There are 205 contested state legislative primaries in 2023, representing 23% of all possible primaries. Comparing 2023 to other times Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia all held elections since 2011, the percentage of primaries that are contested this year is lower than in 2019 (25%) but higher than in 2011 (22%) and 2015 (20%).
A primary is contested when there are more candidates running than nominations available, meaning at least one candidate on the primary ballot must lose. There are 538 state legislative districts up for election nationwide, creating 877 possible primaries.
