This year, thousands of Americans will run for offices that administer and certify elections.
At the same time, some politicians are spreading the Big Lie that widespread fraud or administrative failures cast doubt on the results of the 2020 presidential election. Campaigns for election official positions are making this “election denial” a central issue, whether by embracing or attacking it. As a result, many of these races — once under-the-radar — are gaining national attention.
The Brennan Center has long documented campaign financing: how and where money is spent, its sources, whom it is used to support, and what messages it pays for. We are now focusing on key races in battleground states for offices with roles in running elections. These officials include governor, secretary of state, and local supervisors and clerks.
Using public filings, the reports below track financing in these races at both the candidate and aggregate levels. They also track candidates’ statements related to election denialism, which we are collecting in a related series as well.
