Democrats had a stronger-than-expected performance in the midterm elections that allowed the party to increase its Senate majority and lose only a handful of seats in the House. Those electoral strengths extended to local elections for state legislatures, giving the party an advantage heading into 2023.
Democrats were able to pick up several seats that were up for grabs in state legislatures across the country, even managing to flip five chambers out of Republican control. The increased control over state legislatures may help Democrats advance their agenda in a number of states, as local lawmakers have outsize influence over abortion laws, voting rules, gun restrictions, and more.
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Overall, Democrats picked up seats in 21 states and took control of five state legislatures previously held by the GOP, according to data from Ballotpedia. Although Republicans still hold control over more state trifectas and overall state legislature seats, Democrats were able to flip more chambers and seats previously held by the other party.
Democrats flipped four legislative chambers in 2022, including both the House and Senate in Michigan, the Minnesota Senate, and the Pennsylvania House. The party was also able to make some gains in the Alaska legislature, in which a bipartisan coalition will serve as the majority in the state’s upper chamber.
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The party also picked up a number of gubernatorial wins, winning the governor’s mansion in Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Minnesota — securing a state trifecta in each, meaning Democrats control both legislative chambers and the governor’s seat.
Republicans also had strong performances in a number of GOP-held states, picking up 17 seats in West Virginia and 14 in Florida — securing supermajorities in both legislatures. Meanwhile, the GOP also picked up another eight seats in the Wisconsin legislature, falling just short of securing a supermajority.
