There’s a competition crisis in America’s state legislatures – and that’s bad for democracy

In dozens of states, an increasing number of legislative seats are going completely uncontested by one of the two major parties.

By: Charlie Hunt, Boise State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 6, 2026

Words: 1,247

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Charlie Hunt, Boise State University

Many Americans report frustration with the two-party system, in which the Democratic and Republican candidates are seen as the only viable options for elective office.

But an alarming trend in many state legislative elections is lowering the bar even further, to something more like a one-party system. In dozens of states, an increasing number of state legislative seats are going completely uncontested by one of the two major parties. …

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