November 3, 2004
(updated November 18)
Perfect Parity in Nation's State Legislatures
Both parties control 3,657 legislative seats
DENVER - State legislative elections did little to change the political landscape that shows a divided electorate. Democrats and Republicans find themselves stuck as they try to squeeze through the door to control of America's legislatures. The 2004 election gave each party hope, but ultimately they remain locked in political parity.
"The parties are in a perpetual game of political tug of war," said NCSL political analyst Tim Storey. "For the past three years, one side has moved the flag an inch, only to lose that ground the next election. It is hard to imagine this parity could get any tighter, but it appears that it has."
Analysis of the 2004 elections give Democrats a slight edge in gaining political ground, picking up a few more legislative chambers than the GOP. They also caught Republicans in total state legislators. Before the election, Republicans had 64 more legislators. It's now tied at 3,657, pending one undecided New York Senate seat and recounts.
Democrats claimed the most political chamber switches. They won the Colorado House, Colorado Senate, Montana Senate, North Carolina House, Oregon Senate, Vermont House and Washington Senate. The previously Republican-controlled Iowa Senate is now tied 25-25.
Republicans continued to make gains in the South, claiming the Georgia House by a wide margin, the Oklahoma House and Tennessee Senate. They also wrested the Indiana House from the Democrats.
The Montana House may end in a tied chamber situation. The current breakdown there is 49 Democrats, 50 Republicans and one Constitution Party member who won his seat by two votes. A recount is likely.
Before the election, Republicans had a 21-17 lead in control of state legislatures; 11 states had split control. After the November 2 balloting, Republicans maintained a razor-thin margin of 20-19 over the Democrats with 10 state legislatures with split control. Republicans control 50 chambers; Democrats 47; one chamber is tied. View a 50-state table.
Nearly 80 percent of the nation's 7,382 seats in the nation's state legislatures were up for grabs this year. State legislative elections were held in 44 states.
Prior to the election, NCSL identified the top 10 state legislative battlegrounds: Colorado Senate, Georgia House, Indiana House, Maine Senate, Montana House, North Carolina House, Oklahoma House, Oregon Senate, Vermont House, Washington House and Washington Senate. Eight of the 10 switched party control. The Washington House did not switch and results from the Maine Senate and the Montana House are still in the air.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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