Public policy made simple. Dive into ourinformation hub today!

State executive official elections, 2022

From Ballotpedia


StateExecLogo.png
State Executive Officials

State executive elections by position and year:
2023
2021



State executive offices up for election in 2022 included 36gubernatorial offices, 30lieutenant gubernatorial offices, 30attorney general offices, and 27secretary of state offices. Including down-ballot races, there were 307 state executive offices up for election across 44 states in 2022.[1]

See below for information on:

For November 8, 2022, election results, see:


State executives act in many capacities according to the powers granted to them by their state's constitution. They are also charged with implementing and enforcing laws made by state legislatures. There are 748executive offices spread across13 distinct types of offices in the United States.[2] Of the 13 executive offices, only seven exist in all 50 states:governor,attorney general,superintendent of schools,insurance commissioner,agriculture commissioner,labor commissioner, andpublic service commissioner.

Othercommon offices includelieutenant governor,secretary of state,treasurer,controller,auditor, andnatural resources commissioner.

On this page, you will find:

  • An overview of the state executive offices up for election in 2022,
  • A breakdown of pre-election partisan control of the offices up for election in 2022,
  • Information on each state'strifecta andtriplex status,
  • Historical data on state executive official elections dating back to 2011, and
  • A table of important dates and deadlines by state.

While this page includes links to pages on state executive elections in the U.S. Territories, it does not include the territories in its statistics.

Contents

Battleground races

Ballotpedia identified 38 state executive elections as battleground races. The breakdown of battleground races by office includes:

  • 13 elections for governor,
  • Seven elections for attorney general,
  • Nine elections for secretary of state,
  • Eight elections for state financial officer(treasurer, auditor, or comptroller), and
  • One election for lieutenant governor

Table last updated December 20, 2022.

State executive battleground elections, 2022
OfficeIncumbentIncumbent running?Election winner2020 presidential resultResult in last election for this office2022 election result
Alaska GovernorRepublican PartyMike DunleavyYesRepublican PartyMike DunleavyR+10.0R+7.0R+26.1
Arizona GovernorRepublican PartyDoug DuceyNoDemocratic PartyKatie HobbsD+0.3R+14.2D+0.7
Arizona Attorney GeneralRepublican PartyMark BrnovichNoDemocratic PartyKris MayesD+0.3R+3.4D+0.02
Arizona Secretary of StateDemocratic PartyKatie HobbsNoDemocratic PartyAdrian FontesD+0.3D+0.8D+4.8
California ControllerDemocratic PartyBetty YeeNoDemocratic PartyMalia CohenD+29.2D+31.0D+10.6
Colorado TreasurerDemocratic PartyDave YoungYesDemocratic PartyDave YoungD+13.5D+7.3D+10.7
Connecticut GovernorDemocratic PartyNed LamontYesDemocratic PartyNed LamontD+20.1D+3.2D+12.8
Georgia GovernorRepublican PartyBrian KempYesRepublican PartyBrian KempD+0.2R+1.4R+7.5
Georgia Attorney GeneralRepublican PartyChris CarrYesRepublican PartyChris CarrD+0.2R+2.6R+5.3
Georgia Secretary of StateRepublican PartyBrad RaffenspergerYesRepublican PartyBrad RaffenspergerD+0.2R+3.8R+9.2
Indiana Secretary of StateRepublican PartyHolli SullivanNoRepublican PartyDiego MoralesR+16.0R+15.6R+13.9
Iowa Attorney GeneralDemocratic PartyTom MillerYesRepublican PartyBrenna BirdR+8.2D+53.7R+1.8
Iowa Secretary of StateRepublican PartyPaul PateYesRepublican PartyPaul PateR+8.2R+7.8R+20.2
Iowa AuditorDemocratic PartyRob SandYesDemocratic PartyRob SandR+8.2D+4.6D+0.2
Iowa TreasurerDemocratic PartyMichael L. FitzgeraldYesRepublican PartyRoby SmithR+8.2D+12.1R+2.6
Kansas GovernorDemocratic PartyLaura KellyYesDemocratic PartyLaura KellyR+14.6D+5.0D+2.1
Kansas TreasurerDemocratic PartyLynn RogersYesRepublican PartySteven C. JohnsonR+14.6R+15.4R+12.8
Maine GovernorDemocratic PartyJanet MillsYesDemocratic PartyJanet T. MillsD+9.1D+7.7D+12.9
Maryland ComptrollerDemocratic PartyPeter FranchotNoDemocratic PartyBrooke Elizabeth LiermanD+33.2D+44.3D+23.2
Michigan GovernorDemocratic PartyGretchen WhitmerYesDemocratic PartyGretchen WhitmerD+2.8D+9.6D+10.6
Michigan Attorney GeneralDemocratic PartyDana NesselYesDemocratic PartyDana NesselD+2.8D+2.7D+8.6
Michigan Secretary of StateDemocratic PartyJocelyn BensonYesDemocratic PartyJocelyn BensonD+2.8D+8.9D+14.0
Minnesota GovernorDemocratic PartyTim WalzYesDemocratic PartyTim WalzD+7.1D+11.4D+7.7
Minnesota Attorney GeneralDemocratic PartyKeith EllisonYesDemocratic PartyKeith EllisonD+7.1D+3.9D+0.8
Minnesota Secretary of StateDemocratic PartySteve SimonYesDemocratic PartySteve SimonD+7.1D+8.7D+9.2
Minnesota AuditorDemocratic PartyJulie BlahaYesDemocratic PartyJulie BlahaD+7.1D+6.2D+0.4
Missouri AuditorDemocratic PartyNicole GallowayNoRepublican PartyScott FitzpatrickR+15.4D+5.8R+21.8
Nevada GovernorDemocratic PartySteve SisolakYesRepublican PartyJoe LombardoD+2.4D+4.1R+1.5
Nevada Attorney GeneralDemocratic PartyAaron D. FordYesDemocratic PartyAaron D. FordD+2.4D+0.4D+7.9
Nevada Secretary of StateRepublican PartyBarbara CegavskeNoDemocratic PartyCisco AguilarD+2.4R+0.7D+2.2
New Mexico Secretary of StateDemocratic PartyMaggie Toulouse OliverYesDemocratic PartyMaggie Toulouse OliverD+10.8D+20.6D+11.9
Oklahoma GovernorRepublican PartyKevin StittYesRepublican PartyKevin StittR+33.1R+12.1R+13.6
Oregon GovernorDemocratic PartyKate BrownNoDemocratic PartyTina KotekD+16.1D+6.4D+3.4
Pennsylvania GovernorDemocratic PartyTom WolfNoDemocratic PartyJosh ShapiroD+1.2D+17.1D+14.8
Texas Lieutenant GovernorRepublican PartyDan PatrickYesRepublican PartyDan PatrickR+5.6R+4.8R+10.3
Wisconsin GovernorDemocratic PartyTony EversYesDemocratic PartyTony EversD+0.7D+1.1D+3.4
Wisconsin Attorney GeneralDemocratic PartyJosh KaulYesDemocratic PartyJosh KaulD+0.7D+0.6D+1.4
Wisconsin Secretary of StateDemocratic PartyDoug La FolletteYesDemocratic PartyDoug La FolletteD+0.7D+5.5D+0.3

Offices that changed party control

The following state executive offices changed party control as a result of the 2022 elections:

Gubernatorial offices that changed party control, 2022 elections
StatePre-election controlPost-election control
ArizonaDoug DuceyRepublican PartyKatie HobbsDemocratic Party
MarylandLarry HoganRepublican PartyWes MooreDemocratic Party
MassachusettsCharlie BakerRepublican PartyMaura HealeyDemocratic Party
NevadaSteve SisolakDemocratic PartyJoe LombardoRepublican Party


Lieutenant gubernatorial offices that changed party control, 2022 elections
StatePre-election controlPost-election control
MarylandBoyd RutherfordRepublican PartyAruna MillerDemocratic Party[3]
MassachusettsKaryn PolitoRepublican PartyKim DriscollDemocratic Party[4]
NevadaLisa Cano BurkheadDemocratic PartyStavros AnthonyRepublican Party


Attorney general offices that changed party control, 2022 elections
StatePre-election controlPost-election control
ArizonaMark BrnovichRepublican PartyKris MayesDemocratic Party
IowaTom MillerDemocratic PartyBrenna BirdRepublican Party
VermontSusanne YoungRepublican PartyCharity ClarkDemocratic Party


Secretary of State offices that changed party control, 2022 elections
StatePre-election controlPost-election control
NevadaBarbara CegavskeRepublican PartyCisco AguilarDemocratic Party


Downballot state executive offices that changed party control, 2022 elections
StateOfficePre-election controlPost-election control
Arizonasuperintendent of public instructionKathy HoffmanDemocratic PartyTom HorneRepublican Party
Arizonacorporation commission memberSandra KennedyDemocratic PartyNick MyersRepublican Party
IowaTreasurerMichael L. FitzgeraldDemocratic PartyRoby SmithRepublican Party
KansasTreasurerLynn RogersDemocratic PartySteven JohnsonRepublican Party
MissouriAuditorNicole GallowayDemocratic PartyScott FitzpatrickRepublican Party
NevadaControllerCatherine ByrneDemocratic PartyAndy MatthewsRepublican Party
Utahstate board of educationLaura BelnapGrey.pngLeAnn WoodRepublican Party[5]
Utahstate board of educationJanet CannonRepublican PartyCarol Barlow LearDemocratic Party[6]
WisconsinTreasurerSarah GodlewskiDemocratic PartyJohn LeiberRepublican Party


Defeated incumbents

The following state executive incumbents were defeated in the 2022 elections:

Defeated state executive incumbents, 2022 elections
StateOfficePre-election incumbentPost-election incumbent
Arizonasuperintendent of public instructionKathy HoffmanDemocratic PartyTom HorneRepublican Party
Arizonacorporation commission memberSandra KennedyDemocratic PartyNick MyersRepublican Party
Idahoattorney generalLawrence WasdenRepublican PartyDiego MoralesRepublican Party[7]
Indianasecretary of stateHolli SullivanRepublican PartyRaúl LabradorRepublican Party[8]
Iowaattorney generalTom MillerDemocratic PartyBrenna BirdRepublican Party
IowatreasurerMichael L. FitzgeraldDemocratic PartyRoby SmithRepublican Party
KansastreasurerLynn RogersDemocratic PartySteven JohnsonRepublican Party
Kansasstate board of educationJean CliffordRepublican PartyCathy HopkinsRepublican Party[9]
Kansasstate board of educationBen JonesRepublican PartyDennis HershbergerRepublican Party[10]
Nebraskastate board of educationRobin StevensGrey.pngElizabeth TegtmeierGrey.png
Nebraskapublic service commissionRod JohnsonRepublican PartyEric KamlerRepublican Party[11]
Nebraskapublic service commissionMary RidderRepublican PartyKevin StockerRepublican Party[12]
NevadagovernorSteve SisolakDemocratic PartyJoe LombardoRepublican Party
Nevadalieutenant governorLisa Cano BurkheadDemocratic PartyStavros AnthonyRepublican Party
Nevadastate board of regentsJohn MoranGrey.pngStephanie GoodmanGrey.png
Ohiostate board of educationJenny KilgoreGrey.pngKatie HofmannGrey.png
Ohiostate board of educationTim MillerGrey.pngTom JacksonGrey.png
Oklahomaattorney generalGentner DrummondRepublican PartyJohn O'ConnorRepublican Party[13]
South Dakotasecretary of stateSteve BarnettRepublican PartyMonae JohnsonRepublican Party[14]
Texasstate board of educationSue Melton-MaloneRepublican PartyEvelyn BrooksRepublican Party[15]
Texasstate board of educationJay JohnsonRepublican PartyAaron KinseyRepublican Party[16]
Utahstate board of educationScott HansenRepublican PartyJoseph KerryRepublican Party[17]
Utahstate board of educationLaura BelnapGrey.pngLeAnn WoodRepublican Party[18]
Utahstate board of educationJanet CannonRepublican PartyCarol Barlow LearDemocratic Party[19]
Utahstate board of educationStacey HutchingsRepublican PartyChristina BoggessRepublican Party[20]
Wyomingsuperintendent of public instructionBrian SchroederRepublican PartyMegan DegenfelderRepublican Party[21]

Offices up for election

Governor

There were36 gubernatorial offices up for election in 2022. To view more information on elections in a particular state, click the corresponding link below the map or click the state on the map and then click the state's name in the white box that appears.

Out of all top state executive offices, only thegovernor andattorney general exist in all 50 states, and only the governor is elected in all 50 states. As the chief executive officer, the governor is among the most powerful figures in state government. Other executive offices ordinarily report to him or her.

Lieutenant Governor

There were30 lieutenant gubernatorial offices on the ballot in 2022. To view more information on elections in a particular state, click the corresponding link below the map or click the state on the map and then click the state's name in the white box that appears.

In 45 states, thelieutenant governor is the second-highest executive office, behind thegovernor. Although the powers and duties of the lieutenant governor vary from state to state, lieutenant governors are responsible for filling vacancies in the office of governor. In many states, lieutenant governors often sit on boards or commissions, and they are often involved in the proceedings of the state Senate.

Attorney General

There were30 attorney general offices on the ballot in 2022. To view more information on elections in a particular state, click the corresponding link below the map or click the state on the map and then click the state's name in the white box that appears.

As the state's chief legal officer, the attorney general is responsible for enforcing state law and advising the state government on legal matters. In many states, attorneys general play a large role in the law enforcement process.

Secretary of State

There were27 secretary of state offices on the ballot in 2022. To view more information on elections in a particular state, click the corresponding link below the map or click the state on the map and then click the state's name in the white box that appears.

Although the duties and powers of the secretary of state vary from state to state, a common responsibility is management and oversight of elections and voter rolls, which are assigned to the secretary of state in 41 states. Other common responsibilities include registration of businesses, maintenance of state records, and certification of official documents.

Down-ballot

There were 184 down-ballot offices up for election in 2022. To view more information on elections in a particular state, click the corresponding link below the map or click the state on the map and then click the state's name in the white box that appears.

Treasurer

Auditor

Comptroller

Education officials

Commissioners

Other officials

Total executive officials by party

Of the307 state executive positions up for election in 2022,156 were held by Republicans heading into the election,125 were held by Democrats, and24 were nonpartisan offices or held by an independent or minor party officeholder. In addition,two of the seats on theColorado State Board of Education that were up for election in 2022 did not have an incumbent because they were created in 2022 following redistricting.

The chart below shows a breakdown of partisan control by office type.

Competitiveness

Primary competitiveness

See also:Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2022

State executive primaries were more competitive in 2022 than in2018—the last time a comparable number of state executive offices were up for election. The number ofopen seats where the incumbent did not seek re-election was 89 in both years, while the number of incumbents facing a challenger increased from 60 to 95.

The number of overall contested primaries also increased. In 2018, there were 226 contested state executive primaries, including 109 Republican, 95 Democratic, and 12 top-two. In 2022, there were 254 contested primaries, including 137 Republican primaries, 91 Democratic primaries, and 26 top-two primaries.

Click here to see our analysis on the number of Democratic and Republican candidates on the ballot for federal and state offices, 2022


State government trifectas

See also:State government trifectas

Astate government trifecta is a term used to describe when a single party controls the governorship and both chambers of a state's legislature.

As of November 25, 2025, there are 23 Republican trifectas, 15 Democratic trifectas, and 12 divided governments where neither party holds trifecta control.


State government triplexes

See also:State government triplexes

Astate government triplex is a term used to describe when a state's governor, attorney general, and secretary of state are all members of the same party.

As of November 25, 2025, there are 25 Republican triplexes, 20 Democratic triplexes, and 5 divided governments where neither party holds triplex control.

Historical election data

Ballotpedia coversAmerica's 748 state executive seats across all 50 states. The following sections look at incumbency and partisanship in state executive elections from 2011 to 2021.

Incumbency

From 2011 to 2021, 63.8% of incumbents sought re-election. Of the incumbents who sought re-election during that period, 86.3% were successful. The first chart below shows the number of incumbents who sought election each year compared to the number of seats up for election. The second chart shows the number of incumbents who were re-elected compared to the number of incumbents who ran for re-election.

The table below is organized by year and includes the total number of offices up for election, the number and percentage of incumbents who sought re-election, and the number and percentage of incumbents who won another term.

State executive incumbents who sought re-election, 2011-2021
YearTotal seatsIncumbents who
sought re-election
% incumbents who
sought re-election
Incumbents who
were re-elected
% incumbents who
were re-elected
2021
7
4
57.1%
3
75.0%
2020
171
113
66.1%
98
86.7%
2019
36
21
58.3%
20
95.2%
2018
303
186
61.4%
151
81.2%
2017
8
3
37.5%
2
66.7%
2016
93
51
54.8%
40
78.4%
2015
25
16
64.0%
15
93.8%
2014
226
152
67.3%
139
91.4%
2013
6
3
50.0%
3
100.0%
2012
94
67
71.3%
59
88.1%
2011
26
19
73.1%
18
94.7%
Total
995
635
63.8%
548
86.3%

Partisanship

The table below details how many state executive seats changed parties from 2011 to 2021. The largest single-year gain by a party was in 2018, when Democrats gained 41 net seats. That year also had the highest number of seats up for election, with 303. The lowest net change was in 2011, when no parties gained or lost any seats. Twenty-six seats were on the ballot that year. The table is organized by year and shows the number of seats held by each party before the election and after the election and the net change each party saw.

State executive partisanship, 2011-2021
YearTotal seatsBefore electionAfter electionNet change
Democratic Party
Democrats
Republican Party
Republicans
Grey.png
Other
Democratic Party
Democrats
Republican Party
Republicans
Grey.png
Other
Democratic Party
Democrats
Republican Party
Republicans
Grey.png
Other
2021
7
5
1
1
2
4
1
-3
+3
0
2020
171
59
71
41
56
75
40
-3
+4
-1
2019
36
8
28
0
7
29
0
-1
+1
0
2018
303
81
184
38
122
143
38
+41
-41
0
2017
8
3
4
1
5
2
1
+2
-2
0
2016
93
50
39
3
37
53
2
-13
+14
-1
2015
25
8
16
1
6
19
0
-2
+3
-1
2014
226
79
144
3
67
156
3
-12
+12
0
2013
6
0
5
1
3
2
1
+3
-3
0
2012
94
50
38
6
49
42
3
-1
+4
-3
2011
26
9
17
0
9
17
0
0
0
0

Partisan control of governorships

The chart below looks at the number of governorships held by the Democratic and Republican parties between 1977 and 2021. The biggest difference between the number of seats held by Democrats compared to those held by Republicans was in 1977 and 1978, when Democrats held 37 seats and Republicans held 12. The lowest difference between the number of seats held by Democrats compared to those held by Republicans was in 1987, 2003, and 2019. In 1987, Democrats held 26 governorships and Republicans held 24; in both 2003 and 2019, Democrats held 24 governorships and Republicans held 26. Republicans gained one governorship in both the 2020 and 2021 elections.


Important dates and deadlines

The table below lists important dates throughout the 2022 election cycle, including filing deadlines and primary dates.

Primary dates and filing deadlines, 2022
StatePrimary datePrimary runoff dateFiling deadline for primary candidatesSource
Alabama5/24/20226/21/20221/28/2022
2/11/2022 (congressional)
Source
Alaska8/16/2022N/A6/1/2022Source
Arizona8/2/2022N/A4/4/2022Source
Arkansas5/24/20226/21/20223/1/2022Source
California6/7/2022N/A3/11/2022Source
Colorado6/28/2022N/A3/15/2022Source
Connecticut8/9/2022N/A6/7/2022Source
Delaware9/13/2022N/A7/12/2022Source
Florida8/23/2022N/A6/17/2022Source
Georgia5/24/20226/21/20223/11/2022Source
Hawaii8/13/2022N/A6/7/2022Source
Idaho5/17/2022N/A3/11/2022Source
Illinois6/28/2022N/A3/14/2022Source
Indiana5/3/2022N/A2/4/2022Source
Iowa6/7/2022N/A3/18/2022Source
Kansas8/2/2022N/A6/1/2022Source
Kentucky5/17/2022N/A1/25/2022Source
Louisiana11/8/2022N/A7/22/2022[22]Source
Maine6/14/2022N/A3/15/2022Source
Maryland7/19/2022N/A4/15/2022Source
Massachusetts9/6/2022N/A5/31/2022
6/7/2022 (Congress and statewide office)
Source
Michigan8/2/2022N/A4/19/2022Source
Minnesota8/9/2022N/A5/31/2022Source
Mississippi6/7/20226/28/20223/1/2022Source
Missouri8/2/2022N/A3/29/2022Source
Montana6/7/2022N/A3/14/2022Source
Nebraska5/10/2022N/A2/15/2022Source
Nevada6/14/2022N/A3/18/2022Source
New Hampshire9/13/2022N/A6/10/2022Source
New Jersey6/7/2022N/A4/4/2022Source
New Mexico6/7/2022N/A3/24/2022Source
New York6/28/2022; 8/23/2022 (congressional and state senate only)N/A4/7/2022; 6/10/2022 (congressional and state senate only)Source
North Carolina5/17/20227/5/2022 (if no federal office is involved); 7/26/2022 (if a federal office is involved)3/4/2022Source
North Dakota6/14/2022N/A4/11/2022Source
Ohio5/3/2022 (Congress and statewide offices)
8/2/2022 (state legislative offices)
N/A2/2/2022 (U.S. House candidates: 3/4/2022)Source
Oklahoma6/28/20228/23/20224/15/2022Source
Oregon5/17/2022N/A3/8/2022Source
Pennsylvania5/17/2022N/A3/15/2022 (Congress and statewide offices only)
3/28/2022 (state legislative candidates)
Source
Source
Rhode Island9/13/2022N/A7/15/2022Source
South Carolina6/14/20226/28/20223/30/2022Source
South Dakota6/7/2022N/A3/29/2022Source
Tennessee8/4/2022N/A4/7/2022Source
Texas3/1/20225/24/202212/13/2021Source
Utah6/28/2022N/A3/4/2022Source
Vermont8/9/2022N/A5/26/2022Source
Virginia[23]6/21/2022N/A4/7/2022Source
Washington8/2/2022N/A5/20/2022Source
West Virginia5/10/2022N/A1/29/2022Source
Wisconsin8/9/2022N/A6/1/2022Source
Wyoming8/16/2022N/A5/27/2022


The table below lists changes made to election dates and deadlines in the 2022 election cycle. Items are listed in reverse chronological order by date of change, with the most recent change appearing first.

Record of date and deadline changes, 2022
StateDate of changeDescription of changeSource
Louisiana6/6/2022A federal district court, in striking down the state's congressional redistricting plan, postponed the deadline for candidates qualifying by petition in lieu of paying the filing fee from June 22, 2022, to July 8, 2022. The court's order did not affect the July 22, 2022, deadline for candidates qualifying by paying the filing fee.Source
Ohio5/28/2022Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) called for the state legislative primary to be held on August 2, 2022 (the primary was originally scheduled for May 3, 2022).Source
New York5/10/2022A federal district court judge affirmed the decision of a state-level judge to postpone the primaries for congressional and state senate offices to August 23, 2022 (the primary was originally scheduled for June 28, 2022). The state court then issued an order establishing new candidate filing deadlines.Source;Source
Pennsylvania3/16/2022The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania fixed March 28, 2022, as the filing deadline for General Assembly candidates.Source
Maryland3/15/2022The Maryland Court of Appeals postponed the primary election from June 28, 2022, to July 19, 2022. The court also extended the filing deadline from March 22, 2022, to April 15, 2022.Source
Massachusetts2/14/2022Governor Charlie Baker (R) signed a bill into law that rescheduled the state's primary election from September 20, 2022, to September 6, 2022.Source
Ohio5/28/2022Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R), in response to a federal court order, directed that the primary for state legislative offices be held on August 2, 2022.Source
Utah2/14/2022Governor Spencer Cox (R) signed SB170 into law, moving the candidate filing deadline to March 4, 2022. The original filing deadline was set for March 11, 2022.Source
Maryland2/11/2022The Maryland Court of Appeals extended the candidate filing deadline from February 22, 2022, to March 22, 2022.Source
Pennsylvania2/9/2022The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania suspended the candidate filing period for the primary election, pending resolution of a redistricting dispute. The original filing deadline was set for March 8, 2022. The court later fixed March 15, 2022, as the filing deadline for statewide offices and the U.S. Congress.Source
Alabama1/24/2022The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama postponed the filing deadline for primary congressional candidates from January 28, 2022, to February 11, 2022.Source
Kentucky1/6/2022Governor Andy Beshear (D) signed HB172 into law, extending the filing deadline for partisan candidates from January 7, 2022, to January 25, 2022.Source
North Carolina12/8/2021The Supreme Court of North Carolina ordered the postponement of the statewide primary, originally scheduled for March 8, 2022, to May 17, 2022. The court also suspended candidate filing, which subsequently resumed on February 24, 2022, and concluded on March 4, 2022.Source
North Carolina2/9/2022The North Carolina State Board of Elections announced that candidate filing, having been suspended by the state supreme court in December 2021, would resume on February 24, 2022, and conclude on March 4, 2022.Source

The offices

State executives act in many capacities according to the powers granted to them by their state's constitution. They are also charged with implementing and enforcing laws made by state legislatures. There are 748executive offices spread across13 distinct types of offices in the United States.[24] Of the 13 executive offices, only seven exist in all 50 states:governor,attorney general,superintendent of schools,insurance commissioner,agriculture commissioner,labor commissioner, andpublic service commissioner.

Othercommon offices includelieutenant governor,secretary of state,treasurer,controller,auditor, andnatural resources commissioner.

Analysis of state elections

In 2022, 44 states held elections forexecutive,legislative, orjudicial seats, including elections for88 of the nation's99 state legislative chambers,36 gubernatorial offices, and32 state supreme court seats.

State legislative elections

State Houses-Tile image.png
See also:State legislative elections, 2022

On November 8, 2022, members in 88 of the country's 99 state legislative chambers were up for election across 46 states. These elections were for 6,278 of the country's 7,383 state legislative seats (85%).

Heading into the election,Democrats controlled 36 chambers andRepublicans controlled 62. Abipartisan coalition controlled theAlaska House.

As a result of the election:

  • Democrats gained control of four chambers—the Michigan House and Senate, Minnesota Senate, and Pennsylvania House—bringing their total to 40.[25] Wins in Minnesota and Michigan created new Democratic trifectas in those states. Both had previously been divided governments.
  • In Alaska, abipartisan coalition gained control of the Senate. The coalition in the House changed from being made primarily of Democrats and independents to one made primarily of Republicans.
  • Republicans lost control of five chambers, bringing their total to 57.

Featured analysis

  • State legislative seats that changed party control in 2022: As a result of the Nov. 8, 2022, elections, partisan composition of all 7,386 state legislative seats changed by less than half a percentage point.Democrats had a net loss of six seats, representing 0.1% of all state legislative seats.Republicans had a net gain of 28 seats, representing 0.4% of all state legislative seats.[26]Independents and minor party officeholders had a net loss of20 seats, representing 0.2% of all state legislative seats.
  • Annual State Legislative Competitiveness Report: Vol. 12, 2022: Competitiveness refers to the presence of choice throughout the election cycle. A greater level of competitiveness means voters have the ability to make more decisions. A lower level of competitiveness equals fewer choices. State legislative competitiveness in 2022 reached its highest level compared to all even-year election cycles since 2010. In 2022, the nationwide State Legislative Competitiveness Index is 36.2, beating out 2018 (36.1) and the 2012 post-redistricting cycle (35.2).

More related articles

State executive elections

State-capitol-utah.jpg
See also:State executive official elections, 2022

State executive offices up for election in 2022 included36gubernatorial seats,30lieutenant gubernatorial seats,30attorney general seats, and27secretary of state seats. Including down-ballot races, there were307 state executive seats up for election across 44 states in 2022.[27]

Of the 36 that held elections forgovernor, four offices changed party hands. Partisan control changed from Republican to Democratic inArizona,Maryland, andMassachusetts. Partisan control changed from Democratic to Republican inNevada, where incumbent GovernorSteve Sisolak (D) was the only incumbent governor to lose re-election in 2022.

The partisan control of three lieutenant governors' offices changed. The office switched from Democrat to Republican in Nevada and from Republican to Democrat in Maryland and Massachusetts.

The partisan control of two secretary of State offices changed from Republican to Democrat.

In three states—Arizona, Iowa, and Vermont—the office of attorney general changed party control, resulting in a net gain of one office for Democrats and a net loss of one office for Republicans.

Featured analysis

  • Trifecta vulnerability in the 2022 elections: Thirteen state government trifectas were vulnerable in the 2022 elections, according to Ballotpedia's annual trifecta vulnerability ratings. Democrats defended seven vulnerable trifectas and Republicans defended six. A state government trifecta occurs when one party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. At the time of the 2022 elections, there were 37state government trifectas: 23 Republican trifectas and 14 Democratic trifectas. The remaining 13 states had a divided government where neither party had a trifecta.
  • State government triplexes: Heading into the November 8 elections, there were 23 Republican triplexes, 18 Democratic triplexes, and 9 divided governments where neither party held triplex control. A state government triplex is a term to describe when one political party holds the following three positions in a state's government:governor,attorney general, andsecretary of state.[28] In states where the attorney general or secretary of state are appointed by the governor, Ballotpedia considers the office to be held by the governor's party for the purposes of defining triplexes.[29]
  • Annual State Executive Competitiveness Report: Ballotpedia's 2022 study of competitiveness instate executive official elections found that 37.1% of incumbents did not seek re-election, leaving those offices open. This was higher than in 2020 (35.6%) and 2014 (32.7%) but lower than in 2018 (38.6%) and 2016 (45.2%). The decade average for open offices was 37.8%.

More related articles

State judicial elections

Gavel-square.png
See also:State judicial elections, 2022

A total of382 appellate court seats were up for election in 2022. This included84 supreme court seats and298 intermediate appellate court seats.

In addition, in theU.S. Territories, theNorthern Mariana Islands heldretention elections for two judges on theNorthern Mariana Islands Superior Court in 2022.

Ballotpedia provided coverage ofsupreme court andintermediate appellate court elections, as well aslocal trial court elections for judges within the100 largest cities in the United States as measured by population.

Featured analysis

  • Partisanship of state supreme court judges: In June 2020, Ballotpedia conducted a study into the partisanship of state supreme court justices. The study placed each justice into one of five categories indicating confidence in their affiliations with either the Democratic or Republican Parties. These categories were Strong Democratic, Mild Democratic, Indeterminate, Mild Republican, and Strong Republican.

More related articles


See also

2022 elections:

Previous elections:

Ballotpedia exclusives:

Footnotes

  1. Ballotpedia describes the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state as top-ballot state executive offices. Down-ballot state executive offices that exist in all 50 states include superintendent of schools, insurance commissioner, agriculture commissioner, labor commissioner, and public service commissioner. Examples of other down-ballot state executive offices include treasurer, auditor, and comptroller.
  2. There are 13 state executive offices as Ballotpediadefines the term, however there are other executive offices in some states that are not covered by Ballotpedia.
  3. The partisan control of the lieutenant governor's office changed as the lieutenant governor was elected on a joint ticket with the governor.
  4. The partisan control of the lieutenant governor's office changed as the lieutenant governor was elected on a joint ticket with the governor.
  5. Belnap did not appear on the ballot for the Republican nominating convention.
  6. Melanie Monestere defeated the incumbent, Janet Cannon, at the Republican nominating convention. Incumbent Carol Barlow Lear defeated Monestere in the general election. Two incumbents—Janet Cannon (R) and Carol Barlow Lear (D)—ran for the same office due to redistricting.
  7. Morales defeated the incumbent, Lawrence Wasden, in the Republican primary.
  8. Labrador defeated the incumbent, Holli Sullivan, at the Republican nominating convention.
  9. Hopkins defeated the incumbent, Jean Clifford, in the Republican primary.
  10. Hershberger defeated the incumbent, Ben Jones, in the Republican primary.
  11. Kamler defeated the incumbent, Rod Johnson, in the Republican primary.
  12. Stocker defeated the incumbent, Mary Ridder, in the Republican primary.
  13. Drummond defeated the incumbent, John O'Connor, in the Republican primary.
  14. Johnson defeated the incumbent, Steve Barnett, at the Republican nominating convention.
  15. Brooks defeated the incumbent, Sue Melton-Malone, in the Republican primary.
  16. Kinsey defeated the incumbent, Jay Johnson, in the Republican primary.
  17. Kerry defeated the incumbent, Scott Hansen, at the Republican nominating convention.
  18. Belnap did not appear on the ballot for the Republican nominating convention.
  19. Melanie Monestere defeated the incumbent, Janet Cannon, at the Republican nominating convention. Incumbent Carol Barlow Lear defeated Monestere in the general election. Two incumbents—Janet Cannon (R) and Carol Barlow Lear (D)—ran for the same office due to redistricting.
  20. Boggess defeated the incumbent, Stacey Hutchings, at the Republican nominating convention.
  21. Degenfelder defeated the incumbent, Brian Schroeder, in the Republican primary.
  22. A federal district court, in striking down the state's congressional redistricting plan, postponed the deadline for candidates qualifying by petition in lieu of paying the filing fee from June 22, 2022, to July 8, 2022. The court's order did not affect the July 22, 2022, deadline for candidates qualifying by paying the filing fee.
  23. In Virginia, the Democratic and Republican parties form committees to decide on the method of nomination used for congressional races. These non-primary methods of nomination may take place on a date other than the statewide primary.
  24. There are 13 state executive offices as Ballotpediadefines the term; however, there are other executive offices in some states that are not covered by Ballotpedia.
  25. In the Pennsylvania House, Democrats won 102 seats but would enter the legislative session with 99 members due to three vacancies: one due to the death of an incumbent and the others due to resignations to assume higher office. Vacancies are filled by special elections. According toCNalysis, all three vacant districts voted for President Joe Biden (D) by margins of more than 15 percentage points in 2020:Learn morehere.
  26. This total includes three seats created in Wyoming during the2020 redistricting process, which affects the net changes before and after the Nov. 8 elections.
  27. Ballotpedia describes the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state as top-ballot state executive offices. Down-ballot state executive offices that exist in all 50 states include superintendent of schools, insurance commissioner, agriculture commissioner, labor commissioner, and public service commissioner. Examples of other down-ballot state executive offices include treasurer, auditor, and comptroller.
  28. Ballotpedia chose to highlight these offices because they are typically the most visible positions in states and serve important administrative functions.
  29. This is because it is very uncommon for an attorney general or secretary of state appointed by a governor to often be in direct conflict with that governor.
v  e
2022 state executive official elections
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Treasurer
Auditor
Comptroller
Education officials
Alabama (board of education)Arizona (superintendent)California (superintendent)Colorado (board of education)Colorado (board of regent)District of Columbia (board of education)Georgia (superintendent)GuamIdaho (superintendent)Kansas (board of education)Michigan (board of education)Michigan (board of regent)Michigan (board of trustees)Michigan (board of governors)Nebraska (board of education)Nebraska (board of regents)Nevada (board of regents)New Mexico (board of education)Northern Mariana Islands (board of education)Ohio (board of education)Oklahoma (superintendent)South Carolina (superintendent)Texas (board of education)U.S. Virgin Islands (board of education)Utah (board of education)Wyoming (superintendent)
Commissioners
Alabama (agriculture)Alabama (public service)Arizona (corporation)Arizona (mine inspector)Arkansas (public lands)California (board of equalization)California (insurance)Florida (agriculture)Georgia (agriculture)Georgia (labor)Georgia (insurance)Georgia (public service)Guam (consolidated utilities)Hawaii (Hawaiian affairs)Iowa (agriculture)Kansas (insurance)Louisiana (public service)Massachusetts (governor's council)Montana (public service)Nebraska (public service)New Hampshire (executive council)New Mexico (public lands)North Dakota (agriculture)North Dakota (public service)North Dakota (tax)Oklahoma (corporation)Oklahoma (insurance)Oklahoma (labor)Oregon (labor)South Carolina (agriculture)South Dakota (public lands)South Dakota (public utilities)Texas (agriculture)Texas (public lands)Texas (railroad)U.S. Virgin Islands (elections)
Elections
2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010
Ballotpedia
Editorial Content
Josh Altic, Director of ContentDaniel Anderson, Associate Director of Elections & DataCory Eucalitto, Associate Director of FeaturesRyan Byrne, Managing Editor of Ballot MeasuresMandy McConnell, Managing Editor of NewsDoug Kronaizl, Managing Editor of Local ExpansionAbbey Smith, Managing Editor of ElectionsJanie Valentine, Managing Editor of LawJoel Williams, Managing Editor of EventsAndrew BahlJaclyn BeranMarielle BrickerJoseph BrusgardEmma BurlingameKelly CoyleJon DunnVictoria EdwardsThomas EllisNicole FisherJoseph GreaneyThomas GrobbenBrianna HoseaMolly KehoeTyler KingGlorie MartinezNorm Leahy, Senior EditorNathan MaxwellJimmy McAllisterBrandon McCauleyEllie MikusEllen MorrisseyMackenzie MurphyKaley PlatekSamantha PostAdam PowellAnnelise ReinwaldEthan RiceSpencer RichardsonVictoria RoseBriana RyanMyj SaintylMaddy SaluckaEmma SoukupAlexis ThackerMina VogelSamuel WonacottTrenton Woodcox