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Elections & Campaigns
Post-Election Analysis: Democratic Hopes Dashed after Strong Showing by Republicans in State Races
November 4, 2020 | Bill Kramer, Lauren Doroghazi
At the state level, Republicans have held, if not expanded, their lead in state governments (both governors and legislatures). Democrats had very high expectations going into the elections, but they underperformed in state legislative races in states they hoped to flip control away from Republicans. Republicans have gained one gubernatorial seat after the 2020 elections by flipping the open seat in Montana. In 2021, Republicans will have 27 governors and Democrats will have 23 governors. Democrats failed in their opportunity to flip several Republican-held state legislative chambers and Republicans are likely to take over control of two chambers of their own. Democratic pickup opportunities in Minnesota and Arizona are too close to call. Results for the 5,877 state legislative races across the nation are still being tabulated. We’ll have more detailed information on legislative chamber control, supermajorities, and trifectas as close races are called.