Historic midterm gains gave Democrats control of the Pennsylvania Senate, the Texas House, and the Georgia House for the first time in over two decades. The resulting balance of power establishes 22 Democratic state trifectas compared to 17 for Republicans, while creating divided governments in traditional conservative strongholds like North Carolina. Officials from the Republican State Legislative Committee blamed heavy opposition spending and anti-incumbent sentiment, whereas Democrats credited their targeted focus on down-ballot strategy.
Key points
Democrats will command an expected national balance of 24-to-22 over Republicans in state…: Democrats will command an expected national balance of 24-to-22 over Republicans in state legislative control.
Lawmakers in newly secured trifecta states plan to pursue minimum wage increases, abortio…: Lawmakers in newly secured trifecta states plan to pursue minimum wage increases, abortion rights protections, and school voucher limits.
The disruption of Republican trifectas in North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas will establi…: The disruption of Republican trifectas in North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas will establish divided governments and spark debates over Medicaid expansion.
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Democrats made gains in legislatures across the country
The midterm elections saw historic changes in state legislatures.
Pennsylvania voters elected a Democratic majority in the state Senate for the first time since Jimmy Carter was president. Democrats in Texas will run the state House there for the first time in 24 years. The Georgia House will have a Democratic majority for the first time in more than 20 years.
The results reversed a GOP dominance in legislatures that began in 2010 and had solidified since.
Going into the midterms, Republicans controlled legislatures in 28 states and Democrats held 18. The remaining few were divided. Now, with some votes still being counted, it looks likely the Democrats will hold a 24-to-22 lead with others divided.
So far, Democrats have picked up seats in nearly every state that held legislative elections, according to data compiled by NPR. Democrats gained significant ground in unexpected, reliably Republican states, like Texas, Utah and Florida.
The shift could mean real change in people's lives as legislatures rewrite laws on taxes, reproductive rights, access to health care,…
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