Democrats Make Slight Gain in State Legislatures

As with other races this year, there was little overall change in the control of state legislatures, although the Democrats did make some progress, based on figures compiled by the National Council of State Legislatures.

Prior to the election:

• Republicans controlled both houses in 18 states
• Democrats controlled both houses in 16 states
• Control was split in 15 states

  
  
  

After Tuesday's voting:

• Democrats control both houses in 20 states
• Republicans control both houses in 17 states
• Control is split in 12 states

  
  
  

In three states, the House of Representatives changed from Republican to Democrat (California, Illinois, Michigan). In Nevada, the House had been tied, but is now led by the Democrats. In Indiana and Oregon, Republicans had a majority, but the membership is now tied between Republicans and Democrats. In Florida, the House changed from Democrat majority to Republican.

In four states, the Senate also switched to Democrat control (Connecticut, Maine, Tennessee, Vermont). Republicans picked up the Senate in two states (Iowa, Washington). In Kentucky, Democrats had a majority, but the membership is now tied between Republicans and Democrats.

Party Leadership in State Legislatures

House

Senate

Pre-Election Post-Election Pre-Election Post-Election Democrats 23 26 23 24 Republicans 25 21 25 23 Tied 1 2 1 2

(Nebraska has a unicameral, non-partisan legislature and is not included in the totals.)