Democrats Gain State Trifectas to Enable National Popular Vote

The Democratic Party secured several state government trifectas during the November 5, 2026, midterm elections, creating a potential path to replace the Electoral College with a national popular vote model. By winning control of the governorship and both legislative houses in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona, the party now possesses the legislative power to pass the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact in those states.

The compact requires member states to assign their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the most votes nationwide. It only takes effect once participating states represent at least 270 electoral votes. Currently, 18 or 19 states and Washington, D.C. have joined, totaling 222 votes. Adding the five newly flipped states would bring the total to 283 electoral votes, surpassing the necessary threshold.

Implementation remains uncertain due to internal party will and legal challenges. Michigan Democrats previously failed to pass the measure, and Nevada's governor vetoed the compact in 2019. Additionally, the move may face constitutional hurdles regarding interstate compacts without congressional consent, though a Democratic-controlled Congress could potentially resolve the issue.