On November 3, 2026, twenty-three U.S. states will hold elections for state auditor positions.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: State auditors serve as critical financial watchdogs, yet their elections often fly under the radar. As twenty-three states head to the polls in November 2026, the current partisan balance of twelve Democrats and eleven Republicans hangs in the balance, with several high-profile retirements and competitive races shaping the future landscape.

The 2026 state auditor elections involve a diverse group of states, most of which last held these contests in 2022. Vermont serves as the notable exception, as its auditor operates on a two-year cycle and was last elected in 2024. These races occur alongside a broader slate of federal, state, and local contests, highlighting the integration of these administrative roles into the wider American political machinery.

The current composition of this group is narrowly divided, with twelve Democrats and eleven Republicans. Interestingly, the political map reveals some cross-party dynamics: two states won by Donald Trump in 2024—Iowa and South Carolina—are currently served by Democratic auditors. Conversely, there are no instances of Republicans serving as auditors in states carried by Kamala Harris. These figures underscore the localized nature of these elections, where candidates sometimes succeed in environments that lean toward the opposing national party.

The 2026 cycle is marked by significant turnover. Several long-serving incumbents are stepping down, including three-term Democrat Susana Mendoza in Illinois, two-term Democrat Julie Blaha in Minnesota, and seven-term Democrat/Progressive Doug Hoffer in Vermont. Other positions are opening due to term limits, such as those held by Republicans Keith Faber in Ohio, Cindy Byrd in Oklahoma, and Rich Sattgast in South Dakota. These departures have triggered intense primary and general election battles, with candidates ranging from state legislators and local officials to business leaders and entrepreneurs vying to oversee state finances.

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