State election officials who defended the integrity of the 2020 elections are now eyeing gubernatorial seats in 2026, signaling a strategic pivot from their past confrontations with former President Donald Trump to more immediate voter concerns.

In the aftermath of a contentious 2020 election, figures like Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson became icons of democracy, resisting Trump’s false claims about election fraud. However, as they launch their gubernatorial campaigns, these officials are recalibrating their messages to address broader state issues.

Schwab, a Republican, and Benson, a Democrat, exemplify this shift. Schwab emphasized, "2020 is very far behind us... We remember it, but we’re moving on, and I think the American public is too." Meanwhile, Benson is focusing her campaign on economic issues, stating, "This election is about who is best positioned to lower costs for the people in our state."

Despite their reluctance to dwell on the past, the shadow of 2020 looms large, partly due to Trump's continued promotion of election falsehoods. Recently at a gathering in Davos, he reiterated his claims of a "rigged" election, promising repercussions for those involved in upholding the results.

Democratic and Republican candidates alike find themselves navigating a complex political landscape where voter priorities have evolved. For many, economic stability and local governance are now more pressing than election integrity debates. This sentiment is captured by Democratic pollster Celinda Lake, who noted that while democracy remains a potent theme for some, its interpretation has broadened to include issues of executive authority and personal freedoms.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, another Republican who defied Trump, is also vying for the governor's mansion. Raffensperger’s campaign has been marked by a focus on job creation and tax reduction, although the specter of the 2020 election continues to resurface, especially with FBI activities reigniting interest in the state's election processes.

These candidates are not alone in their quest to move beyond the controversies of 2020. Across the board, those who stood as bulwarks against misinformation are now seeking to cement their legacies through leadership that tackles a spectrum of public concerns, from economic policy to social welfare.

As the 2026 elections approach, the true test for these former secretaries of state will be their ability to engage voters who may be more interested in what lies ahead than what has transpired. Their success could redefine political resilience in an era keen on looking forward, not back.