The short version
- Multiple Republican candidates for governor and secretary of state in key battlegrounds have previously voted against or questioned the validity of the 2020 presidential election results.
- These officials hold significant authority over election certification processes, including signing certificates for presidential electors and overseeing voting systems, which could impact the handling of future close races.
- While some candidates acknowledge Biden’s victory while citing procedural issues, others continue to deny the outcome or claim widespread fraud, creating uncertainty about their willingness to certify results in 2028.
A growing number of Republican candidates running for governor and secretary of state across the United States have publicly questioned or denied the results of the 2020 presidential election. This trend is particularly pronounced in swing states, where at least one major GOP contender for these high-profile offices has cast doubt on Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump. Voters in these regions have historically rejected candidates who dispute election outcomes, yet Republicans are attempting to place such figures in positions of power once again.
The stakes for these races extend beyond local governance, as governors and secretaries of state play critical roles in the federal election process. Governors are responsible for signing off on state election results and issuing certificates to presidential electors. They also possess the authority to call for investigations or special sessions, potentially using their platforms to challenge the legitimacy of outcomes. Secretaries of state, meanwhile, serve as chief election officials in most states, overseeing voting infrastructure and advising local jurisdictions that administer elections. Their involvement in certifying results makes them pivotal actors in ensuring the smooth transition of power.
In Arizona, U.S. Representative Andy Biggs, a candidate for governor, voted against certifying his state’s 2020 election results. Biggs has repeatedly claimed without evidence that widespread voter fraud occurred and has expressed skepticism about voting machines. During the January 6, 2021, congressional session, he called for an audit of Arizona’s results, which ultimately affirmed Biden’s win. Despite this, Biggs continues to frame the debate over election legitimacy as suppressed by media and political opponents. He faces incumbent Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in the upcoming election.
Wisconsin presents a similar scenario with Tom Tiffany, a Republican hopeful for governor who also voted against certifying the 2020 results while serving as a U.S. representative. Like Biggs, Tiffany has been associated with efforts to challenge the validity of the election. In Pennsylvania and Michigan, other gubernatorial candidates have similarly raised doubts about the integrity of the 2020 vote. These actions mirror Trump’s broader campaign in 2020 to pressure state and local officials into withholding signatures on election certifications—a strategy that ultimately failed as governors and secretaries of state refused to impede the process.
Georgia offers another notable example, where businessman Bill Jackson emerged victorious in the Republican primary for secretary of state. Jackson criticized incumbent Brad Raffensperger, labeling him a traitor for refusing to yield to Trump’s demands to overturn the state’s results. While Jackson acknowledges Biden’s win, he argues that unresolved issues from 2020 undermine public trust in the electoral system. His campaign has emphasized the need for reforms to restore confidence, though critics view his stance as an attempt to legitimize past challenges to election integrity. Jackson will face former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.
Michigan’s gubernatorial race features John James, a U.S. representative who initially refused to concede his own 2020 Senate loss and later claimed the presidential election was rigged. James has asserted that Trump won Michigan three times, despite no evidence supporting this assertion. His rhetoric aligns with broader efforts within the party to cast doubt on the fairness of recent elections. If elected, James would wield significant influence over how Michigan handles future electoral disputes, given the state’s history as a battleground in presidential contests.
The implications of these candidacies become clearer when considering their potential impact on the 2028 election cycle. Should Republicans lose another closely contested race, officials with ties to election denial could face immense pressure to withhold certification or initiate investigations that delay final outcomes. Such actions might exacerbate existing tensions surrounding electoral integrity and further polarize public opinion. Moreover, the presence of these candidates underscores ongoing divisions within the Republican Party regarding acceptance of democratic norms.
Despite inquiries from journalists, none of the mentioned candidates provided straightforward answers about whether they believe Biden won the 2020 election or if they would certify results in 2028. This lack of clarity leaves voters uncertain about how these individuals might act under pressure during future elections. As campaigns intensify, the focus remains not only on policy differences but also on fundamental questions about trust in democratic institutions. The coming months will reveal whether these candidates can overcome skepticism rooted in their past actions and rhetoric.
Ultimately, the convergence of election denialism with bids for statewide office highlights a significant shift in American politics. By targeting roles directly involved in certifying elections, these candidates aim to reshape the mechanisms through which democratic processes unfold. Whether motivated by genuine concerns about procedural flaws or strategic positioning within their party, their success could redefine expectations around electoral accountability and transparency in years to come.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗From Arizona to Wisconsin, election deniers are vying for office nationwide
