Primary Winners Rose Without Majority Support
FairVote identified 125 candidates who clinched nominations despite failing to secure a majority of the primary vote.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Political Parties
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A new report from FairVote reveals that 125 candidates won congressional and statewide primaries in the United States without earning a majority of the vote. This figure represents a 79% increase compared to 2024 results.
Why it matters
Low voter turnout in partisan primaries and the impacts of redistricting have allowed candidates to secure nominations despite limited electoral support. Experts suggest these conditions increase the likelihood of nominees winning seats in districts where general elections are essentially decided during the primary phase.
FairVote identified 125 primary winners who secured nominations with less than 50% support, a 79% increase over 2024. Among these, 93 are US House candidates, including 17 in Florida alone.
The players
FairVote
This is a nonpartisan organization that advocates for electoral reforms in the United States.
La Shawn Ford
He is a candidate who won his primary in Illinois' 7th District with 23.7% of the vote.
The details
Mid-decade redistricting and retiring incumbents contributed to crowded fields that allowed winners to claim nominations with small pluralities. For example, La Shawn Ford won Illinois' 7th District primary with only 23.7% of the vote, yet he is expected to secure the general election with more than 80% support.
Timeline
FairVote began tracking primary vote outcomes in 2018.
The 79% increase in outcomes is measured against 2024.
Redistricting occurred throughout 2025 and 2026.
The Florida legislature approved a new congressional map in May 2026.
Nominees are scheduled to participate in the general election in November 2026.
Political Context
Critics of the current primary system argue that gerrymandering and mid-decade map adjustments unfairly favor specific candidates, creating districts where a minority of voters effectively choose the representative. Dissenting analysts often point to these structural barriers as a primary cause of low voter participation and potential disenfranchisement.
Voters in districts with safe party advantages may find that their general election ballot is decided long before November, as primary outcomes dictate the winner. This trend can limit the influence of general election voters by funneling decision-making power into lower-turnout primary contests.
The takeaway
The rise in candidates winning primaries without a majority suggests that small, motivated groups of voters are increasingly dictating representation in safe districts. Voters may want to prioritize participation in primary elections, as these contests have become the decisive factor in selecting their elected officials.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of Political Parties, read our latest analysis.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Independent Voter.
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Should primary election laws require candidates to win a majority of votes to become the nominee?
