Study Finds Nearly 200 Election Deniers Running for Office Across 43 States
A comprehensive review has identified 197 candidates across 43 states who have publicly disputed the results of the 2020 presidential election. These candidates are running for positions ranging from congressional seats to statewide offices, including some that would place them in key roles responsible for certifying future election results.
The candidates include individuals seeking seats in the House of Representatives and Senate, as well as those running for governor, secretary of state, and other positions that could influence how elections are administered and certified in their respective states.
Of particular note, a subset of these candidates are pursuing offices that would place them directly in the chain of responsibility for certifying the 2028 presidential election. This includes positions on electoral college count bodies and state-level certification boards.
Election officials and watchdog groups have raised concerns about the implications of having candidates who have questioned the legitimacy of democratic processes in positions that oversee those very processes. The findings come as states continue to debate various election administration policies and voting access measures.
The report highlights the geographic spread of these candidacies, with candidates identified in the vast majority of U.S. states, reflecting the national scope of the phenomenon. Analysts suggest this represents a notable development in the political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.