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MIDTERM ELECTIONS
Democrats Gain Power in Statehouses
GOP domination remains, but challenged at a crucial time
While a stronger-than-expected Democratic showing in congressional races got the most attention, the party also improved significantly in state-level contests.
The party did not lose control of a single legislature it already held — something reportedly not accomplished by the president’s party during a midterm election since 1934.
By flipping some legislatures to Democratic, Republican control of Electoral College votes is now less than the required 270 for a presidential election. This is crucial because the U.S. Supreme Court will consider next month a case in which state legislatures could get the final say over electoral votes, regardless of how their citizens vote.
Currently, 23 states have Republican control of both legislative houses and the governorship, according to Ballotpedia. Democrats have that control in 15 states; 12 states have divided governments.
Republicans dominated through redistricting and organized strategies to push policies opposed to abortion, LGBTQ rights, voting rights, gun-safety efforts and teaching about diversity.
