Election-denying Republicans dominate ballots in key swing-state races across the nation

Across a swath of swing states, Republican hopefuls for governor and secretary of state are openly challenging the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential vote. In Arizona, Andy Biggs opposed certification of his state’s results, while in Wisconsin, Tom Tiffany voted against accepting the votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania and said he would have objected to his own state’s count. Georgia’s Rick Jackson, a healthcare executive, denounced the current secretary of state and won a runoff after the incumbent lost a primary.

Michigan’s John James, a former House member, has labeled the 2020 contest “rigged” despite later acknowledging Biden’s victory. Nevada’s Jim Marchant, a noted election denier, is again running for secretary of state after a 2022 loss, and Pennsylvania treasurer Stacy Garrity has repeatedly suggested irregularities in the 2020 vote. These candidates could occupy the offices that certify and oversee elections in 2028, prompting worries about potential refusal to sign off on results or susceptibility to pressure from President Donald Trump. None of the individuals responded to questions about who they believe won in 2020 or how they would act on future certifications.