While headlines focus on the Democratic sweep of the U.S. House and Senate, the party also saw widespread success at the state level. On Tuesday, voters made their voice heard in state elections for 36 governors, 30 attorneys general, 88 legislative chambers and 145 ballot measures. Their message was one of overwhelming support for Democrats, even in states that are traditionally Republican. The party secured six new trifectas (when one party controls both legislative chambers and the governorship) in Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. This gives Democrats a plurality of state trifectas in the country, from 16 before the election to 22. Republicans, on the other hand, lost trifecta control in Georgia, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio and Texas. This leaves them with 18 trifectas, down from 23. Ten states have divided government, one fewer than the 11 prior to the election.
Gubernatorial Flips
For this first time since 2010, Democrats will control a majority of governorships in 2027. They’ve picked up five seats so far and are leading in tight races in Alaska and Kansas. The party flipped swing states like Georgia and Nevada and even reached into Republican territory by taking Iowa and Ohio. Most shocking, however, was Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa’s win over Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in Texas. Governor Abbott has been in office for over a decade in a state that has long been a symbol of Republican strength. Equally surprising is that one of Republicans’ few successes came in Vermont, one of the bluest states in the nation. Republican Gov. Phil Scott defeated his Democratic challenger in what was the closest race of his 10-year career as governor.
Legislative Control & Supermajorities
Going into the election, Republicans controlled 27 legislatures, while Democrats held 16. Three states, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania, had divided legislatures. Democrats flipped 12 chambers, eight state houses and four senates, taking control of legislatures in six states: Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The party was also able to flip chambers in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, putting those legislatures under divided control. Democrats even picked up state legislative seats in redder states, breaking Republican supermajorities in states like Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio and South Carolina. Additionally, Democrats were able to secure supermajorities in blue states like Delaware and Vermont.
The Rest of the Ballot
Democrats’ success in attorney general races largely followed their wins in gubernatorial elections. The party picked up four seats in Georgia, Iowa, Ohio and Texas and are leading a close race in Kansas. The party was also able to defend vulnerable seats in Michigan, Minnesota and Nevada. If Democrats prevails in Kansas, 28 states will have a Democratic attorney general, while 22 will have a Republican. Voters also decided on 164 ballot measures in states across the country.
Election night’s seismic shift of state power towards Democrats will drastically reshape legislative priorities in the upcoming 2027 legislative sessions. For more detailed ballot measure tracking, and race-by-race election results and analysis, check out FOCUS’ 2026 State Elections Hub. FOCUS will continue to monitor elections and their impact on the state legislative landscape.
by Will Beacom 11/5/26
