From The Conversation · Thom Reilly · · 1m 10s
Why 26 Secretary of State Races Matter More
2026 secretary of state races now decide how states respond to Trump’s federal election authority push.
In brief
2026 secretary of state races now decide how states respond to Trump’s federal election authority push. 2026 secretary of state elections will determine state responses to Trump’s federal efforts to control election administration. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Secretary of state role
Secretaries of state supervise election procedures and certify results in most states.
2020 election impact
2020 election thrust secretaries of state into battles over results and false fraud claims.
2022 election deniers
13 election-denying candidates reached 2022 general election, only three won.
2026 contests
26 states hold secretary of state races this November.
State election authority
States control election administration, but federal efforts seek to expand federal authority over elections.
DOJ voter list demand
DOJ sued 30 states by April 2026 for voter registration lists under Civil Rights Act.
State responses to DOJ
18 Republican-led states provided voter information to federal government by October 2026.
Federal court blocks DOJ
Federal court struck down DOJ’s nationwide voter list collection policy on Oct 9, 2026.
2026 election integrity order
Trump issued executive order requiring citizenship proof for federal voter registration in March 2026.
What matters most
2026 secretary of state elections will determine state responses to Trump’s federal efforts to control election administration.
