2012 United States state legislative elections

Last updated
2012 United States state legislative elections
Flag of the United States.svg
  2011 November 6, 2012 2013  

86 legislative chambers
44 states
 Majority partyMinority partyThird party
 
Party Republican Democratic Coalition
Chambers before6136 [lower-alpha 1] 1 [lower-alpha 2]
Chambers after58392 [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4]
Overall changeDecrease2.svg 3Increase2.svg 3 [lower-alpha 5] Increase2.svg 1

US2012stateupperhouses.svg
Map of upper house elections:
     Democrats gained control     Democrats retained control
     Republicans gained control     Republicans retained control
     Coalition gained control
     Non-partisan legislature
     No regularly-scheduled elections

US2012statelowerhouses.svg
Map of lower house elections:
     Democrats gained control     Democrats retained control
     Republicans gained control     Republicans retained control
     Non-partisan legislature
     No regularly-scheduled elections

The 2012 United States state legislative elections were held on November 6, 2012, for 86 state legislative chambers in 44 states. Across the fifty states, approximately 65 percent of all upper house seats and 85 percent of all lower house seats were up for election. Nine legislative chambers in the five permanently-inhabited U.S. territories and the federal district of Washington, D.C. also held elections. The elections took place concurrently with several other federal, state, and local elections, including the presidential election, U.S. Senate elections, U.S. House elections, and gubernatorial elections.

Contents

13 chambers shifted party control, as Republicans had gained many chambers in the 2010 mid-term elections, and this was seen as a modest rebalancing. [1]

Democrats won the Colorado House of Representatives, Maine Senate, Maine House of Representatives, Minnesota Senate, Minnesota House of Representatives, New Hampshire House of Representatives, and Oregon House of Representatives that was previously tied. Meanwhile, Republicans won the Wisconsin Senate which was briefly under Democratic control after multiple recall elections earlier in the year, and both chambers of the Arkansas legislature for the first time since 1874. The Alaska Senate went from a Democratic-led coalition to Republican control. The Washington Senate went from Democratic control to a Republican-led coalition, and the New York State Senate went from Republican control to a Republican-led coalition.

Summary table

Regularly-scheduled elections were held in 86 of the 99 state legislative chambers in the United States. Nationwide, regularly-scheduled elections were held for 6,015 of the 7,383 legislative seats. Many legislative chambers held elections for all seats, but some legislative chambers that use staggered elections held elections for only a portion of the total seats in the chamber. [2] The chambers not up for election either hold regularly-scheduled elections in odd-numbered years, or have four-year terms and hold all regularly-scheduled elections in presidential midterm election years.

Note that this table only covers regularly-scheduled elections; additional special elections took place concurrently with these regularly-scheduled elections.

StateUpper House [2] Lower House [2]
Seats upTotal % upTermSeats upTotal % upTerm
Alaska 192095440401002
Arizona 3030100260601002
Arkansas 35351002/4 [lower-alpha 6] 1001001002
California 204050480801002
Colorado 183551465651002
Connecticut 363610021511511002
Delaware 21211002/4 [lower-alpha 6] 41411002
Florida 40401002/4 [lower-alpha 6] 1201201002
Georgia 565610021801801002
Hawaii 25251002/4 [lower-alpha 6] 51511002
Idaho 3535100270701002
Illinois 59591002/4 [lower-alpha 6] 1181181002
Indiana 25505041001001002
Iowa 25505041001001002
Kansas 404010041251251002
Kentucky 19385041001001002
Louisiana 03904010504
Maine 353510021511511002
Maryland 04704014104
Massachusetts 404010021601601002
Michigan 038041101101002
Minnesota 67671002/4 [lower-alpha 6] 1341341002
Mississippi 05204012204
Missouri 17345041631631002
Montana 25505041001001002
Nebraska 25 [lower-alpha 7] 49 [lower-alpha 7] 51 [lower-alpha 7] 4N/A (unicameral)
Nevada 102148442421002
New Hampshire 242410024004001002
New Jersey 04002/4 [lower-alpha 6] 08002
New Mexico 4242100470701002
New York 636310021501501002
North Carolina 505010021201201002
North Dakota 23474944794504
Ohio 163348499991002
Oklahoma 24485041011011002
Oregon 153050460601002
Pennsylvania 25505042032031002
Rhode Island 3838100275751002
South Carolina 464610041241241002
South Dakota 3535100270701002
Tennessee 163348499991002
Texas 1631522/4 [lower-alpha 6] 1501501002
Utah 152952475751002
Vermont 303010021501501002
Virginia 04004010002
Washington 254951498981002
West Virginia 17345041001001002
Wisconsin 163348499991002
Wyoming 153050460601002
Total1281197265N/A4595541185N/A

State summaries

Alaska

Most of the seats of the Alaska Senate and all of the seats of the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans won control of the Senate from a Democratic-led coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and independents, while maintaining control of the Alaska House of Representatives.

Alaska Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 1013Increase2.svg 3
Coalition107Decrease2.svg 3
Total2020
Alaska House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 1615Decrease2.svg 1
Republican 2425Increase2.svg 1
Total4040

Arizona

All of the seats of the Arizona Senate and the Arizona House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans maintained a government trifecta with control of the governorship and both state legislative chambers.

Arizona Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2117Decrease2.svg 4
Democratic 913Increase2.svg 4
Total3030
Arizona House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 4036Decrease2.svg 4
Democratic 1924Increase2.svg 5
Total6060

Arkansas

All of the seats of the Arkansas Senate and all of the seats of the Arkansas House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans won control of both chambers for the first time since Reconstruction, thereby ending a government trifecta.

Arkansas Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 1521Increase2.svg 6
Democratic 2014Decrease2.svg 6
Total3535
Arkansas House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 4651Increase2.svg 5
Democratic 5449Decrease2.svg 5
Total100100

California

Half of the seats of the California State Senate and all of the seats of the California State Assembly were up for election in 2012. Democrats held control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

California State Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2526Increase2.svg 1
Republican 1514Decrease2.svg 1
Total4040
California State Assembly
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 5256Increase2.svg 4
Republican 2824Decrease2.svg 4
Total8080

Colorado

Half of the seats of the Colorado Senate and all of the seats of the Colorado House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats held control of the state House and won control of the state Senate, thereby establishing a trifecta.

Colorado Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2019Decrease2.svg 1
Republican 1516Increase2.svg 1
Total3535
Colorado House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 3237Increase2.svg 5
Republican 3328Decrease2.svg 5
Total6565

Connecticut

All of the seats of the Connecticut State Senate and the Connecticut House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats held control of both houses.

Connecticut State Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2222Steady2.svg
Republican 1414Steady2.svg
Total3636
Connecticut House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 9998Decrease2.svg 1
Republican 5253Increase2.svg 1
Total151151

Delaware

All of the seats of the Delaware Senate and all of the seats of the Delaware House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats held control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Delaware Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 1413Decrease2.svg 1
Republican 78Increase2.svg 1
Total2121
Delaware House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2627Increase2.svg 1
Republican 1514Decrease2.svg 1
Total4141

Florida

All of the seats of the Florida Senate and all of the seats of the Florida House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans held control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Florida Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2826Decrease2.svg 2
Democratic 1214Increase2.svg 2
Total4040
Florida House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 8174Decrease2.svg 7
Democratic 3846Increase2.svg 8
Total120120

Georgia

All of the seats of the Georgia State Senate and the Georgia House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans held control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Georgia State Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3638Increase2.svg 2
Democratic 2018Decrease2.svg 2
Total5656
Georgia House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 114119Increase2.svg 5
Democratic 6360Decrease2.svg 3
Independent11Steady2.svg
Total180180

Hawaii

All of the seats of the Hawaii Senate and all of the seats of the Hawaii House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats held control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Hawaii Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2424Steady2.svg
Republican 11Steady2.svg
Total2525
Hawaii House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 4244Increase2.svg 2
Republican 87Decrease2.svg 1
Total5151

Idaho

All of the seats of the Idaho Senate and the Idaho House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans held control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Idaho Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2829Increase2.svg 1
Democratic 76Decrease2.svg 1
Total3535
Idaho House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 5757Steady2.svg
Democratic 1313Steady2.svg
Total7070

Illinois

All of the seats of the Illinois Senate and all of the seats of the Illinois House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats held control of both chambers to maintain a trifecta.

Illinois Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 3540Increase2.svg 5
Republican 2419Decrease2.svg 5
Total5959
Illinois House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 6471Increase2.svg 7
Republican 5447Decrease2.svg 7
Total118118

Indiana

Half of the seats of the Indiana Senate and all of the seats of the Indiana House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans held control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Indiana Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3737Steady2.svg
Democratic 1313Steady2.svg
Total5050
Indiana House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 6069Increase2.svg 9
Democratic 4031Decrease2.svg 9
Total100100

Iowa

Half of the seats of the Iowa Senate and all of the seats of the Iowa House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans held control of the state House, and Democrats held control of the state Senate.

Iowa Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2424Steady2.svg
Democratic 2626Steady2.svg
Total5050
Iowa House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 5953Decrease2.svg 6
Democratic 4047Increase2.svg 7
Total100100

Kansas

All of the seats of the Kansas Senate and the Kansas House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans held control of both chambers and maintained a trifecta.

Kansas Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3231Decrease2.svg 1
Democratic 89Increase2.svg 1
Total4040
Kansas House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 9292Steady2.svg
Democratic 3333Steady2.svg
Total125125

Kentucky

Half of the seats of the Kentucky Senate and all of the seats of the Kentucky House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans held control of the state Senate, and Democrats held control of the state House.

Kentucky Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2222Steady2.svg
Democratic 1414Steady2.svg
Independent11Steady2.svg
Total3838
Kentucky House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 4145Increase2.svg 4
Democratic 5855Decrease2.svg 3
Total100100

Maine

All of the seats of the Maine Senate and the Maine House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats won control of both houses, ending a Republican trifecta.

Maine Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 1521Increase2.svg 6
Republican 1913Decrease2.svg 6
Total3535
Maine House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 7186Increase2.svg 15
Republican 7761Decrease2.svg 15
Independent 36Increase2.svg 3
Total151151

Massachusetts

All of the seats of the Massachusetts Senate and the Massachusetts House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats retained control of both chambers to maintain a trifecta.

Massachusetts Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 3636Steady2.svg
Republican 44Steady2.svg
Total4040
Massachusetts House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 127131Increase2.svg 4
Republican 3329Decrease2.svg 4
Total160160

Michigan

All of the seats of the Michigan House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. The Michigan Senate did not hold regularly scheduled elections in 2012. Republicans maintained control of the chamber.

Michigan House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 6359Decrease2.svg 4
Democratic 4751Increase2.svg 4
Total110110

Minnesota

All of the seats of the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats won control of both chambers, thereby establishing a trifecta.

Minnesota Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3039Increase2.svg 9
Democratic (DFL) 3728Decrease2.svg 9
Total6767
Minnesota House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic (DFL) 6173Increase2.svg 12
Republican 7261Decrease2.svg 11
Total134134

Missouri

Half of the seats of the Missouri Senate and all of the seats of the Missouri House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans held control of both chambers.

Missouri Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2624Decrease2.svg 2
Democratic 810Increase2.svg 2
Total3434
Missouri House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 105110Increase2.svg 5
Democratic 5453Decrease2.svg 1
Total163163

Montana

Half of the seats of the Montana Senate and all of the seats of the Montana House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans held control of both chambers.

Montana Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2727Steady2.svg
Democratic 2323Steady2.svg
Total5050
Montana House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 6863Decrease2.svg 5
Democratic 3237Increase2.svg 5
Total100100

Nebraska

Nebraska is the only U.S. state with a unicameral legislature; half of the seats of the Nebraska Legislature were up for election in 2012. Nebraska is also unique in that its legislature is officially non-partisan and holds non-partisan elections, although the Democratic and Republican parties each endorse legislative candidates.

Nevada

Half of the seats of the Nevada Senate and all of the seats of the Nevada Assembly were up for election in 2012. Democrats maintained control of both chambers.

Nevada Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 1011Increase2.svg 1
Republican 910Increase2.svg 1
Total2121
Nevada Assembly
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2627Increase2.svg 1
Republican 1615Decrease2.svg 1
Total4242

New Hampshire

All of the seats of the New Hampshire Senate and the New Hampshire House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans maintained control of the state Senate, and Democrats won control of the state House.

New Hampshire Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 1913Decrease2.svg 6
Democratic 511Increase2.svg 6
Total2424
New Hampshire House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 288179Decrease2.svg 109
Democratic 103221Increase2.svg 118
Total400400

New Mexico

All of the seats of the New Mexico Senate and the New Mexico House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats held control of both chambers.

New Mexico Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2825Decrease2.svg 3
Republican 1417Increase2.svg 3
Total4242
New Mexico House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 3638Increase2.svg 2
Republican 3332Decrease2.svg 1
Total7070

New York

All of the seats of the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly were up for election in 2012. Democrats held control of the state House, and Republicans lost control of the state Senate and thus entered into a coalition government with the Independent Democratic Conference.

New York State Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3330Decrease2.svg 3
Democratic 4 [lower-alpha 8] 6 [lower-alpha 9] Increase2.svg 2
2627Increase2.svg 1
Total6363
New York State Assembly
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 100105Increase2.svg 5
Republican 4944Decrease2.svg 5
Independence 11Steady2.svg
Total150150

North Carolina

All of the seats of the North Carolina Senate and the North Carolina House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers.

North Carolina Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3132Increase2.svg 1
Democratic 1918Decrease2.svg 1
Total5050
North Carolina House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 6777Increase2.svg 10
Democratic 5243Decrease2.svg 11
Total120120

North Dakota

Half of the seats of the North Dakota Senate and the North Dakota House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

North Dakota Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3533Decrease2.svg 2
Democratic-NPL 1213Increase2.svg 1
Total4747
North Dakota House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 6971Increase2.svg 2
Democratic-NPL 2523Decrease2.svg 2
Total9494

Ohio

Half of the seats of the Ohio Senate and all of the seats of the Ohio House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Ohio Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2323Steady2.svg
Democratic 1010Steady2.svg
Total3333
Ohio House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 5960Increase2.svg 1
Democratic 4039Decrease2.svg 1
Total9999

Oklahoma

Half of the seats of the Oklahoma Senate and all of the seats of the Oklahoma House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Oklahoma Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3236Increase2.svg 4
Democratic 1612Decrease2.svg 4
Total4848
Oklahoma House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 6872Increase2.svg 4
Democratic 3129Decrease2.svg 2
Total101101

Oregon

Half of the seats of the Oregon State Senate and all of the seats of the Oregon House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats retained control of the state Senate, and ended the tie in the state House, thus establishing a government trifecta.

Oregon State Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 1616Steady2.svg
Republican 1414Steady2.svg
Total3030
Oregon House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 3034Increase2.svg 4
Republican 3026Decrease2.svg 4
Total6060

Pennsylvania

Half of the seats of the Pennsylvania State Senate and all of the seats of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers and their government trifecta.

Pennsylvania State Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3027Decrease2.svg 3
Democratic 2023Increase2.svg 3
Total5050
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 110110Steady2.svg
Democratic 9193Increase2.svg 2
Total203203

Rhode Island

All of the seats of the Rhode Island Senate and the Rhode Island House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats retained control of both chambers.

Rhode Island Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2932Increase2.svg 3
Republican 85Decrease2.svg 3
Total3838
Rhode Island House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 6569Increase2.svg 4
Republican 106Decrease2.svg 4
Total7575

South Carolina

All of the seats of the South Carolina Senate and the South Carolina House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

South Carolina Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2728Increase2.svg 1
Democratic 1918Decrease2.svg 1
Total4646
South Carolina House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 7678Increase2.svg 2
Democratic 4846Decrease2.svg 2
Total123123

South Dakota

All of the seats of the South Dakota Senate and the South Dakota House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

South Dakota Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3028Decrease2.svg 2
Democratic 57Increase2.svg 2
Total3535
South Dakota House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 5053Increase2.svg 3
Democratic 1917Decrease2.svg 2
Total7070

Tennessee

Half of the seats of the Tennessee Senate and all of the seats of the Tennessee House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Tennessee Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2026Increase2.svg 6
Democratic 137Decrease2.svg 6
Total3333
Tennessee House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 6471Increase2.svg 7
Democratic 3427Decrease2.svg 7
Independent11Steady2.svg
Total9999

Texas

Half of the seats of the Texas Senate and all of the seats of the Texas House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Texas Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 1919Steady2.svg
Democratic 1212Steady2.svg
Total3131
Texas House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 10295Decrease2.svg 7
Democratic 4855Increase2.svg 7
Total150150

Utah

Half of the seats of the Utah State Senate and all of the seats of the Utah House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Utah State Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2224Increase2.svg 2
Democratic 75Decrease2.svg 2
Total2929
Utah House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 5861Increase2.svg 3
Democratic 1714Decrease2.svg 3
Total7575

Vermont

All of the seats of the Vermont Senate and the Vermont House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats retained control of both chambers.

Vermont Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2021Increase2.svg 1
Republican 87Decrease2.svg 1
Progressive 22Steady2.svg
Total3030
Vermont House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 9498Increase2.svg 4
Republican 4743Decrease2.svg 4
Progressive 54Decrease2.svg 1
Independent 34Increase2.svg 1
Total150150

Washington

Half of the seats of the Washington State Senate and all of the seats of the Washington House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Democrats retained control of the state House, while Republicans won control of the state Senate with the help of two Democrats who caucused with them.

Washington State Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 2726Decrease2.svg 1
Republican 2223 [lower-alpha 10] Increase2.svg 1
Total4949
Washington House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 5655Decrease2.svg 1
Republican 4243Increase2.svg 1
Total9898

West Virginia

Half of the seats of the West Virginia Senate and all of the seats of the West Virginia House of Delegates were up for election in 2012. Democrats retained control of both chambers.

West Virginia Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 69Increase2.svg 3
Democratic 2825Decrease2.svg 3
Total3434
West Virginia House of Delegates
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 3546Increase2.svg 11
Democratic 6554Decrease2.svg 11
Total100100

Wisconsin

Half of the seats of the Wisconsin Senate and all of the seats of the Wisconsin State Assembly were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of the state Assembly, and won control of the state Senate after having lost control through a series of recall elections earlier in the year, thereby recreating a Republican trifecta.

Wisconsin Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 1518Increase2.svg 3
Democratic 1715Decrease2.svg 2
Total3333
Wisconsin State Assembly
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 5860Increase2.svg 2
Democratic 3939Steady2.svg
Total9999

Wyoming

Half of the seats of the Wyoming Senate and all of the seats of the Wyoming House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Republicans retained control of both chambers, maintaining a government trifecta.

Wyoming Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 2626Steady2.svg
Democratic 44Steady2.svg
Total3030
Wyoming House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 5052Increase2.svg 2
Democratic 108Decrease2.svg 2
Total6060

Territorial and federal district summaries

American Samoa

All of the seats of the American Samoa Senate and the American Samoa House of Representatives were up for election. Members of the senate serve four-year terms, while members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms. Gubernatorial and legislative elections are conducted on a nonpartisan basis in American Samoa.

Guam

All of the seats of the unicameral Legislature of Guam were up for election. All members of the legislature serve a two-year term. Democrats retained control of the legislature.

Guam Legislature
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 99Steady2.svg
Republican 66Steady2.svg
Total1515

Northern Mariana Islands

A portion of the seats of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate, and all of the seats of the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives, were up for election. Members of the senate serve either four-year terms, while members of the house serve two-year terms. Republicans maintained control of the upper house, and Independents won control of the lower house.

Northern Mariana Islands Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 55Steady2.svg
Independent 44Steady2.svg
Democratic 00Steady2.svg
Total99
Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Republican 94Decrease2.svg 5
Democratic 00Steady2.svg
Independent 412Increase2.svg 8
Covenant 74Decrease2.svg 3
Total2020

Puerto Rico

All of the seats of the Senate of Puerto Rico and the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico are up for election. Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives both serve four-year terms. The New Progressive Party lost control of both chambers, to the Popular Democratic Party.

Puerto Rico Senate
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Popular Democratic 918Increase2.svg 9
New Progressive 228Decrease2.svg 14
Puerto Rican Independence 01Increase2.svg 1
Total3127
Puerto Rico House of Representatives
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Popular Democratic 1728Increase2.svg 11
New Progressive 3723Decrease2.svg 14
Total5451

U.S. Virgin Islands

All of the seats of the unicameral Legislature of the Virgin Islands were up for election. All members of the legislature serve a two-year term. Democrats retained control of the legislature.

Virgin Islands Legislature
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 1010Steady2.svg
Independent 55Steady2.svg
Total1515

Washington, D.C.

The Council of the District of Columbia serves as the legislative branch of the federal district of Washington, D.C. Half of the council seats are up for election. Council members serve four-year terms. Democrats retained supermajority control of the council.

District of Columbia Council
PartyBeforeAfterChange
Democratic 1111Steady2.svg
Independent 22Steady2.svg
Total1313

See also

Notes

  1. Democratic control of the Wisconsin Senate was the result of recall efforts in 2011 and earlier in 2012.
  2. The Alaska Senate was controlled by a coalition of Democrats and Republicans. The minority caucus consists of Republicans who were not part of the majority coalition.
  3. The New York Senate was controlled by a coalition of Republicans and members of the Independent Democratic Conference
  4. In the Washington State Senate, two Democrats caucused with Republicans to form the Majority Coalition Caucus. Three additional Democrats also caucus with the majority.
  5. The Oregon House of Representatives was tied in the 2011-2013 session, but Democrats gained control in the 2012 elections. This chamber was not counted in the previous total.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The upper houses of Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Texas use a 2-4-4 term length system.
  7. 1 2 3 These figures represent the seats of Nebraska's unicameral legislature.
  8. 4 members of the Independent Democratic Caucus.
  9. 5 members of the Independent Democratic Caucus as well as Democrat Simcha Felder.
  10. Two Democrats caucused with the Republicans to give them a majority.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 United States elections</span>

The 2004 United States elections were held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004, during the early years of the war on terror and after the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Republican President George W. Bush won re-election and Republicans retained control of Congress.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 United States elections</span>

The 2010 United States elections were held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, in the middle of Democratic President Barack Obama's first term. Republicans ended unified Democratic control of Congress and the presidency by winning a majority in the House of Representatives and gained seats in the Senate despite Democrats holding Senate control.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000 United States elections</span>

The 2000 United States elections were held on November 7, 2000. Republican Governor George W. Bush of Texas defeated Democratic Vice President Al Gore of Tennessee in the presidential election. Republicans retained control of both houses of Congress, giving the party unified control of Congress and the presidency for the first time since the 1954 elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 United States elections</span>

The 2012 United States elections took place on November 6, 2012. Democratic President Barack Obama won reelection to a second term and the Democrats gained seats in both chambers of Congress, retaining control of the Senate even though the Republican Party retained control of the House of Representatives. As of 2024, this is the most recent election cycle in which neither the presidency nor a chamber of Congress changed partisan control, and the last time that the party that won the presidency simultaneously gained seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 United States state legislative elections</span> Election in the United States on 2010

The 2010 United States state legislative elections were held on November 2, 2010, halfway through President Barack Obama's first term in office. Elections were held for 88 legislative chambers, with all states but Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia holding elections in at least one house. Kansas and New Mexico held elections for their lower, but not upper houses. Four territorial chambers in three territories and the District of Columbia were up as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 United States elections</span>

The 2016 United States elections were held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Republican nominee Donald Trump defeated Democratic former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, while Republicans retained control of Congress. This marked the first and most recent time Republicans won or held unified control of the presidency and Congress since 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 United States state legislative elections</span> 2020 U.S. stage legislative elections

The 2020 United States state legislative elections were held on November 3, 2020, for 86 state legislative chambers in 44 states. Across the fifty states, approximately 65 percent of all upper house seats and 85 percent of all lower house seats were up for election. Nine legislative chambers in the five permanently-inhabited U.S. territories and the federal district of Washington, D.C. also held elections. The elections took place concurrently with several other federal, state, and local elections, including the presidential election, U.S. Senate elections, U.S. House elections, and gubernatorial elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 United States state legislative elections</span>

The 2018 United States state legislative elections were held on November 6, 2018, for 87 state legislative chambers in 46 states. Across the fifty states, approximately 56 percent of all upper house seats and 92 percent of all lower house seats were up for election. Additionally, six territorial chambers in four territories and the District of Columbia were up as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 United States state legislative elections</span>

The 2022 United States state legislative elections were held on November 8, 2022, for 88 state legislative chambers in 46 states. Across the fifty states, approximately 56 percent of all upper house seats and 92 percent of all lower house seats were up for election. Additionally, six territorial chambers were up in four territories and the District of Columbia. These midterm elections coincided with other state and local elections, including gubernatorial elections in multiple states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 United States state legislative elections</span>

Elections to state legislatures were held in 46 U.S. states in 2014 with a total of 6,049 seats up for election. Six territorial chambers were up in four territories and the District of Columbia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 United States state legislative elections</span> State legislature elections in the United States

The 2015 United States state legislative elections were held on November 3, 2015. Seven legislative chambers in four states held regularly scheduled elections. These off-year elections coincided with other state and local elections, including gubernatorial elections in three states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 United States state legislative elections</span> State legislature elections in the United States

The 2013 United States state legislative elections were held on November 5, 2013. Three legislative chambers in two states held regularly-scheduled elections. These off-year elections coincided with other state and local elections, including gubernatorial elections in two states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 United States state legislative elections</span> State legislature elections in the United States

The 2011 United States state legislative elections were held on November 8, 2011. Eight legislative chambers in four states held regularly scheduled elections. These off-year elections coincided with other state and local elections, including gubernatorial elections in four states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 United States state legislative elections</span> 2016 U.S. stage legislative elections

The 2016 United States state legislative elections were held on November 8, 2016, for 86 state legislative chambers in 44 states. Across the fifty states, approximately 65 percent of all upper house seats and 85 percent of all lower house seats were up for election. Nine legislative chambers in the five permanently-inhabited U.S. territories and the federal district of Washington, D.C. also held elections. The elections took place concurrently with several other federal, state, and local elections, including the presidential election, U.S. Senate elections, U.S. House elections, and gubernatorial elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 United States state legislative elections</span> Election in the United States on 2008

Elections to state legislatures were held on November 4, 2008, alongside other elections, in which Democrats scored significant gains in a blue wave election. Elections were held for 85 legislative chambers, with all states but Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, Alabama, Maryland, and Virginia holding elections in at least one house. Michigan and Minnesota held elections for their lower, but not upper houses. Seven territorial chambers in four territories and the District of Columbia were up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2006 United States state legislative elections</span> Election in the United States on 2006

The 2006 United States state legislative elections were held on November 7, 2006, halfway through President George W. Bush's second term in office. This election was a wave elections in the United States election, and saw Democrats simultaneously reclaim both houses of Congress and pick up six governorships. Elections were held for 90 legislative chambers, with all states but Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia holding elections in at least one house. Kansas, New Mexico, and South Carolina held elections for their lower, but not upper house. Four territorial chambers in three territories and the District of Columbia were up, including the newly created territorial legislature in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 United States state legislative elections</span> Election in the United States on 2004

Elections to state legislatures were held on November 2, 2004, alongside other elections. Elections were held for 85 legislative chambers, with all states but Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, Alabama, Maryland, and Virginia holding elections in at least one house. Michigan and Minnesota held elections for their lower, but not upper houses. Six chambers in three territories and the District of Columbia were up as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002 United States state legislative elections</span> Election in the United States on 2002

The 2002 United States state legislative elections were held on November 5, 2002, halfway through President George W. Bush's first term in office. This was a unique election in which the incumbent Republican party performed surprisingly well for a midterm election. Elections were held for 91 legislative chambers, with all states but Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia holding elections in at least one house. Three territorial chambers in two territories and the District of Columbia were up as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2000 United States state legislative elections</span> Election in the United States in 2000

Elections to state legislatures were held on November 7, 2000, simultaneously with the 2000 United States presidential election. Elections were held for 86 legislative chambers in 44 states, simultaneous to those states' gubernatorial elections. Election occurred in both chambers of each state's legislature, except for Alabama, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia. Michigan held elections for the lower house. Six territorial chambers in four territories and the District of Columbia were up as well. These elections determined the redistricting process after the 2000 census.

References

  1. John Celock (November 7, 2012). "State Legislative Elections: Democrats Gain Control Of Eight Chambers". Huffington Post. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 "2020 Legislative Races by State and Legislative Chamber". National Conference of State Legislatures.