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2002 United States state legislative elections

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2002 United States state legislative elections
← 2001
November 5, 2002
2003 →
88 legislative chambers in 46 states
  Majority party Minority party Third party
 
Party Republican Democratic Coalition
Chambers before 48 48[a] 1[b]
Chambers after 53 43[c] 0
Overall change Increase 5 Decrease 5 Decrease 1
Map of upper house elections:
     Democrats gained control      Democrats retained control
     Republicans gained control      Republicans retained control
     Split body formed
     Non-partisan legislature
     No regularly-scheduled elections
Map of lower house elections:
     Democrats retained control
     Republicans gained control      Republicans retained control
     Split body formed
     Non-partisan legislature
     No regularly-scheduled elections

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.[1] Three territorial chambers in two territories and the District of Columbia were up as well.

Republicans flipped control of six chambers: the Colorado Senate, the Georgia Senate for the first time since 1873, the Missouri House of Representatives for the first time since 1955, the Texas House of Representatives for the first time since 1873,[2] the Washington Senate, and the Wisconsin Senate. Meanwhile, Democrats flipped control of the Illinois Senate. Additionally, the Arizona Senate went from a coalition government to Republican control. The Maine Senate went from an evenly divided power-sharing government to a Democratic one,[3] while the Oregon Senate went from Republican to tied.

Republicans had initially won control of the North Carolina House of Representatives by one seat, but Republican Michael P. Decker switched parties to become a Democrat, producing a tied chamber.[4]

Republicans won a trifecta in Texas for the first time since 1873, and in Missouri for the first time since 1923. After the elections, Republicans held a majority of state legislative seats for the first time in half a century.[5]

Summary table

[edit]

Regularly scheduled elections were held in 91 of the 99 state legislative chambers in the United States. Nationwide, regularly scheduled elections were held for 6,381 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.[6] 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.

State Upper House[6] Lower House[6]
Seats up Total % up Term Seats up Total % up Term
Alabama 35 35 35 4 105 105 105 4
Alaska 19 20 95 4 40 40 100 2
Arizona 30 30 100 2 60 60 100 2
Arkansas 35 35 100 2/4[d] 100 100 100 2
California 20 40 50 4 80 80 100 2
Colorado 18 35 51 4 65 65 100 2
Connecticut 36 36 100 2 151 151 100 2
Delaware 21 21 100 2/4[d] 41 41 100 2
Florida 40 40 100 2/4[d] 120 120 100 2
Georgia 56 56 100 2 180 180 100 2
Hawaii 25 25 100 2/4[d] 51 51 100 2
Idaho 35 35 100 2 70 70 100 2
Illinois 59 59 100 2/4[d] 118 118 100 2
Indiana 25 50 50 4 100 100 100 2
Iowa 25 50 50 4 100 100 100 2
Kansas 0 40 0 4 125 125 100 2
Kentucky 19 38 50 4 100 100 100 2
Louisiana 0 39 0 4 0 105 0 4
Maine 35 35 100 2 151 151 100 2
Maryland 47 47 47 4 141 141 141 4
Massachusetts 40 40 100 2 160 160 100 2
Michigan 38 38 100 4 110 110 100 2
Minnesota 67 67 100 2/4[d] 134 134 100 2
Mississippi 0 52 0 4 0 122 0 4
Missouri 17 34 50 4 163 163 100 2
Montana 25 50 50 4 100 100 100 2
Nebraska 25[e] 49[e] 51[e] 4 N/A (unicameral)
Nevada 10 21 48 4 42 42 100 2
New Hampshire 24 24 100 2 400 400 100 2
New Jersey 0 40 0 2/4[d] 0 80 0 2
New Mexico 0 42 0 4 70 70 100 2
New York 62 62 100 2 150 150 100 2
North Carolina 50 50 100 2 120 120 100 2
North Dakota 23 47 49 4 47 94 50 4
Ohio 16 33 48 4 99 99 100 2
Oklahoma 24 48 50 4 101 101 100 2
Oregon 15 30 50 4 60 60 100 2
Pennsylvania 25 50 50 4 203 203 100 2
Rhode Island 38 38 100 2 75 75 100 2
South Carolina 46 46 100 4 124 124 100 2
South Dakota 35 35 100 2 70 70 100 2
Tennessee 16 33 48 4 99 99 100 2
Texas 16 31 52 2/4[d] 150 150 100 2
Utah 15 29 52 4 75 75 100 2
Vermont 30 30 100 2 150 150 100 2
Virginia 0 40 0 4 0 100 0 2
Washington 25 49 51 4 98 98 100 2
West Virginia 17 34 50 4 100 100 100 2
Wisconsin 16 33 48 4 99 99 100 2
Wyoming 15 30 50 4 60 60 100 2
Total 1280 1971 65 N/A 4595 5411 85 N/A

Redistricting

[edit]
Partisan control of U.S. state legislative redistricting following the 2000 census.
  Split or bipartisan control (21)
  Democratic control (12)
  Republican control (12)
  Independent redistricting commission (5)

The 2002 elections were the first held after redistricting following the 2000 census. All states holding elections in 2002 did so under new maps drawn in accordance with the new census results with the exception of Montana, which implements its new maps four years after the census as opposed to two. In a majority of states, legislative redistricting is controlled by the state legislature, often subject to gubernatorial veto. This allows for widespread gerrymandering, in which the party in power draws legislative boundaries to favor itself. A few states delegate redistricting power to an independent or bipartisan redistricting commission, often with the goal of minimizing or eliminating partisan gerrymandering.[7]

In Texas, despite the state's divided government, Republicans fully controlled the redistricting process because they held four of the five seats on the state's backup redistricting commission. This allowed them to draw maps greatly favorable to themselves in an attempt to win control of the Texas House of Representatives for the first time since Reconstruction.[8][9] In Oregon, the state's Democratic Secretary of State drew the state's maps after its divided government failed to approve plans.[10]

Electoral predictions

[edit]

Ratings are designated as follows:

  • "Tossup": Competitive, no advantage
  • "Lean": Competitive, slight advantage
  • "Likely": Not competitive, but opposition could make significant gains
  • "Solid": Not competitive at all
State Chamber Last

election

 The Cook
Political Report
Oct. 4, 2002[11]		 Result
Alabama Senate D 23–12 Solid D D 25–10
House of Representatives D 69–36 Solid D D 63–42
Alaska Senate R 14–6 Solid R R 12–8
House of Representatives R 27–13 Solid R R 27–13
Arizona Senate Coal. 18–12 Lean R (flip) R 17–13
House of Representatives R 36–24 Likely R R 38–22
Arkansas Senate D 27–8 Solid D D 27–8
House of Representatives D 72–28 Solid D D 70–30
California State Senate D 26–14 Solid D D 25–15
State Assembly D 50–30 Solid D D 48–32
Colorado Senate D 18–17 Tossup R 18–17
House of Representatives R 38–27 Likely R R 37–28
Connecticut State Senate D 21–15 Likely D D 21–15
House of Representatives D 100–51 Solid D D 94–57
Delaware Senate D 13–8 Likely D D 13–8
House of Representatives R 26–15 Likely R R 29–12
Florida Senate R 25–15 Solid R R 26–14
House of Representatives R 77–43 Solid R R 81–39
Georgia State Senate D 32–24 Likely D R 30–26[f]
House of Representatives D 105–74–1 Solid D D 107–72–1
Hawaii Senate D 22–3 Solid D D 20–5
House of Representatives D 32–19 Likely D D 36–15
Idaho Senate R 32–3 Solid R R 28–7
House of Representatives R 61–9 Solid R R 54–16
Illinois Senate R 32–27 Lean D (flip) D 32–26–1
House of Representatives D 62–56 Likely D D 66–52
Indiana Senate R 32–18 Solid R R 32–18
House of Representatives D 53–47 Tossup D 51–49
Iowa Senate R 30–20 Lean R R 29–21
House of Representatives R 56–44 Lean R R 54–46
Kansas House of Representatives R 79–46 Solid R R 80–45
Kentucky Senate R 20–18 Lean R R 21–17
House of Representatives D 64–36 Solid D D 65–35
Maine Senate D 17–17–1 Lean D (flip) D 18–17
House of Representatives D 88–62–1 Solid D D 80–67–3–1
Maryland Senate D 32–15 Solid D D 33–14
House of Delegates D 106–35 Solid D D 98–43
Massachusetts Senate D 34–6 Solid D D 34–6
House of Representatives D 137–23 Solid D D 135–23–1
Michigan Senate R 23–15 Lean R R 22–16
House of Representatives R 58–52 Lean R R 63–47
Minnesota Senate D 39–27–1 Likely D D 35–31–1
House of Representatives R 69–65 Lean R R 81–53
Missouri Senate R 18–16 Lean R R 20–14
House of Representatives D 87–76 Tossup R 90–73
Montana Senate R 31–19 Solid R R 29–21
House of Representatives R 58–42 Likely R R 53–47
Nevada Senate R 12–9 Lean R R 13–8
Assembly D 27–15 Likely D D 23–19
New Hampshire Senate R 13–11 Lean R R 18–6
House of Representatives R 256–144 Solid R R 278–122
New Mexico House of Representatives D 42–28 Solid D D 43–27
New York State Senate R 36–25 Solid R R 37–25
State Assembly D 98–52 Solid D D 102–48
North Carolina Senate D 35–15 Tossup D 28–22
House of Representatives D 62–58 Tossup 60–60[g]
North Dakota Senate R 32–17 Solid R R 31–16
House of Representatives R 69–29 Solid R R 66–28
Ohio Senate R 21–12 Solid R R 22–11
House of Representatives R 60–39 Solid R R 62–37
Oklahoma Senate D 30–18 Solid D D 28–20
House of Representatives D 53–48 Tossup D 53–48
Oregon State Senate R 16–14 Tossup 15–15
House of Representatives R 32–27–1 Tossup R 35–25
Pennsylvania State Senate R 30–20 Likely R R 29–21
House of Representatives R 104–99 Lean R R 110–93
Rhode Island Senate D 44–6 Solid D D 32–6
House of Representatives D 85–15 Solid D D 63–11–1
South Carolina House of Representatives R 71–53 Solid R R 73–51
South Dakota Senate R 24–11 Solid R R 26–9
House of Representatives R 50–20 Solid R R 49–21
Tennessee Senate D 18–15 Lean D D 18–15
House of Representatives D 58–41 Likely D D 54–45
Texas Senate R 16–15 Likely R R 19–12
House of Representatives D 78–72 Likely R (flip) R 88–62
Utah State Senate R 20–9 Solid R R 22–7
House of Representatives R 51–24 Solid R R 56–19
Vermont Senate D 16–14 Lean D D 19–11
House of Representatives R 83–62–4–1 Likely R R 73–70–4–3
Washington State Senate D 25–24 Tossup R 25–24
House of Representatives D 50–48[h] Tossup D 52–46
West Virginia Senate D 28–6 Solid D D 24–10
House of Delegates D 75–25 Solid D D 68–32
Wisconsin Senate D 18–15 Lean D R 18–15
State Assembly R 56–43 Lean R R 58–41
Wyoming Senate R 20–10 Solid R R 20–10
House of Representatives R 46–14 Solid R R 45–15

Maps

[edit]

State summaries

[edit]

Alabama

[edit]

All of the seats of the Alabama House of Representatives and half of the Alabama Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Alabama Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 24 25 Increase 1
Republican 11 10 Decrease 1
Total 35 35
Alabama House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 67 63 Decrease 4
Republican 38 42 Increase 4
Total 105 105

Alaska

[edit]

All of the seats of the Alaska House of Representatives and half of the Alaska Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both chambers.

Alaska Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 14 12 Decrease 2
Democratic 6 8 Increase 2
Total 20 20
Alaska House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 27 27 Steady
Democratic 13 13 Steady
Total 40 40

Arizona

[edit]

All of the seats of the Arizona Legislature were up for election. Republicans maintained control of the House and gained control of the Senate.

Arizona Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 12 17 Increase 2
3
Democratic 15 13 Decrease 2
Total 30 30
Arizona House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 36 39 Increase 3
Democratic 24 21 Decrease 3
Total 60 60

Arkansas

[edit]

All of the seats of the Arkansas House of Representatives and half of the Arkansas Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Arkansas Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 27 27 Steady
Republican 8 8 Steady
Total 35 35
Arkansas House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 72 70 Decrease 2
Republican 28 30 Increase 2
Total 100 100

California

[edit]

All of the seats of the California House of Representatives and half of the California Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

California State Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 26 25 Decrease 1
Republican 14 15 Increase 1
Total 40 40
California State Assembly
Party Before After Change
Democratic 50 48 Decrease 2
Republican 30 32 Increase 2
Total 80 80

Colorado

[edit]

All of the seats of the Colorado House of Representatives and half of the Colorado Senate were up for election. Republicans won control of the Senate and maintained control of the House

Colorado Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 17 18 Increase 1
Democratic 18 17 Decrease 1
Total 35 35
Colorado House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 38 37 Decrease 1
Democratic 27 28 Increase 1
Total 65 65

Connecticut

[edit]

All of the seats of the Connecticut Legislature were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Connecticut Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 21 21 Steady
Republican 15 15 Steady
Total 36 36
Connecticut House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 100 94 Decrease 6
Republican 51 57 Increase 6
Total 151 151

Delaware

[edit]

All of the seats of the Delaware House of Representatives and half of the Delaware Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of the Senate while Republicans maintained control of the House.

Delaware Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 13 13 Steady
Republican 8 8 Steady
Total 21 21
Delaware House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 26 29 Increase 3
Democratic 15 12 Decrease 3
Total 41 41

Florida

[edit]

All of the seats of the Florida House of Representatives and half of the Florida Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Florida Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 25 26 Increase 1
Democratic 15 14 Decrease 1
Total 40 40
Florida House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 77 81 Increase 4
Democratic 43 39 Decrease 4
Total 120 120

Georgia

[edit]

All of the seats of the Georgia Legislature were up for election. Republicans gained control of the Senate due to post-election party switching, while Democrats maintained control of the House.

Georgia State Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 24 30 Increase 6
Democratic 32 26 Decrease 6
Total 56 56
Georgia House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 105 107 Increase 2
Republican 74 72 Decrease 2
Independent 1 1 Steady
Total 180 180

Hawaii

[edit]

All of the seats of the Hawaii House of Representatives and half of the Hawaii Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Hawaii Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 22 20 Decrease 2
Republican 3 5 Increase 2
Total 25 25
Hawaii House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 32 36 Increase 4
Republican 19 15 Decrease 4
Total 51 51

Idaho

[edit]

All of the seats of the Idaho Legislature were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Idaho Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 32 28 Decrease 4
Democratic 3 7 Increase 4
Total 35 35
Idaho House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 61 54 Decrease 7
Democratic 9 16 Increase 7
Total 70 70

Illinois

[edit]

All of the seats of the Illinois House of Representatives and 2/3rds of the Illinois Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of the House and won control of the Senate.

Illinois Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 27 32 Increase 5
Republican 32 26 Decrease 6
Independent 0 1 Increase 1
Total 59 59
Illinois House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 62 66 Increase 4
Republican 56 52 Decrease 4
Total 118 118

Indiana

[edit]

All of the seats of the Indiana House of Representatives and half of the Indiana Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of the Senate while Democrats maintained control of the House of Representatives.

Indiana Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 32 32 Steady
Democratic 18 18 Steady
Total 50 50
Indiana House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 53 51 Decrease 2
Republican 47 49 Increase 2
Total 100 100

Iowa

[edit]

All of the seats of the Iowa House of Representatives and half of the Iowa Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both legislative chambers.

Iowa Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 29 29 Steady
Democratic 21 21 Steady
Total 50 50
Iowa House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 56 54 Decrease 2
Democratic 44 46 Increase 2
Total 100 100

Kansas

[edit]

All of the seats of the Kansas House of Representatives were up for election. Republicans maintained control.

Kansas House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 79 80 Increase 1
Democratic 46 45 Decrease 1
Total 125 125

Kentucky

[edit]

All of the seats of the Kentucky House of Representatives and half of the Kentucky Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of the Senate and Democrats maintained control of the House of Representatives.

Kentucky Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 20 21 Increase 1
Democratic 18 17 Decrease 1
Total 38 38
Kentucky House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 64 65 Increase 1
Republican 36 35 Decrease 1
Total 100 100

Maine

[edit]

All of the seats of the Maine Legislature were up for election. Democrats maintained control of the House and won control of the Senate.

Maine Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 17 18 Increase 1
Republican 17 17 Steady
Independent 1 0 Decrease 1
Total 35 35
Maine House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 88 80 Decrease 8
Republican 62 67 Increase 5
Independent 1 3 Increase 2
Green 0 1 Increase 1
Total 151 151

Maryland

[edit]

All of the seats of the Maryland General Assembly were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Maryland Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 34 33 Decrease 1
Republican 13 14 Increase 1
Total 47 47
Maryland House of Delegates
Party Before After Change
Democratic 106 98 Decrease 8
Republican 35 43 Increase 8
Total 160 160

Massachusetts

[edit]

All of the seats of the Massachusetts Legislature were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Massachusetts Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 34 34 Steady
Republican 6 6 Steady
Total 40 40
Massachusetts House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 137 135 Decrease 2
Republican 23 23 Steady
Independent 0 1 Increase 1
Total 160 160

Michigan

[edit]

All of the seats of the Michigan legislature were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both chambers.

Michigan Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 23 22 Decrease 1
Democratic 15 16 Increase 1
Total 38 38
Michigan House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 58 63 Increase 5
Democratic 52 47 Decrease 5
Total 110 110

Minnesota

[edit]

All of the seats of the Minnesota Legislature were up. Republicans maintained control the House while Democrats maintained control of the Senate.

Minnesota Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic (DFL) 39 35 Decrease 4
Republican 26 31 Increase 5
Independence 2 1 Decrease 1
Total 67 67
Minnesota House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 71 82 Increase 11
Democratic (DFL) 63 52 Decrease 11
Total 134 134

Missouri

[edit]

All of the seats of the Missouri House of Representatives and half of the Missouri Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of the Senate and won control of the House.

Missouri Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 18 20 Increase 2
Democratic 16 14 Decrease 2
Total 34 34
Missouri House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 76 90 Increase 14
Democratic 87 73 Decrease 14
Total 163 163

Montana

[edit]

All of the seats of the Montana House of Representatives and half of the Montana Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both chambers.

Montana Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 31 29 Decrease 2
Democratic 19 21 Increase 2
Total 50 50
Montana House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 58 53 Decrease 5
Democratic 42 47 Increase 5
Total 100 100

Nebraska

[edit]

Nebraska is the only U.S. state with a unicameral legislature; half of the seats of the Nebraska Legislature were up for election. 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. Republicans maintained control.

Nebraska Legislature
Party Before After Change
Republican 31 34 Increase 3
Democratic 16 13 Decrease 3
Independent 2 2 Steady
Total 49 49

Nevada

[edit]

All of the seats of the Nevada House of Representatives and half of the Nevada Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of the House while Republicans maintained control of the Senate.

Nevada Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 12 13 Increase 1
Democratic 9 8 Decrease 1
Total 21 21
Nevada Assembly
Party Before After Change
Democratic 27 23 Decrease 4
Republican 15 19 Increase 4
Total 42 42

New Hampshire

[edit]

All of the seats of the New Hampshire House of Representatives and the New Hampshire Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both chambers.

New Hampshire Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 13 18 Increase 5
Democratic 11 6 Decrease 5
Total 24 24
New Hampshire House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 256 278 Increase 22
Democratic 144 122 Decrease 22
Total 400 400

New Mexico

[edit]

All of the seats of the New Mexico House of Representatives were up for election; Democrats maintained control.

New Mexico House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 42 43 Increase 1
Republican 28 27 Decrease 1
Total 70 70

New York

[edit]

All of the seats of the New York Legislature were up for election. Republicans maintained control of the Senate while Democrats maintained control of the Assembly.

New York State Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 36 37 Increase 1
Democratic 25 25 Steady
Total 61 62 Increase 1
New York State Assembly
Party Before After Change
Democratic 98 102 Increase 4
Republican 52 48 Decrease 4
Total 150 150

North Carolina

[edit]

All of the seats of the North Carolina House of Representatives and half of the North Carolina Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of the Senate. Republicans had won control of the House until a post-election party switch tied control of the chamber.

North Carolina Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 35 28 Decrease 7
Republican 15 22 Increase 7
Total 50 50
North Carolina House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 62 60 Decrease 2
Republican 58 60 Increase 2
Total 120 120

North Dakota

[edit]

All of the seats of the North Dakota House of Representatives and half of the North Dakota Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

North Dakota Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 32 31 Decrease 1
Democratic-NPL 17 16 Decrease 1
Total 49 47 Decrease 2
North Dakota House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 69 66 Decrease 3
Democratic-NPL 29 28 Decrease 1
Total 98 94 Decrease 4

Ohio

[edit]

All of the seats of the Ohio House of Representatives and half of the Ohio Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both chambers.

Ohio Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 21 22 Increase 1
Democratic 12 11 Decrease 1
Total 33 33
Ohio House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 60 62 Increase 2
Democratic 39 37 Decrease 2
Total 99 99

Oklahoma

[edit]

All of the seats of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and half of the Oklahoma Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both chambers.

Oklahoma Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 30 28 Decrease 2
Republican 18 20 Increase 2
Total 48 48
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 53 53 Steady
Republican 48 48 Steady
Total 101 101

Oregon

[edit]

All of the seats of the Oregon House of Representatives and half of the Oregon Senate were up for election. The Senate became split while Republicans maintained control of the House.

Oregon State Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 16 15 Decrease 1
Democratic 14 15 Increase 1
Total 30 30
Oregon House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 32 35 Increase 3
Democratic 27 25 Decrease 2
Independent 1 0 Decrease 1
Total 60 60

Pennsylvania

[edit]

All of the seats of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and half of the Pennsylvania Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both chambers.

Pennsylvania State Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 29 29 Steady
Democratic 21 21 Steady
Total 50 50
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 106 110 Increase 4
Democratic 97 93 Decrease 4
Total 203 203

Rhode Island

[edit]

All of the seats of the Rhode Island Legislature were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Rhode Island Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 44 32 Decrease 12
Republican 6 6 Steady
Total 50 38 Decrease 12
Rhode Island House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 85 63 Decrease 22
Republican 15 11 Decrease 4
Independent 0 1 Increase 1
Total 100 75 Decrease 25

South Carolina

[edit]

All of the seats of the South Carolina House of Representatives were up for election. Republicans maintained control of the House.

South Carolina House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 71 73 Increase 2
Democratic 53 51 Decrease 2
Total 124 124

South Dakota

[edit]

All of the seats of the South Dakota Legislature were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

South Dakota Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 24 26 Increase 2
Democratic 11 9 Decrease 2
Total 35 35
South Dakota House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 50 49 Decrease 1
Democratic 20 21 Increase 1
Total 70 70

Tennessee

[edit]

All of the seats of the Tennessee House of Representatives and half of the Tennessee Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both chambers.

Tennessee Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 18 18 Steady
Republican 15 15 Steady
Total 33 33
Tennessee House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 58 54 Decrease 4
Republican 41 45 Increase 4
Total 99 99

Texas

[edit]

All of the seats of the Texas Legislature were up for election. Aided by favorable redistricting, Republicans greatly expanded their majority in the Texas Senate and won control of the Texas House of Representatives for the first time since Reconstruction.[2][12]

Texas Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 16 19 Increase 3
Democratic 15 12 Decrease 3
Total 31 31
Texas House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 72 88 Increase 16
Democratic 78 62 Decrease 16
Total 150 150

Utah

[edit]

All of the seats of the Utah House of Representatives and half of the Utah Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Utah State Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 20 22 Increase 2
Democratic 9 7 Decrease 2
Total 29 29
Utah House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 51 56 Increase 5
Democratic 24 19 Decrease 5
Total 75 75

Vermont

[edit]

All of the seats of the Vermont Legislature were up for election. Democrats maintained control of the Senate while Republicans maintained control of the Senate.

Vermont Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 16 19 Increase 3
Republican 14 11 Decrease 3
Total 30 30
Vermont House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 82 73 Decrease 9
Democratic 63 70 Increase 7
Progressive 4 4 Steady
Independent 1 3 Increase 2
Total 150 150

Washington

[edit]

All of the seats of the Washington House of Representatives and half of the Washington Senate were up for election. Republicans won control of the Senate while Democrats maintained control of the House.

Washington State Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 24 25 Increase 1
Democratic 25 24 Decrease 1
Total 49 49
Washington House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Democratic 50 52 Increase 2
Republican 48 46 Decrease 2
Total 98 98

West Virginia

[edit]

All of the seats of the West Virginia House of Delegates and half of the West Virginia Senate were up for election. Democrats maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

West Virginia Senate
Party Before After Change
Democratic 28 24 Decrease 4
Republican 6 10 Increase 4
Total 34 34
West Virginia House of Delegates
Party Before After Change
Democratic 75 68 Decrease 7
Republican 25 32 Increase 7
Total 100 100

Wisconsin

[edit]

All of the seats of the Wisconsin Assembly and half of the Wisconsin Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of the Assembly and won control of the House.

Wisconsin Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 15 18 Increase 3
Democratic 18 15 Decrease 3
Total 33 33
Wisconsin State Assembly
Party Before After Change
Republican 56 58 Increase 2
Democratic 43 41 Decrease 2
Total 99 99

Wyoming

[edit]

All of the seats of the Wyoming House of Representatives and half of the Wyoming Senate were up for election. Republicans maintained control of both state legislative chambers.

Wyoming Senate
Party Before After Change
Republican 20 20 Steady
Democratic 10 10 Steady
Total 30 30
Wyoming House of Representatives
Party Before After Change
Republican 46 45 Decrease 1
Democratic 14 15 Increase 1
Total 60 60

Territorial and federal district summaries

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American Samoa

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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

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

Guam Legislature
Party Before After Change
Democratic 7 9 Increase 2
Republican 8 6 Decrease 2
Total 15 15

Washington, D.C.

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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
Party Before After Change
Democratic 11 11 Steady
Republican 2 2 Steady
Total 13 13

Notes

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  1. ↑ The New Jersey Senate and Maine Senate were tied, and they were controlled by a power-sharing agreement between Democrats and Republicans.
  2. ↑ The Arizona 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 Oregon Senate, North Carolina House of Representatives, and New Jersey Senate were tied, and they were controlled by a power-sharing agreement between Democrats and Republicans. Thus, they are not included in the final total.
  4. 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.
  5. 1 2 3 These figures represent the seats of Nebraska's unicameral legislature.
  6. ↑ Includes four post-election party switches which gave Republicans control of the chamber.
  7. ↑ Includes representative Michael P. Decker's temporary stint as a Democrat which tied the chamber for much of the 2003–2002 legislative session.
  8. ↑ Includes a 2001 special election that flipped a seat to Democrats, winning them control of the chamber from the Republicans

References

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  1. ↑ "State legislative elections, 2002". Ballotpedia.
  2. 1 2 Halbfinger, David M.; Yardley, Jim (November 7, 2002). "THE 2002 ELECTIONS: THE SOUTH; Vote Solidifies Shift of South To the G.O.P." The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  3. ↑ "MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE" (PDF). lldc.mainelegislature.org. 2001. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Decker Switches to Democrats, Making House Even Split". WRAL.com. January 25, 2003. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
  5. ↑ Storey, Tim. The Book of the States 2005. The Council of State Governments. Retrieved 2010-01-01 "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on January 9, 2010. Retrieved January 1, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. 1 2 3 "2020 Legislative Races by State and Legislative Chamber". National Conference of State Legislatures. Archived from the original on July 20, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  7. ↑ "2022 Midterm Elections by Redistricting Control". The American Redistricting Project. June 6, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  8. ↑ Bickerstaff, Steve (2007). Lines in the Sand: Congressional Redistricting in Texas and the Downfall of Tom Delay. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-0-292-71474-8.
  9. ↑ Attlesey, Sam (2001). "New maps could give GOP large majority in both houses Texas board OKs redistricting plans despite criticism". The Dallas Morning News. p. 1.
  10. ↑ Adkins, Janet. "Oregon Redistricting 2000". archive.fairvote.org. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  11. ↑ Jacobson, Louis (October 4, 2002). "2002 State Legislature Ratings". The Cook Political Report: 149–150. doi:10.7910/DVN/EH6LU0. Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024 – via Harvard Dataverse.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  12. ↑ Barta, Carolyn; Alvarez, Elizabeth Cruce (2004). "Republicans Take Total Control of State Government". Texas Almanac, 2004-2005. Dallas, Texas: The Dallas Morning News. pp. 395–396. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
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