The states that have opted out of the Great American State Fair are Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Pennsylvania. News reports say these states confirmed they would not officially participate, with Vermont standing out as the only Republican-governed state in that group.

What’s behind it

Most of the states that declined are led by Democratic governors, and the reasons reported include budget pressures, scheduling conflicts, and concern that the event has become too partisan. Oregon specifically cited both participation costs and worries about the fair’s political framing.

Current reporting

Different outlets have listed slightly different sets as the list grew, but the clearest recent roundup says there are at least 10 opt-out states. Earlier reports named a smaller core group before Illinois, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington were added.

Sources

  • Newsweek’s updated list of 10 states
  • Earlier coverage from the New York Times and Time

TL;DR: The main opt-out states are Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Pennsylvania.