2026 STATE ELECTIONS HUB
FOCUS’ Elections Hub provides an at-a-glance view of 2026 state elections, including gubernatorial, legislative, and attorney general races. Each state page offers interactive maps, candidate insights, and updated polling information to help you stay informed and ahead.
Also, make sure to check out our State Sessions Information page!
Use the buttons below to explore the races by state.
Overview of the State of Elections in 2026
More than half of the states holding elections in 2026 have held their primaries and selected their candidates for office. On the ballot in November will be 36 governors and 30 attorneys general, while 46 states are holding elections for at least one chamber of their state legislature.
Both parties are targeting potential gains, particularly in their efforts to secure new trifectas, where a single party controls the governorship and both legislative chambers. At present, Republicans hold 23 trifectas, Democrats control 16 and 11 states have a divided government. Many familiar battlegrounds are once again expected to draw national attention, including Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Slim legislative majorities, open seats and shifting political dynamics make these states ripe for either party to control.
As always, this year’s map is not without potential surprises. Republicans are eyeing opportunities to disrupt Democratic control in less traditional targets such as Maine, where an open gubernatorial seat and a thin Democratic majority in the state House leaves the current trifecta vulnerable. Democrats, for their part, are optimistic that they can make races in Iowa and Ohio competitive again, after years of Republican dominance. Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have yet to hold their primaries but will also likely be competitive.
Even in today’s unpredictable political environment, one pattern has largely held true: that the president’s party loses seats in midterm elections. With Republican President Donald Trump’s approval rating hovering below 40 percent, it’s safe to say Democrats have reason to feel confident up and down the ballot.
PRE-ELECTION STATE PARTY CONTROL
States Quietly Gear Up for 2027 Legislative Sessions
State legislatures across the country are already laying groundwork for the 2027 legislative session, even though many 2026 sessions are still wrapping up. For advocates, agencies and anyone who tracks state policy, this overlap matters. Interim hearings, prefiling windows and early committee work happening right now will shape which bills move once the 2027 legislative […]
Redistricting Reset: Reshaping the 2026 Map
State legislature special sessions on congressional redistricting are becoming a major policy issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. In recent months, governors and lawmakers in several states have called or considered special sessions to redraw congressional maps outside the normal redistricting cycle. The activity reflects growing political and legal pressure surrounding control of U.S. […]
Texas Looks to Annex New Mexico Counties
The idea of redrawing state lines has long been the stuff of political fantasy, but a combination of legislative frustration in New Mexico and opportunism in Texas has breathed new life into the concept. In January, New Mexico Republican state representatives introduced a joint resolution that would have established procedures for counties to petition to […]
2026 State of the State Addresses
State of the State addresses are in! What’s topping the agenda? Economic development leads, with K–12 funding, public safety, and workforce close behind. Priorities vary by region, but growth, education, and safety consistently rise to the top. Reminder: Our clients always have real-time access to every State of the State update directly in their databases!
State Lawmaking Kicks Off as Legislatures Convene Nationwide
By FOCUS, A Leonine Business Though the new year is just beginning, state legislatures are wasting no time getting to work. Legislatures in 46 states will convene for a regular legislative session in 2026, while Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Texas do not have scheduled sessions this year. With the vast majority of legislatures convening […]
Democrats Sweep Off-Year Elections
By FOCUS, A Leonine Business Even in today’s unpredictable political environment, one trend has remained reliable: the president’s party often struggles in midterm and off-year elections. This year was no different, with Democrats winning every statewide race on the ballot, expanding their legislative majorities in New Jersey and Virginia and maintaining their one-seat advantage in […]