As the 2026 midterm elections approach, much of the political spotlight is focused on which party will control the US House of Representatives and Senate. While these contests will undoubtedly shape the national political landscape, another set of elections deserves far greater attention: races for state governors, legislatures, attorneys general, secretaries of state, and other local offices. These positions may receive less national coverage, but their influence on Americans’ everyday lives is substantial.
State governments exercise considerable authority over public education, healthcare regulations, taxation, immigration enforcement, election administration, and congressional redistricting. They also determine how federal policies are implemented within their jurisdictions. Consequently, the outcome of state-level elections can have a direct impact on citizens’ rights, public services, economic opportunities, and political representation.
Unlike Washington, where political debates often revolve around national priorities, state governments frequently make decisions that affect communities more immediately. A governor can sign or veto legislation, a state attorney general can determine how laws are enforced, and a secretary of state can establish important administrative procedures for elections. These responsibilities make state races an essential part of the democratic process.
Arizona offers a clear example of why state elections deserve greater scrutiny. Although Donald Trump won the state in the 2024 presidential election, Republicans have faced significant obstacles in advancing their legislative priorities under Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers of the state legislature, creating a divided political environment in which executive and legislative priorities frequently clash.
Hobbs has vetoed numerous bills passed by the Republican-controlled legislature, including measures involving elections and other contentious policy issues. The resulting disputes illustrate how the balance of power between a governor and a legislature can determine whether campaign promises become law. The 2026 gubernatorial election will therefore be important for voters seeking a change in the state’s policy direction or continuity with its current administration.
Hobbs faces Republican Andy Biggs, a US representative associated with the House Freedom Caucus. Their contest presents voters with competing visions for Arizona’s political future, including disagreements over the scope of government, election policy, and the state’s broader ideological direction.
Arizona’s secretary of state race is another contest with implications extending beyond ordinary partisan politics. Democratic incumbent Adrian Fontes is seeking reelection against Republican Alex Kolodin, an Arizona state representative associated with the Arizona Freedom Caucus.
The secretary of state’s office plays a central role in administering elections and providing guidance to local election officials. Disputes over election rules, voter registration, and mail-in ballots can influence public confidence in the electoral process. Arizona’s election administration has faced legal scrutiny, including a 2025 appellate court ruling concerning the preparation of its 2023 election procedures.
The central question for voters is whether the state’s election system is administered lawfully, consistently, and transparently. Regardless of party affiliation, election officials must operate within the law and ensure that eligible voters can participate in elections without unnecessary obstacles.
Arizona’s attorney general election also highlights the importance of state-level law enforcement. Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes is seeking another term and faces Republican state Senator Warren Petersen.
The attorney general’s office has broad responsibilities, including defending state laws, investigating alleged wrongdoing, and representing the state in court. These powers can become particularly controversial when investigations involve political figures or disputed election-related conduct. Mayes has faced Republican criticism over the prosecution of individuals connected to the 2020 presidential election and the controversy surrounding Arizona’s so-called alternate electors.
Such cases raise difficult questions about accountability, prosecutorial independence, and the appropriate limits of political power. Voters should evaluate candidates on the evidence surrounding their actions, their commitment to the rule of law, and their willingness to apply legal standards consistently rather than treating allegations of political motivation as established facts.
Arizona is only one example of the broader significance of the 2026 elections. Across the country, voters will decide contests for governorships, state legislatures, election administration offices, and other influential positions.
Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are among the states holding important elections. Many are also critical battlegrounds in presidential contests, making their political leadership consequential for both state policy and national electoral strategy. North Carolina is another closely watched state, with legislative contests and a state Supreme Court election adding to the stakes.
Control of state legislatures can determine legislative priorities, taxation policies, education standards, and redistricting decisions. Governors can shape executive policy, while state courts may decide disputes involving constitutional rights and election laws. Together, these institutions influence the political environment in which future presidential and congressional elections take place.
The importance of state elections does not diminish the consequences of congressional races. Control of Congress affects federal legislation, government spending, oversight, and the direction of national policy. Nevertheless, concentrating almost exclusively on Washington risks overlooking the institutions that govern many of the issues citizens encounter most frequently.
State elections also provide opportunities for voters to hold public officials accountable for their records. Candidates should be judged on their policy proposals, administrative competence, respect for constitutional principles, and willingness to protect democratic institutions. These standards should apply equally to Republicans, Democrats, and candidates from other political parties.
For voters, the challenge is to look beyond national headlines and examine the offices appearing on their own ballots. A governor’s veto, a legislature’s budget decision, an attorney general’s legal strategy, or an election official’s administrative ruling can have consequences lasting well beyond a single election cycle.
America’s political future will not be determined solely by the balance of power in Washington. It will also be shaped by decisions made in state capitals, courtrooms, and local election offices. The 2026 midterms offer voters an opportunity to influence those decisions and determine which leaders will exercise these responsibilities.
If Americans want government to reflect their priorities, they must pay attention to every level of the political system. Congressional races may dominate television coverage and national debate, but state elections often determine how policies are translated into practice. Greater public attention, informed participation, and careful scrutiny of candidates can help ensure that these influential offices receive the democratic oversight they deserve.
Ultimately, meaningful political change begins not only in the nation’s capital but also in the states and communities where Americans live. The 2026 midterm elections should be understood as a contest for influence across the entire system of government-not simply a battle for control of Congress.
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