NEW RESEARCH: States United Launches ElectionDeniers.org Tracking for 2026 Midterm Elections
Election Deniers on the Ballot for Statewide or Congressional Office in Half of All States Across the Country So Far
WASHINGTON — As voters across the country begin casting their primary election ballots, States United Action today launched its 2026 tracking of Election Deniers running for statewide and congressional office. Governors, attorneys general, and secretaries of state play a key role in overseeing elections, and Congress is responsible for certifying presidential election results. So far, States United research finds that Election Deniers are on the ballot in these races in at least half of all states across the country.
“The election denial movement, which began in 2020, is more powerful than ever—embedded in the White House, our federal agencies, and beyond,” said Joanna Lydgate, CEO of States United Action. “Trump and his allies are hard at work to undermine this year’s midterm elections, and their playbook once again includes trying to take control of the state offices that serve as a critical check on Trump’s power. It’s all part of their strategy to set the stage for 2028. That’s why tracking every Election Denier on the ballot matters so much.”
The Election Denier landscape, as of April 30, 2026:
- Election Deniers are on the ballot in races for statewide or congressional office in 50% (25/50) of states so far.
- There are 92 races for the statewide offices that oversee elections—governor, attorney general, and secretary of state—this year. We track every candidate that files ahead of the primary through the general election. So far, we are tracking candidates in 26 states.
- At least 53 Election Deniers are running for statewide office in 24 states so far.
- 35 Election Deniers are running for governor. 2 are incumbents.
- 12 Election Deniers are running for secretary of state. 1 is an incumbent.
- 6 Election Deniers are running for attorney general. 2 are incumbents.
- Election Deniers are on the ballot in 37% (34/92) of all statewide races so far.
- At least 53 Election Deniers are running for statewide office in 24 states so far.
- There are races for 470 congressional seats this year. Once the primary winners are declared, we start tracking them. So far, we are tracking the candidates for 80 of those seats that are past the primary stage.
- At least 34 Election Deniers have won primaries and will be on the ballot this November in 5 states so far. 76% (26/34) are incumbents.
- Election Deniers are advancing to the November general election in 21% (34/160) of congressional primary races so far.
“While fewer Election Deniers are currently running compared to recent cycles, our data shows the movement is still deeply embedded in the 2026 election landscape,” said Kelly Rader, Research Director at States United Action. “We’re six months out from the general election and Trump is already using election lies as a loyalty test. As the midterm cycle progresses, our research will give voters a clear, data-driven view of whether candidates will stand up for our free and fair elections.”
Review our full Election Denier data hub here. This resource will be updated on a weekly basis through the November general election.
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About States United Action
States United Action is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) organization with a mission to protect our elections and our democracy. We advocate for policies that protect elections and the rule of law, keep the public safe, and promote truthful information. Our mission is to protect free, fair, and secure elections administered in accordance with the law and amplify the voices of state and local officials and law enforcement leaders who share those values. For more information, visit statesunitedaction.org.