Stop the Steal Never Stopped: How Election Lies Took Over Georgia and Threaten 2026

When the FBI showed up at a Fulton County warehouse in Georgia this past January to seize hundreds of boxes of 2020 election documents, County Commissioner Dana Barrett saw something far more than a routine investigation. With the 2020 election long settled and recounted multiple times, Barrett suspected political theater aimed at undermining trust in the democratic process.

The “Stop the Steal” movement that falsely claims the 2020 election was stolen has never stopped. Instead, its most fervent believers now hold key positions of power, including seats on Georgia’s State Election Board — a critical swing state authority. One lawyer known for baseless election fraud lawsuits has advanced from private practice to a White House role overseeing election integrity, despite being sanctioned for making “unequivocally false” claims.

Barrett’s firsthand experience at the warehouse raid was telling. As the FBI locked down the building and confiscated over 650 boxes of election materials, she found herself chased by conspiracy-minded election board members and right-wing influencers spreading misinformation. Barrett called out these agitators for “hurting America” as they sought to disrupt the process.

The raid was quickly seized by former President Trump and his allies as proof of a “national takeover” of elections, fueling further conspiracy theories and efforts to wrest control of election machinery. This weaponization of doubt is not just a fringe problem — it threatens to break the very system that ensures free and fair elections.

With the 2026 midterms looming, this entrenched election denialism poses a direct threat to American democracy. The “Stop the Steal” lie is no longer just a baseless claim; it’s become a political force reshaping election oversight and public trust. Holding these power grabs accountable is urgent if we are to protect the right to vote and the integrity of our elections.

For a deeper dive, see Mother Jones’ report on how election deniers took over Georgia’s election system and Reveal’s coverage of the FBI raid and its implications. The fight over America’s elections is far from over — and the stakes have never been higher.