be a losing campaign strategy in competitive races.
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Elections In many states, election-denying candidates are running to control voting May 4, 20265:00 AM ET Miles Parks Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., speaks at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix on April 17. Biggs, who is running for governor in Arizona, voted not to certify the 2020 election as a member of the U.S. House. Ross D. Franklin/AP hide caption toggle caption Ross D. Franklin/AP Lost in the shuffle of the 2026 midterms — the unprecedented mid-decade redistricting, President Trump's sagging favorability numbers and Democrats' hopes of retaking the House and potentially the Senate — is an election story that could have implications for 2028 and beyond.
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