2026 State Legislative Races Rank Third in Competitiveness Since 2010
Ballotpedia's 16th annual report examined 6,137 state legislative seats up for election on Nov. 3, 2026, across 46 states. The nationwide competitiveness index is 35.4, placing 2026 behind only 2018 and 2022 among years since 2010. Open seats fell to 17.3%, while 66.0% of seats have both major parties competing, close to the 2018 record.
The analysis covers 6,137 state legislative seats across 46 states, with elections scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026. The 2026 index value is 35.4, third-highest since 2010, above the 34.0 average for 2010–2024 but below 2018's 36.1 and 2022's 36.6.
Open seats number 1,064, or 17.3%, under the 18.7% average. Contested primaries involve 1,156 incumbents, or 22.8%, over the 21.7% average. Both major parties compete in 4,052 seats, or 66.0%, near 2018's 66.3% record.
Greater competition may give voters more meaningful choices and could increase engagement in state legislative districts where both parties field candidates. It may also affect incumbents, challengers, and party organizations by making some primaries and general elections less predictable. With fewer open seats, however, newcomers could find fewer direct paths into office, potentially slowing legislative turnover. The overall effect on policy outcomes remains uncertain and may vary by state and district.