Methodology

We are tracking all announced and/or filed candidates running for governor in 2023. To qualify as an Election Denier, a candidate 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:

    • Filed or supported litigation seeking to overturn the results.
    • Filed or supported litigation that was sanctioned for being malicious and/or without merit in the aftermath of an election.
    • Promoted/participated in a Stop the Steal sponsored/branded event or rally during/following the 2020 election.
    • Called for a “forensic audit” of the 2020 presidential election and/or a race in subsequent elections after the results were certified and/or officially audited and/or stood up to multiple legal challenges.

  • 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.

Data Overview

In 2023, 3 states will elect their governor: Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

7 total Election Deniers have run for governor in 2 states this year: Kentucky and Louisiana.

As of November 8, 2023, 1 Election Denier won the Louisiana first-round vote, and is now governor-elect.

Data Breakdown

The table below lists all candidates on the ballot running for governor as of November 8, 2023 and includes their state, name, party, and whether they are an Election Denier or not, based on the methodology above.

Party Key

D = Democrat
R = Republican
O = Other party or no party

Evidence of Election Denial

Louisiana - Jeff Landry

12/8/2020 - KPLC News: Louisiana AG throws support behind Texas election lawsuit