Overview
- Simon formally announced he will seek a fourth term, moving from prospective candidate to official entrant for 2026.
- He remains a defendant in a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit after resisting a request for more detailed voter data.
- He says his office is preparing for potential election disturbances next year, including scenarios involving military or immigration agents at polling places.
- Republican Tad Jude is the declared challenger and is promoting photo ID requirements, more frequent voter-roll audits, and greater cooperation with federal agencies.
- Simon highlights recent changes he backed, including pre‑registration for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds and restoration of voting rights for people leaving incarceration, following a year of heightened partisan clashes that included GOP lawsuits over a House quorum fight.