How many states are blue in 2026
The gist
A 2026 list counts 19 Democratic-leaning states plus Washington, D.C., as blue.
Democrats also hold 24 governorships to Republicans' 26, the closest split in recent years.
How it unfolded
- Feb 3, 2026A published list of Democratic-leaning (blue) states names California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Washington, D.C.
- Mar 14, 2026Democrats hold 24 governorships heading into 2026 versus 26 for Republicans, with 16 Democratic trifectas and 23 Republican trifectas nationally.
- Jul 30, 2026The U.S. News Best States Top 10 includes four blue states (Colorado, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Washington), four red states and two purple states.