Campaigns & Elections

With Arizona Win, Democratic Governors Hang Tough in Midterms

Vulnerable incumbents defended their seats, as the party also managed to take control of three governorships held by Republicans, while only ceding one to the GOP.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Democrats Win Full Control of Government in More States

In places like Michigan, they secured majorities in legislatures and hold governors’ offices. But the GOP still maintains greater sway in statehouses and the political rifts between blue and red states seem to be growing more ingrained.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Kansas' Democratic Governor Hangs on for Second Term

Laura Kelly edged out her GOP challenger in a closely watched race. Meanwhile, Republican Kris Kobach, a lightning rod figure during his time as Kansas' secretary of state, made a political comeback and will become the state's next AG.

  • By Bill Lucia

DeSantis Dominates in Winning Second Term

The Florida governor's victory comes as questions swirl around whether he'll run for president in 2024.

  • By Ryan Dailey and Jim Turner

Shapiro Claims Victory Over Mastriano in Pennsylvania Governor's Race

“We have to keep coming together to make progress," he said after clinching the win.

  • By Justin Sweitzer & Harrison Cann

The Winners and Losers in the 2022 Midterm Election Governors Races

Get caught up on all the action from Election Day, and who the next top government executives will be in the 36 states that held gubernatorial contests this year.

  • By Bill Lucia and Kery Murakami

Pennsylvania’s Highest Court Directs Counties Not to Count Undated Ballots

Legal experts predict more lawsuits could surface in the weeks to come.

  • By Justin Sweitzer

Bracing for the Fraud Claims Expected After the Election

This year could be even riper for misinformation to spread than 2020, according to researchers.

  • By Molly Bolan

The Top Governors Races to Watch in the 2022 Midterm Elections

Thirty-six states are holding gubernatorial contests. Here's a rundown of the ones we’re tracking headed toward Election Day.

  • By Route Fifty Staff

Tax the Rich for Climate Action? Protect Towns from Floods? It’s on State Ballots This November

Two major climate initiatives in New York and California, and many more to watch at the local level.

  • By Blanca Begert, Grist

A Fight Over How Tax Hikes are Passed at the Ballot Box

A proposal before Arizona voters would change the threshold for approving tax initiatives from a simple majority to 60%. Is it a check on outside groups funding tax-and-spend measures? Or a hit to citizens' power to approve new funding for their priorities?

  • By Kery Murakami

Meet the Breakout Stars of the 2022 Governors’ Races

COMMENTARY | Media experience rather than previously holding elected office is becoming a premium trait for candidates running for governor.

  • By James Nash
Featured eBooks
Road and Transit Infrastructure Trends
Federal Recovery Funds at the State and Local Level
Infrastructure at a Turning Point

Why Campaigns Have a Love-Hate Relationship With Their Signs

COMMENTARY | Supporters and volunteers love them. But it’s difficult for political scientists to determine whether they even influence the outcome of elections, since no two campaigns or election cycles are alike.

  • By Karen Adams, The Conversation

Local Election Officials Brace for Possible Violence and Threats

With worries over armed poll “monitors,” voter intimidation and risks to staff, some are coordinating with law enforcement or conducting special training ahead of Election Day.

  • By Kery Murakami

The Important Role Played by Secretaries of State in Administering Fair Elections is Changing

COMMENTARY | And not in a good way.

  • By Thom Reilly, The Conversation

How Can You Win Support for Your Policies? Focus on the Quiet Middle

COMMENTARY | The best way to gain backing for your ideas—in election season or beyond—is to know how to court the undecided.

  • By Eric Anderson

Biden Calls on Governors to Pardon Marijuana Possession Offenses

He did so after issuing a blanket pardon for all federal convictions for simple possession of the drug.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

This Year's Hottest Contests to Control State Legislatures

Democrats hope concerns about abortion access will bolster their chances to retake key chambers. But Republicans say President Biden's flagging poll numbers will give GOP candidates an edge.

  • By Daniela Altimari

The Battle Over a 'Millionaires Tax' Heats Up in Massachusetts

Voters will decide this November on a measure that would impose the tax on income over $1 million. Supporters say it would raise needed revenue for roads, transit and schools, while opponents argue it will revive the state's reputation as “Taxachusetts.”

  • By Daniela Altimari

Transgender and Nonbinary Candidates for State Legislature are Poised to Gain Ground This Year

Prompted to run by a wave of anti-transgender legislation, they are running for statehouse seats in at least eight states, but remain underrepresented in legislative chambers around the country.

  • By Daniela Altimari

Election Officials Have Been Largely Successful in Deterring Cyber Threats, CISA Official Says

The head of CISA’s National Risk Management Center pointed to public-private partnerships and enhanced resource sharing activities as key to defending against outside threats to voting systems.

  • By Edward Graham