As the 2024 elections approach, state legislative races across the United States are attracting significant attention and funding from both major political parties. Here’s a look at five states where Democrats and Republicans are fiercely contesting control of state legislatures.
1. Arizona
Current Landscape: Republicans hold a one-seat majority in both the state House and Senate.
Key Issues: With Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in office, Democrats aim to gain control of both legislative chambers for the first time since 1966. The party is focusing on districts around Maricopa County and rural southern areas, emphasizing abortion rights following a state Supreme Court ruling that revived a Civil War-era abortion ban.
Strategy: Democrats are leveraging the potential of a ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights, hoping it will mobilize voters.
2. Michigan
Current Landscape: Democrats have a 56-54 advantage in the House, while the Senate is not up for election this year.
Key Issues: Democrats highlight their legislative achievements, including gun safety, abortion protections, and the repeal of right-to-work laws. Republicans are campaigning against these changes, framing themselves as a necessary check on Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Strategy: Republicans target districts where former President Donald Trump performed well, aiming to leverage his support to regain control.
3. Minnesota
Current Landscape: Democrats control the House 70-64. The Senate is currently tied 33-33, with a special election scheduled for November.
Key Issues: Democrats seek to maintain control by touting their legislative successes such as the child tax credit and universal free school meals. However, key bills like the public infrastructure package and Equal Rights Amendment stalled in 2024.
Strategy: Democrats focus on door-knocking and local outreach in the small district sizes, while Republicans aim to capitalize on any legislative shortcomings.
4. New Hampshire
Current Landscape: Republicans hold slim majorities in both the House and Senate.
Key Issues: With no state-level abortion protections, Democrats are campaigning on reproductive rights. The open gubernatorial race adds another layer of competition, potentially influencing legislative outcomes.
Strategy: Both parties aim to capitalize on the gubernatorial race to drive voter turnout for legislative candidates.
5. Pennsylvania
Current Landscape: Democrats hold the House by one seat; Republicans control the Senate by six seats.
Key Issues: Democrats highlight recent statewide victories and their legislative achievements, including gun safety and LGBTQ+ protections. Republicans focus on voter ID laws and other conservative priorities.
Strategy: Democrats target flip opportunities in the Philadelphia area, while Republicans focus on western Pennsylvania, aiming to benefit from local support for Trump.
As power increasingly shifts from Washington to state capitals, the outcomes of these legislative races will significantly impact local and national policy landscapes.
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