The Downballot

There are 36 races for governor in 2026, and many are shaping up to be highly competitive. On this week’s episode of The Downballot podcast, co-hosts David Nir and David Beard run through 10 of the most interesting races for governor across the country. They explain how the blue-leaning environment could help Democrats compete in red states and how ranked-choice voting systems could affect races in both Alaska and Maine.The Davids also preview the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, a contest in which liberal candidate Chris Taylor looks like the decided favorite over her conservative rival, Maria Lazar. They discuss Democrats’ current structural advantage in races like these during the Trump era and consider the possibility of a dominant 6-1 progressive majority in 2027. Get full access to The Downballot at www.the-downballot.com/subscribe

Democrats flipped not one but two districts in special elections on Tuesday night, and they managed it in Florida, of all places. On this week’s episode of The Downballot podcast, co-hosts David Nir and David Beard discuss how Democrats pulled off this most unlikely of feats in a state where their hopes have so often gone to die in recent years—and why Republicans should be particularly worried.We’re also diving deep into Maryland politics with Baltimore Sun reporter Tinashe Chingarande, who explains why the Democrats’ hope of opening a new front in the redistricting wars ran aground in the Old Line State. But Senate President Bill Ferguson, the man who shut down any hopes of a remap, faces an unusual primary challenge that could end his long dominance over the legislature. Plus, the jam-packed race to succeed Steny Hoyer! Get full access to The Downballot at www.the-downballot.com/subscribe

Tori Dolan, a law professor and Native voting rights expert, discusses how election law clashes with tribal life. She explains historical roots of the problem. She details practical barriers like IDs, addresses, and county-tribal coordination. She outlines remedies including tribal IDs, addressing, and legal reforms to improve Native voter access.

They break down a New Hampshire special election flip and what it means for state politics. They track a high-profile Georgia runoff and a messy Texas GOP Senate scramble. They cover sudden withdrawals, engineered handoffs, surprising independent entries, and key primary contests shaping next year’s map.

Primary season started with a bang on Tuesday night, headlined by Texas’ high-intensity Senate race. But there were tons of other important elections on the ballot, not just in the Lone Star State but in North Carolina and Arkansas as well. We recap the top contests on this week’s episode of The Downballot podcast, which include the first House incumbent to lose this year, multiple races headed to runoffs, and yet another special election flip by Democrats.We’re also joined this week by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, the founder of a new group devoted to electing Democrats to county-level office nationwide called Boosting Future Leaders Onward. Poloncarz tells us all about these important but overlooked posts, including their far-reaching powers and how Democrats are using them to combat Donald Trump’s attacks on our democracy. He also highlights key elections across the country taking place this year. Get full access to The Downballot at www.the-downballot.com/subscribe

At long last, the 2026 primaries are upon us! On this week’s episode of The Downballot podcast, David Nir and guest host Joe Sudbay preview some of Tuesday’s most important races, including both parties’ primary for Senate in Texas, a scandal-plagued GOP congressman’s desperate bid for reelection in San Antonio, an early test for House Democrats facing upstart primary challengers in North Carolina, and more.Also joining us is Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, who explains how her organization, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, helps make sure progressive ballot measures succeed and anti-democracy efforts fail. Fields Figueredo walks us through the entire life cycle of an initiative, which doesn’t end at passage—implementation is critical, too. And she spotlights some of the most important measures voters across the country will get to weigh in on this year. Get full access to The Downballot at www.the-downballot.com/subscribe

A surprise Democratic campaign aims to redraw Colorado’s congressional map and could flip multiple seats. The hosts break down legal choices, timing and the map’s likely partisan shifts. They also dig into two sudden Arizona Republican dropouts and how MAGA purity tests are reshaping primaries. Finally, they preview a high-stakes Florida special election that includes Mar-a-Lago territory.

A fascinating look at a politician’s surprising comeback and the moves that turned her fortunes around. Sharp analysis of a bold strategy of confronting a former president and standing firm on controversial policies. Rapid recaps of upset wins in New Jersey, a big Democratic pickup in Louisiana, and a massive overperformance in Oklahoma.

A shocking Texas special election win and why it has Republicans panicking. How suburban and Hispanic shifts plus weak GOP candidates could reshape races. New fourth-quarter fundraising reports and a 900+ candidate database that recasts competitive maps. Fundraising fireworks in Florida and Georgia and surprising pickup opportunities in North Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, and Massachusetts.

Geoffrey Skelley, chief elections analyst at Decision Desk HQ and veteran election watcher, explains DDHQ’s expanded data-driven coverage. He discusses the St. Paul special election surge, how ICE deployments shaped turnout, surprising drivers of recent House retirements, and which 2026 primaries and Senate races to watch.