BallotWire Briefs — Weekly Election Update (Jan. 18–23)

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.

Klobuchar Files Paperwork for Minnesota Governor's Race – Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has filed a campaign committee with Minnesota's Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, signaling a likely 2026 gubernatorial run after Governor Tim Walz ended his re-election campaign earlier this month. Klobuchar, a senator since 2007, is expected to announce her candidacy soon and would likely be the Democratic frontrunner, given her strong statewide recognition and electoral success. She was reelected to the U.S. Senate in 2024 with 56% of the vote.

Louisiana Congresswoman Challenges GOP Senator – Republican U.S. Representative Julia Letlow has entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Louisiana, launching a Trump-backed primary challenge against incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy. Her entry adds tension to an already contentious GOP nomination battle.

Sports Broadcaster Tafoya Launches GOP Senate Bid in Minnesota - Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya has launched a campaign for Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate seat as a Republican. With Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith not seeking re-election, Tafoya enters the race with early support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).

Campaign Cash Tracker

A snapshot of the latest campaign finance activity, from standout fundraising hauls and war chest totals to financial trends forming the competitive landscape in critical contests.

Rob Sand Dominates Fundraising in Iowa Governor's Race - Democratic Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand raised $9.6 million in 2025 for his gubernatorial campaign, far outpacing the field. His total fundraising now stands at nearly $18 million for the election cycle, with around $13 million remaining in his war chest.

Sununu Raises $1.7M in First 10 Weeks of Campaign – New Hampshire Republican U.S. Senate candidate John E. Sununu, a former U.S. Senator representing New Hampshire, announced his campaign has raised nearly $1.7 million across all authorized committees since launching on October 22nd. The Republican candidate reported contributions from approximately 7,000 donors during this initial period.

Musk Pumps Millions into Kentucky Senate Race - Elon Musk has contributed $10 million to a super PAC supporting businessman Nate Morris in Kentucky's 2026 U.S. Senate race. Morris is competing for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. He faces a crowded Republican primary field that includes U.S. Representative Andy Barr and former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.

State & Local Spotlight

Coverage of notable state and local election events that may indicate broader political trends or influence higher-profile races.

Brown Wins Georgia State Senate District 18 Special Election - Democrat Lemario Brown won the special election for Georgia's 18th State Senate District with 36.93% of the vote, prevailing over multiple Republican challengers in a crowded field.

McGuire Captures Virginia House District 17 in Landslide Victory - Democrat Garrett Z. McGuire won the special election for Virginia House District 17 with 78.09% of the vote, defeating Republican Christopher F. Cardiff.

Maryland Commission Approves Congressional Map That Could Eliminate GOP Seat -

Maryland's Governor's Redistricting Advisory Commission voted on January 20^th to recommend a proposed congressional map that could give Democrats all eight of the state's U.S. House seats by reconfiguring district boundaries to eliminate the lone Republican-held district. The proposal now advances to the Democratic-controlled General Assembly for consideration.

Data & Polling Roundup

An overview of newly released polling and data understandings that help contextualize the current electoral landscape and emerging trends.

Alaska Poll Shows Tight U.S. Senate Race Between Peltola and Sullivan — A Public Policy Polling survey, conducted January 15–18, 2026, reveals a razor-thin contest for Alaska’s U.S. Senate seat. Former Democratic U.S. Representative Mary Peltola leads with 49%, while incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan follows closely at 47%. The race is considered a top Democratic target as the party looks to flip the seat in the 2026 midterm elections.

Evette Holds Slim Lead in Crowded South Carolina GOP Governor Race - A Trafalgar Group poll of the 2026 South Carolina Republican gubernatorial primary, conducted January 15–20, 2026, finds Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette leading the field with 22%, followed by Attorney General Alan Wilson at 20%, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace at 17%, U.S. Representative Ralph Norman at 10%, and State Senator Josh Kimbrell at 2% among likely GOP primary voters.

Pappas, Sununu Command Leads in NH Senate Primary Polls – The University of New Hampshire Survey Center’s Granite State Poll, conducted January 15–19, 2026, shows U.S. Representative Chris Pappas leading the Democratic primary with 65%. In the Republican primary, former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu leads with 48%, followed by Scott Brown at 25%. The New Hampshire Senate race is a key 2026 battleground that could help decide control of the narrowly divided U.S. Senate.

Democrats Hold 6-Point Lead on Generic Congressional Ballot – Democrats hold a six-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot, according to recent national polling. Emerson College Polling found Democrats leading 48% to 42% among likely voters in a January 17–19 survey, while the New York Times/Siena College recorded a five-point Democratic lead, 48% to 43%, among registered voters in polling conducted January 12–17.