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NewsNPR PoliticsMay 4, 2026United States

Candidates questioning 2020 election results are running for key state offices

A new analysis by States United Action identifies 53 candidates in 23 states who have questioned the validity of the 2020 election and are now running for statewide offices that oversee election administration and certification. These positions, including secretary of state, governor, and attorney general, play a critical role in how future elections are managed and verified.

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Why It Matters

Voters in 39 states are electing officials this year who will have the legal authority to interpret election laws, administer voting processes, and certify results for future election cycles, including 2028.

Key Facts

  • 53 candidates who have denied the 2020 election results are currently running for statewide offices in 23 states.
  • 39 states are holding elections this year for positions that interact with election administration, certification, or enforcement.
  • States United Action defines election deniers based on five criteria, including false claims about the 2020 election or efforts to undermine results after audits.
  • Statewide positions involved include secretary of state (administration), governor (certification), and attorney general (legal interpretation).
  • An analysis of the 2022 midterms suggested that candidates who denied the 2020 election results underperformed by approximately 3 percentage points in competitive states.
  • The number of election-denying candidates running in statewide races is lower this year compared to recent cycles.

Who's Mentioned

personBrendan Fischer“Researcher at the Campaign Legal Center.”personJoanna Lydgate“CEO of States United Action.”dollar_amount11,780“Number of votes requested to be 'found' in Georgia by Donald Trump.”personAndy Biggs“U.S. Representative and candidate for Arizona governor who voted against certify”organizationStates United Action“Nonprofit organization that tracks candidate positions on election results.”organizationTurning Point USA“Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., speaks at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix on Apri”personDonald Trump“Former President whose 2020 election claims are used as a criteria for identifyi”personBrad Raffensperger“Georgia Secretary of State.”personJocelyn Benson“Michigan Secretary of State.”personDoug Ducey“Former Governor of Arizona.”