We are tracking the Election Deniers that currently hold the statewide offices of governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. To qualify as an Election Denier, they must meet one or more of the following criteria:
Falsely claimed former President Trump won the 2020 election instead of the legitimate winner, President Joe Biden.
Refused to concede, or publicly supported a candidate’s refusal to concede a race after the results were certified and/or officially audited and/or stood up to multiple legal challenges.
Called on or pressured election officials to refuse to certify the 2020 presidential election results and/or a race in subsequent elections based on meritless claims about election fraud, voter fraud, misinformation, or lies.
Took actions to undermine the integrity of the 2020 presidential election and/or subsequent election cycles, including:
Spread lies about the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election and/or subsequent election cycles in public fora, including in social media, press statements, and/or comments to press.
Promoted election-related conspiracies about the 2020 presidential election and/or subsequent election cycles in public fora, including in social media, press statements, and/or comments to press.
As of September 13, 2023, 23 Election Deniers hold statewide office in 17 states. There are 7 sitting governors who are Election Deniers, 11 sitting attorneys general who are Election Deniers, and 5 sitting secretaries of state who are Election Deniers.
The table below lists Election Deniers who hold statewide office as governor, attorney general, or secretary of state, as of September 13, 2023, and includes their state, office, name, and party.
Party Key
D = Democrat
R = Republican
O = Other party or no party
12/10/2020 - AL.com: Steve Marshall at White House today in support of Trump’s election fight
5/15/2023 - POLITICO: Trump puts DeSantis in a bind on 2020: Can he bring himself to say Trump lost?
1/6/2022 - WPBF: Gov. Ron DeSantis downplays Jan. 6 assault on U.S. Capitol
6/17/2021 - WFLA: Gov. DeSantis refuses to answer whether he thinks 2020 election was rigged
11/14/2020 - Associated Press: GOP leaders in 4 states quash dubious Trump bid on electors
11/6/2020 - Herald-Tribune: Florida Republicans rally around Trump as he claims voter fraud
6/2/2022 - Associated Press: Ex-Pence aide seeks Indiana elections office that fired him
12/8/2020 - KPLC News: Louisiana AG throws support behind Texas election lawsuit
12/10/2020 - CBS News: Texas sues over election results in battleground states Biden won