NPR is partnering with the Associated Press to call races in the 2026 election, including contests for the House, Senate and governorships. The AP has called elections since 1848, and its decision process draws on incoming results and analysis of ballots that have yet to be counted.
AP race callers work with analysts covering statewide contests and House elections. Decision editors review every call for president, Senate and governor, as well as significant House races. They assess results county by county and, where available, examine how votes were cast, such as in person or by mail. They also consult the AP’s vote-count team for updates on ballots counted and still outstanding.
That information helps the team evaluate whether a candidate who is behind can still catch up. The analysis considers where remaining ballots are coming from and the makeup of those communities. The AP says it calls a race only when it determines that a clear winner has emerged and the trailing candidates no longer have a viable path to victory.
As a result, a race can be called before every vote is counted. The AP describes its calls as decisions based on vote results and other election data, not predictions or speculation. NPR says it will not call a race based on a candidate declaring victory or making a concession.
Once the AP calls a race, NPR will share the result on air and through digital coverage, and provide the information to its member stations. AP data will also feed NPR’s election results pages. NPR says it will continue covering major races and the balance of power in Congress as counting proceeds.
Sources: NPR News.