July 6, 2026

More than half of the states holding elections in 2026 have held their primaries and selected their candidates for office. On the ballot in November will be 36 governors and 30 attorneys general, while 46 states are holding elections for at least one chamber of their state legislature. 

Both parties are targeting potential gains, particularly in their efforts to secure new trifectas, where a single party controls the governorship and both legislative chambers. At present, Republicans hold 23 trifectas, Democrats control 16 and 11 states have a divided government. Many familiar battlegrounds are once again expected to draw national attention, including Georgia, Nevada and

Pennsylvania. Slim legislative majorities, open seats and shifting political dynamics make these states ripe for either party to control. 

As always, this year’s map is not without potential surprises. Republicans are eyeing opportunities to disrupt Democratic control in less traditional targets such as Maine, where an open gubernatorial seat and a thin Democratic majority in the state House leaves the current trifecta vulnerable. Democrats, for their part, are optimistic that they can make races in Iowa and Ohio competitive again, after years of Republican dominance. Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have yet to hold their primaries but will also likely be competitive. 

Even in today’s unpredictable political environment, one pattern has largely held true: that the president’s party loses seats in midterm elections. With Republican President Donald Trump’s approval rating hovering below 40 percent, it’s safe to say Democrats have reason to feel confident up and down the ballot. 

In response to a more than $1.50 increase in average U.S. gasoline prices between February and May 2026, the Trump administration proposed suspending the federal gasoline excise tax to provide consumer relief.

While federal gas tax holidays have been considered before, none have been enacted. Research suggests consumers typically receive less than the full value of gas tax reductions through lower pump prices. A few states have implemented temporary gas tax relief, including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Utah. Illinois paused its motor fuel tax through December 31, 2026, while Utah temporarily reduced its gas tax by about 15 percent. 

Other states, including Vermont, oppose gas tax holidays, arguing the revenue is needed to support transportation infrastructure and public services.