There are a record few uncontested incumbents in this year’s state legislative general elections. Of the 4,888 incumbents running for re-election, 979 of them (20%) are uncontested and guaranteed re-election.

Ballotpedia uses the number and percentage of incumbents in uncontested general elections to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A larger number of uncontested general elections indicates lower competitiveness, as there are fewer opportunities for voters to elect a non-incumbent. A smaller number indicates more of those opportunities.

Among Democratic incumbents, 25% are uncontested in 2026, down 20% percent from 2022. Among Republican incumbents, 16% are uncontested in 2026, down 60% from 2022.

The total number of incumbents in uncontested general elections in 2022 was 1,734, meaning 979 in 2026 is a 44% decrease.

State legislative elections will be held in 46 states on Nov. 3, 2026.