Primaries for the 2026 midterms kick off next Tuesday, with elections in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas. Lots to see, especially in Texas where both Senate primaries are highly competitive. On the House side, redistricting and retirements have created an unusually large number of interesting contests, with several incumbents at risk. 

For this final final Tuesday in February, we have three State House special elections. Two are in Pennsylvania, one in Maine. These chambers, both controlled by Democrats, are among the most closely-divided in the country.

Polls in both states close at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

Pennsylvania State House Districts 22 and 42

Democrats hold a slim 100-98 margin over Republicans in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. There are five vacancies, two of which will be filled Tuesday. Members serve two-year terms; the next elections are in November.

District 22 includes portions of the Allentown area. Democrat Joshua Siegel resigned in December after being elected Lehigh County Executive. Siegel was unopposed in 2024. In 2022, when Republicans last contested the seat, he won by a 64% to 36% margin over Republican Robert Smith.

Two candidates are on the ballot. Smith is again the GOP nominee, while Democrats have selected Ana Tiburcio.

District 42 is at the other end of the state, southwest of Pittsburgh. Democrat Dan Miller resigned after being elected as a judge in Allegheny County. Miller was reelected by a 67% to 33% margin over Republican Joseph Leckenby in 2024.

Two candidates are looking to succeed Miller. Jennifer Mazzocco is the Democratic nominee, while Leckenby is back for another go at it as the GOP nominee.

Special elections have been scheduled for the other three open seats. March 17 for Districts 79 and 193, with District 196 on the ballot May 19. The May election coincides with the 2026 statewide primary.

Maine House District 94

As in Pennsylvania, Democrats control the Maine House via a very narrow margin. In this case it is 74-72 over Republicans. There are three independents and two vacancies. All 151 seats are up for a two-year term in November.

District 94 is in the Lewiston Area. Democrat Kristen Cloutier resigned to become Chief of Staff to the State Senate president. Cloutier was reelected by a 60% to 40% margin in 2024. 

The nominees are Democrat Scott Harriman and Republican Janet Beaudoin.

The other vacancy is in District 29, where Republican Kathy Javner died in January. That special election is scheduled for June 9.

Calendar
2026 State Primaries >

March 3

Arkansas
North Carolina
Texas


March 10


March 17

Where no candidate gets a majority, top-two runoffs will be held March 31 (Arkansas), April 7 (Mississippi), and May 26 (Texas). In North Carolina, a May 12 runoff will only be held if requested by the second place finisher in primaries where the top vote-getter received less than 30% support.

Other Scheduled Elections

Congressional Special Elections

March 10

Georgia District 14*

Runoff (if needed) April 7




April 16


June 2

California District 1 (Primary)*

Special Election (if needed) August 4



State Legislative Special Elections

March 3

Arkansas Senate District 26
Arkansas House District 70
Massachusetts Senate District 1st Middlesex
Massachusetts House District 5th Essex (Primary)


March 10

Georgia Senate District 53*
Georgia House Districts 94 and 130*
New Hampshire House District Carroll 7


March 14

Louisiana Senate District 3
Louisiana House District 69 (Primary)*
Louisiana House District 100


March 17

Pennsylvania House Districts 79 and 193


March 24

Florida Senate District 14
Florida House Districts 51 and 87

* All candidates compete on the same ballot. If one gets a majority, they are elected. Otherwise, the top two finishers advance to another election that will determine the winner.