Cato Institute report ranks US state and governor freedom

A new report from the Cato Institute, titled “Freedom in the 50 States,” ranks U.S. states and governors based on their protection of economic and personal freedoms across 97 policy variables. Arizona emerged as the top-ranked state for overall freedom, receiving an A grade for its policies regarding education freedom, firearm rights, fiscal burden, medical freedom, and technology.

In terms of state leadership, nine of the ten most free states are led by Republicans, with Arizona being the only Democrat-led state in the top ten. Montana’s Governor Greg Gianforte ranked first among governors, followed by Florida’s Ron DeSantis and Texas’ Greg Abbott. Conversely, Hawaii was identified as the least free state, while New York and Massachusetts also ranked poorly.

Economic freedom rankings placed New Hampshire first, followed by Idaho and Texas. Regarding fiscal burden, New Hampshire also led the rankings, followed by Florida and South Dakota. The report evaluated categories including state spending, housing freedom, parental rights, and Second Amendment protections.