Republican governors are expressing strong disapproval of CNBC following its release of the 2026 “America’s Top States for Business” study. The study placed Republican-led states at the bottom in quality-of-life rankings, sparking criticism over perceived liberal bias.
As the rankings emerged, voices from conservative states called for scrutiny of CNBC’s methodology. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders highlighted a surge in residents moving to her state as a testament to its attractiveness, questioning the study’s conclusions.
“Somebody must have forgotten to tell the tens of thousands of new Arkansans about this CNBC report,” Sanders stated.
CNBC’s list ranked Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Missouri, Utah, Georgia, Louisiana, Indiana, Texas, and Tennessee as the worst places to live. Each of these states supported former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
The list results from CNBC’s comprehensive business study. The “Life, Health and Inclusion” category now weighs heavier in determining rankings, comprising 11.6% of a state’s overall score, a rise from around 10% last year.
Critics claim that the rankings are skewed by ideological factors, assessing states based on crime rates, air quality, healthcare, and ideological policies such as abortion laws and anti-discrimination measures.
“Texas’ low taxes, strong economy, abundant energy, and commitment to freedom deliver the quality of life and opportunity that millions choose every year,” said Andrew Mahaleris, spokesperson for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office dismissed the rankings as politically biased, citing serious issues with the methodology. The statement suggests CNBC disregarded affordability and essential matters of concern to Americans.
Supporters of the criticized states point to substantial domestic migration, as Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama each saw notable population increases.
Tennessee, labeled the worst state, was critiqued for its “bathroom law” and prohibition against local antidiscrimination ordinances. Critics also highlighted Utah’s low child care availability and Georgia’s lack of LGBTQ+ protections.
California’s Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom underscored the partisan divide in the rankings, suggesting Republicans suffer from “California Derangement Syndrome.” Despite criticisms, blue states reportedly experienced significant resident declines.
US Census Bureau data shows Los Angeles County lost over 53,000 residents, while New York City saw a net decrease of 114,000 during the same period.
Joshua Q. Nelson, a reporter for Fox News Digital, comments on cultural trends, education, and public policy, focusing extensively on developments such as reparations and immigration.