Photo Credit: Analilia Mejia for New Jersey
By BallotWire
2026
BallotWire delivers data-driven coverage of U.S. elections at every level—federal, state, and local. We track results, trends, and shifts beyond the headlines.
Top Election Developments
A summary of the most significant election news from the week, including major race developments, candidate activity, and changes that may determine upcoming contests.
Mejia Upsets Malinowski in NJ-11 Primary - Progressive Democrat Analilia Mejia won the February 5 special Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, defeating a crowded field that included former U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski. Her win caught many by surprise, overcoming Malinowski’s strong name recognition and prior congressional tenure. Mejia will advance to the April 16 special general election to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill after her election as Governor of New Jersey.
Collins Launches 2026 Reelection Campaign – U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) announced she'll seek reelection in 2026. Collins won her last election in 2020 with 50.98% of the vote, defeating Democrat Sara Gideon by 9 points, despite polling that showed her trailing. The 2026 race is rated a toss-up by analysts. Top Democratic candidates competing in the June primary are Governor Janet Mills, backed by U.S. Senate Democratic leadership, and progressive veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner, endorsed by Bernie Sanders.
Amodei to Retire from Congress – U.S. Representative Mark Amodei (R-NV-2) announced in a press statement that he will retire from Congress at the end of his current term. "After 15 years of service, I believe it is the right time for Nevada and me to pass the torch," Amodei said. His retirement will leave a GOP-held House seat in Nevada's 2nd District open.
SAVE America Act Clears House - The U.S. House passed the Republican backed SAVE America Act (218–213) on February 11, which would require proof of citizenship and voter ID for federal elections and curtail mail-in registration. Republicans say the bill protects election integrity, while Democrats and voting advocates warn it will block eligible voters. The bill faces long odds in the U.S. Senate, where Democrats oppose it and 60 votes are needed to advance.
State & Local Spotlight
Coverage of notable state and local election events that may indicate broader political trends or influence higher-profile races.
Democrats Hold Louisiana House District 60 - Democrat Chasity Verret Martinez won the February 7 special election for Louisiana's House District 60, defeating Republican Brad Daigle 62% to 38% to keep the seat in Democratic hands. The district, which covers parts of Assumption and Iberville parishes, had been viewed as a potential Republican pickup given strong federal performance in recent years. Trump carried the district by 13 points in 2024, but Martinez’s decisive victory defied expectations and maintained the party’s control of the seat.
Bennett-Parker Won Virginia Senate District 39 Special Election - Democrat Elizabeth Bennett-Parker won the February 10 special election for Virginia's Senate District 39, defeating Republican Julie Robben Lineberry with 82.63% of the vote and ensuring that Democrats retain their majority in the Virginia State Senate.
McPike Won Virginia House of Delegates District 5 Special Election - In the February 10 special election for Virginia’s House of Delegates District 5, Democrat R. Kirk McPike won decisively, capturing 81.50% of the vote over Republican Marvin Mason Butler.
David Holt Reelected in Landslide – Incumbent Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt won a commanding third term in the February 10 Oklahoma City mayoral general election, securing 86.48% of the vote against challenger Matthew Pallares in the nonpartisan race.
Travis Won Oklahoma State House District 35 Special Election - Republican Dillon Travis won the February 10 special general election for Oklahoma's House District 35, defeating Democrat Luke Kruse with 64% of the vote to fill the seat vacated by former Representative Ty Burns.
Delgado Ends NY Gubernatorial Campaign - New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado officially ended his 2026 campaign for New York governor, announcing he will not seek the Democratic nomination. In a statement, Delgado said, “After much consideration, I’ve concluded that there simply is no viable path forward.” A recent Siena College poll showed Governor Kathy Hochul with a 64% to 11% lead over Delgado in the Democratic primary.
McMaster Endorses Evette for SC Governor - South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster endorsed Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette on February 12 in her bid for governor in the 2026 Republican primary, signaling unified support from the current administration. McMaster’s backing gives Evette a significant boost as she competes in a crowded GOP field. A Trafalgar Group poll conducted January 15–20, 2026, showed Evette leading the primary with 22%, followed by Attorney General Alan Wilson at 20% and U.S. Representative Nancy Mace at 17%.
Data & Polling Roundup
An overview of newly released polling and data understandings that help contextualize the current electoral landscape and emerging trends.
Minnesota Democrats Hold Leads in Key Statewide Contests - A recent Emerson College Polling survey conducted February 6-8, 2026, reveals Democratic candidates maintaining leads in Minnesota's gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races, though margins remain competitive.
In the governor's race, Democrat U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar leads potential Republican challengers. She leads Lisa Demuth 51% to 38% and Mike Lindell 53% to 31%.
For the U.S. Senate seat, two Democrats show similar strength against Republican Michele Tafoya. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan leads Tafoya 47% to 41%, while U.S. Representative Angie Craig holds a 47% to 40% lead in a hypothetical matchup with Tafoya.
Marshall Leads Alabama U.S. Senate GOP Primary – A recent The Alabama Poll conducted February 1-4, 2026, shows Steve Marshall leading the Republican primary field with 26% support among likely GOP voters. Barry Moore follows at 17%, with Jared Hudson at 8%, while 43% of voters remain undecided.
Georgia GOP Governor Primary Remains a Toss-Up - Recent polling shows a fluid Republican primary in Georgia’s 2026 governor’s race. A Co/efficient poll found Rick Jackson leading with 24%, followed by Burt Jones at 16%, while a Cygnal poll showed Burt Jones ahead at 22% with Jackson at 16%, underscoring an unsettled contest with no clear frontrunner.