Category: 2026 elections
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Virginia voters will decide on automatically restoring voting rights for people convicted of a felony
On Nov. 3, Virginia voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore voting rights for people convicted of a felony after they complete their prison sentence. Virginia is one of 10 states that never automatically restores voting rights for individuals convicted of a felony. Instead, people must apply to the governor's office…
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Alaska's federal elections are using ranked-choice voting (RCV) for the third consecutive cycle
On January 12, 2026, former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola (D) announced her campaign for U.S. Senate against incumbent Dan Sullivan (R). With Peltola’s entry into the race, we’re taking a look at Alaska’s use of ranked-choice voting (RCV) since its adoption in 2020 and how it's played out in other statewide elections. Peltola was first…
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More former members of Congress have announced candidacies for a non-consecutive term in any cycle since 2016
This year, 19 former House members announced candidacies for a non-consecutive term. Three former Senators have announced campaigns for office, meaning a total of 22 former members of Congress have announced candidacies, the highest number in any cycle going back to 2016. The 19 House members are running in 13 states, though two — Rod…
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Both candidates for Caroline County, Va., Treasurer complete Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey
Both candidates running in a Feb. 3 special election for Caroline County, Va., Treasurer—Zachary R. Hulo and C. Priscilla Voit—completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office. All survey respondents are asked to tell voters about their three key campaign…
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Incumbent Al Green (D), Gretchen Brown (D), Amanda Edwards (D), and Christian Menefee (D) are running in the Democratic primary for Texas' 18th Congressional District on March 3, 2026
Incumbent Al Green (D), Gretchen Brown (D), Amanda Edwards (D), and Christian Menefee (D) are running in the Democratic primary for Texas' 18th Congressional District on March 3, 2026. As of January 2026, Green, Edwards, and Menefee led in local media attention. The primary is taking place in the context of redistricting in Texas ahead…
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Three candidates are running in the Republican primary for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District
Three candidates are running in the Republican primary for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District on May 19, 2026: incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie (R), Nicole Lee Ethington (R), and Ed Gallrein (R). Massie and Gallrein lead in endorsements and media attention. One noteworthy element of this election is President Donald Trump's (R) relationships with Massie and Gallrein.…
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U.S. Supreme Court says candidates may challenge election laws before Election Day
On Jan. 14, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that candidates have standing to sue over election laws they believe to be unconstitutional before voting takes place. The 7-2 ruling in Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections allows U.S. Rep. Michael Bost (R) and two 2024 presidential electors to move forward with a lawsuit challenging…
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Ten candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Illinois on March 17, 2026
Ten candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Illinois on March 17, 2026. Three candidates have led in fundraising, media attention, and polling: Robin Kelly (D), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D), and Juliana Stratton (D). Incumbent Dick Durbin (D), who was first elected in 1996, announced his retirement on April 23, 2025. The…
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An early look at state supreme court retention elections this year
This year, 32 states will hold elections for their state supreme courts. Fourteen of these states will hold retention elections, 12 will hold nonpartisan elections, and six will hold partisan elections. Retention elections are not like traditional elections, as a justice doesn't run against other candidates, but is subject to a yes-or-no vote. The most…
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An early look at the most competitive state legislative chambers in 2026
Eighty-eight state legislative chambers will be up for election this year. Of these chambers, Republicans control 51, Democrats control 34, and three are held under divided government. Nationwide, Republicans hold 56 chambers, Democrats hold 40, and three are held under divided government. Both parties are looking to expand their majorities or gain control of chambers,…