
Across 20 states with completed candidate filing data, 28% of incumbent state legislators are running in contested primaries this year — the second-highest share since 2010, trailing only 2022. At the same time, the share of open seats, at 15.9%, is the second-lowest since 2010. Among the 20 states with completed 2026 candidate-filing data —…

In April, the filing deadline passed in five states, four of which are holding state executive elections in November: Virginia (April 2nd), Oklahoma (April 3rd), New York, North Dakota (April 6), and Michigan (April 21). Virginia is not holding state elections in 2026, while the rest of the states are. According to Ballotpedia’s data, state…

In February, the filing deadline passed in five states: Ohio (Feb. 4), Indiana (Feb 6), Louisiana (Feb. 13), Maryland (Feb 24), and Idaho (Feb. 27). Across these five states, 23 seats are up for election. In Ohio, every single state executive office is open, while in Indiana, Maryland, and Idaho, every incumbent is seeking re-election.…

Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) announced on Nov. 11, 2025, that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026. In a video announcing his retirement, Arrington said, “As much good as we’ve done together, there’s a time and season for everything. And this season is coming to a close. That’s why…

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) announced on Sept. 1, 2025, that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026. In a statement announcing his retirement, Nadler wrote, “Today, I am announcing that I will not be seeking re-election next year and that this term in Congress will be my last. This…

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced on Sept. 2, 2025, that she will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2026. On her retirement, Ernst said, “I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States senator. [...] While this chapter of elected service…

Since our last update on July 22, 2025, five members of the U.S. Congress—all members of the U.S. House of Representatives—have announced that they will not seek re-election in 2026. Here are the five members who have announced their retirements since our last update, as well as how three independent race forecasters have rated the…

Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) announced on April 28, 2025, that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026. On his retirement, Connolly—who previously announced in November 2024 that he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer—wrote, “After grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. ……

Since our last update on Dec. 19, no members of the U.S. Congress have announced plans to not seek re-election in 2026. That means the total number of congressional retirements for 2026 remains at one. The last incumbent to announce their retirement was Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who said he would not seek re-election to…

No members of the U.S. Congress have announced plans to not seek re-election in 2026 since Nov. 27. That means the total number of congressional retirements for 2026 remains at one. The last incumbent to announce their retirement was Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who said he would not seek re-election to the U.S. House of…