Dozens of election-denying candidates could control voting : NPR

Key Points:

• In 23 states, including five key presidential swing states, candidates who deny the legitimacy of past election results are running for offices that influence the certification of future elections, raising concerns about the integrity of upcoming votes.
• States United Action's analysis identifies at least 53 candidates in statewide races for positions like secretary of state, governor, or attorney general who have either falsely claimed Trump won in 2020 or supported efforts to undermine certified election outcomes.
• Secretaries of state, traditionally bureaucratic roles, have gained heightened significance since 2020 due to unprecedented pressures from Trump and allies to influence election results, exemplified by officials in Georgia and Michigan who resisted such interference.
• While the number of election-denying candidates has decreased compared to previous cycles—likely due to voter backlash—those running in strongly Republican states or crowded primaries still often embrace denial, reflecting an organized and influential faction within Republican politics.
• Experts warn that despite representing a small minority of the electorate, the election denial movement remains a potent and active force that shapes Republican candidates' positions and election-related policies.