Democrats Win a Majority of State Legislatures for the First Time Since 2010

Democrats flipped 12 state legislative chambers in the midterms and will control both chambers in 24 states starting in January. Here are the six states where Democrats gained full control of the legislature, and why it matters for 2028 and beyond.

By Quinn BallardPublished

As of November 10, 2026. Some legislative races are still being counted.

Democrats will control a majority of state legislatures in January for the first time since 2010, after flipping 12 legislative chambers in last week’s midterm elections. Republicans did not flip any chambers, according to MultiState.

By the numbers

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the nonpartisan organization that represents state legislatures:

Before the electionAfter (anticipated)
Legislatures with both chambers Democratic1824
Legislatures with both chambers Republican2821
Divided legislatures34
Democratic trifectas (governor + both chambers)1622
Republican trifectas2317

Nebraska’s legislature is officially nonpartisan, and Alaska’s is run by a bipartisan coalition.

Democrats will hold 22 trifectas, the most since 1984, according to NCSL. It was the party’s biggest legislative gain since 2010, and Democrats flipped more than 500 legislative seats nationwide.

Where Democrats flipped one chamber

In Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, Democrats flipped the state House while Republicans kept the Senate, leaving those legislatures divided. In Georgia, Democrats won the House for the first time since 2004, and Republicans held the Senate 29–27. Democrats also won the governor’s races in Georgia and Texas.

The six states that moved to full Democratic control

Arizona. Democrats flipped both chambers. Combined with Gov. Katie Hobbs’ reelection, that gives Democrats a trifecta in Arizona for the first time since 1966. The Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee says the new majorities are 37–23 in the House and 20–10 in the Senate.

Michigan. Democrats flipped the state House, which Republicans won in 2024, and held the Senate. With Gov.-elect Jocelyn Benson, Democrats regain a trifecta.

Minnesota. The state House had been tied 67–67 since the 2024 election, with Republican Lisa Demuth serving as speaker. Democrats won a majority and held the Senate, and Rep. Zack Stephenson is expected to become speaker. Gov.-elect Amy Klobuchar, currently a U.S. senator, will lead a Democratic trifecta.

New Hampshire. Democrats flipped both chambers and will control the legislature for the first time since the 2018 election. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte won reelection, so the state will have divided government.

Pennsylvania. Democrats flipped the state Senate for the first time since before 1994 and held the House, giving Gov. Josh Shapiro a Democratic trifecta.

Wisconsin. Democrats flipped both chambers. With Gov.-elect David Crowley replacing retiring Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, Democrats will have a trifecta for the first time since 2010.

Why it matters

  • Policy. Trifectas let a party pass its agenda without needing votes from the other party. Outgoing Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the new trifecta is “ready to lower costs,” and Pennsylvania Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa said his caucus would move bills that had stalled in committee.
  • Election rules. State legislatures set many of the rules for running elections, including in battleground states like Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
  • Redistricting. Congressional and legislative maps will be redrawn after the 2030 census, but the legislators elected in 2028 and 2030 will draw them. Several states also redrew congressional maps mid-decade this cycle.

Still being decided

  • Alaska: Results are still being counted. Its legislature is run by a bipartisan coalition, and NCSL counts the Alaska House among the chambers expected to shift.

Sources

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