Fewer Than 5% of U.S. House Races Are Highly Competitive, Analysis Finds
Analysis from The Cook Political Report reveals that less than 5% of U.S. House races are highly competitive, marking one of the lowest figures in decades. Experts suggest this lack of general election competition encourages lawmakers to pursue more extreme…
Birmingham, AL, October 25, 2026 —
Fewer than 5% of U.S. House races are highly competitive, according to analysis from The Cook Political Report, a level the summary describes as one of the lowest in decades. The analysis points to a limited number of closely contested general elections for the House.
Experts cited in the trend summary suggest that when general election competition is scarce, lawmakers may have more room to take extreme ideological positions and use confrontational approaches to governing. The summary does not identify the experts or provide direct quotations.
The trend may also affect voters’ ability to hold elected officials accountable, the summary says. In districts where outcomes are largely predetermined, voters may see less opportunity for their choices to change the result. The summary further suggests that this dynamic could suppress turnout in those districts.
The information provided does not specify which election cycle or cycles were assessed, how The Cook Political Report defined a “highly competitive” race, or the number of races included in the analysis. It also does not provide a breakdown by state or district. Those details are not available in the trend summary.
The analysis describes a broad pattern in House elections, but the information provided does not establish how much the lack of competition contributes to lawmakers’ political behavior or voter participation. It presents those effects as expert suggestions and potential consequences rather than quantified findings.
Story summarized from the original created by Jennifer Shutt on alabamareflector.com, see more information here.
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