Recall removals remain below historical average in 2026
Through Oct. 2, 35 officials had been removed from office through recall efforts this year, representing 8% of the 437 officials targeted. That rate is below Ballotpedia's 16% average for recall removals from 2010 through 2025. City council members faced the most recall petitions, and Michigan had the highest number of officials involved in recall efforts since 2010.
Through Oct. 2, 35 officials were removed from office after recall efforts, while 437 were targeted, a removal rate of 8%. That is below the 16% average Ballotpedia recorded from 2010 through 2025. The highest rate was 27% in 2011; the lowest was 5% in 2021.
Since 2010, Michigan has had 1,180 officials involved in recall efforts, or 19% of identified cases. California had 1,115 (18%), and Colorado had 413 (7%). City council members faced the most petitions this year, 201, followed by mayors at 67 and school board members at 65.
Recall outcomes could reshape local representation and increase public engagement, but they may also create uncertainty for officials and voters. Because city council members, mayors, and school board members are frequent targets, residents who depend on local services and schools could be most directly affected. The lower removal rate may suggest fewer successful removals, though each recall still carries local political consequences.