Major-Party Competition Reaches 66% in 2026 State Legislative Contests
Both major parties are on the ballot in 66% of the 6,137 state legislative seats up for election this November, just below the 2018 record of 66.3%. About 2,085 seats, or 34%, lack major-party competition, with Democrats assured 1,272 seats and Republicans assured 813. The number of uncontested seats is below the post-2010 average and down 19% from 2022.
This November, 6,137 state legislative seats are on ballots. In 4,052 of them, voters will see a Democrat and a Republican, equal to 66% and slightly under the 2018 high of 66.3%. The remaining 2,085 seats have only one major party represented.
Democrats are effectively assured 1,272 seats where no Republican is running, a 27% rise since 2022. Republicans are assured 813 seats without a Democratic candidate, half as many as 2022. Overall, one-party seats fell 19% from 2022 and sit below the 2,343 average since 2010. In 17 chambers across 11 states, one party already has a guaranteed majority.
The rise in two-party contests could give more voters a meaningful choice and may encourage turnout in those districts. In places with only one major party on the ballot, residents may feel their general-election vote matters less, and the eventual winner could face weaker accountability. Parties and donors may concentrate resources on competitive seats, potentially shaping which local priorities receive attention after the election.