Annual State Legislative Competitiveness Report: Vol. 12, 2022

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Last updated on November 25, 2024

Ballotpedia's 12th Annual State Legislative Competitiveness Report analyzed all 6,278 state legislative seats that were up for election on November 8, 2022, in 46 states.

State legislative competitiveness in 2022 reached its highest level compared to all even-year election cycles since 2010.

In 2022, the nationwide State Legislative Competitiveness Index was 36.6, beating out 2018 (36.1) and the 2012 post-redistricting cycle (35.2).

The overall rise in competitiveness in 2022 was due to the presence of more open seat contests and incumbents facing more primary challenges. At the same time, there was a decline in head-to-head matchups between Republican and Democratic candidates in the general election.

Key findings of this report include:

1,492 seats were open (23.8%), the largest percentage since 2010.

1,299 incumbents faced contested primaries (26.8%), the largest percentage since 2010.

3,719 seats were contested by both major parties (59.2%), the lowest percentage since 2016.

Nationwide State Legislative Competitiveness Index, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	23.1%	26.7%	58.7%	36.2
Senate	26.3%	27.2%	61.3%	38.3
Total	23.8%	26.8%	59.2%	36.6

This report is organized into five sections. They are:

• Competitiveness overview
• State-specific competitiveness information
• Open seats
• Incumbents in contested primaries
• Major party competition

Competitiveness overview

Competitiveness refers to the presence of choice throughout the election cycle. A greater level of competitiveness means voters have the ability to make more decisions. A lower level of competitiveness equals fewer choices.

Ballotpedia uses three factors to determine state legislative competitiveness:

• Open seats, those where no incumbents filed to run;
• Incumbents in contested primaries, those who could potentially lose to challengers; and,
• Major party competition — where Democrats and Republicans meet head-to-head in the general election.

These percentages are averaged to produce a State Legislative Competitiveness Index, which can range from zero (least competitive) to 100 (most competitive).

The table below shows the Competitiveness Indices from 2010 to 2022 as well as the three factors used to calculate the indices. Click here to read more about Ballotpedia's methodology used when calculating Competitiveness Indices.

State legislative Competitiveness Indices, 2010-2022
	2010	2012	2014	2016	2018	2020	2022	AVERAGE
Competitiveness Index	34.6	35.2	30.8	31.7	36.1	33.4	36.6	34.1
Open seats	18.7%	21.9%	16.8%	17.4%	19.7%	14.9%	23.8%	19.0%
Inc. in contested primaries	20.0%	23.3%	19.5%	20.2%	22.2%	20.1%	26.8%	21.7%
Seats with major party competition	65.0%	60.4%	56.0%	57.6%	66.3%	65.2%	59.2%	61.4%

The graphic below combines these figures for every election cycle since 2010, showing how, despite a decrease in major party competition in 2022, an increase in the other two factors led to the cycle's increased level of competitiveness.

State overviews

Click [show] on the table below to view each state's State Legislative Competitiveness Index in 2022, along with their respective values for the three criteria and ranks.

State Legislative Competitiveness Indices, 2022
State	Open seats		Incs. in contested primaries		Major party competition		Competitiveness Index
	%	Rk.	%	Rk.	%	Rk.	#	Rk.
Nationwide	23.8%	-	26.8%	-	59.2%	-	36.6	-
Alabama	18.6%	30	30.7%	17	22.9%	46	24.1	43
Alaska	33.9%	10	0.0%	46	40.7%	38	24.9	42
Arizona	47.8%	2	52.0%	5	51.1%	26	50.3	6
Arkansas	23.7%	23	27.9%	22	35.6%	42	29.1	35
California	34.0%	9	46.4%	8	74.0%	10	51.5	4
Colorado	39.0%	4	14.0%	41	92.7%	2	48.6	7
Connecticut	16.0%	36	2.5%	45	75.4%	9	31.3	32
Delaware	11.3%	44	14.5%	38	54.8%	25	26.9	40
Florida	29.4%	17	28.1%	21	56.3%	20	37.9	18
Georgia	21.6%	24	33.5%	14	47.5%	32	34.2	24
Hawaii	19.7%	27	39.7%	9	80.3%	8	46.6	8
Idaho	34.3%	7	60.8%	2	42.9%	37	46.0	9
Illinois	12.4%	39	16.1%	33	58.8%	17	29.1	35
Indiana	11.2%	45	26.3%	24	56.0%	22	31.2	34
Iowa	34.3%	7	15.1%	36	56.0%	22	35.1	23
Kansas	19.2%	29	15.7%	34	48.0%	31	27.6	39
Kentucky	17.6%	32	31.0%	16	45.4%	34	31.3	32
Maine	37.6%	5	2.6%	44	80.6%	7	40.3	15
Maryland	20.7%	26	62.9%	1	48.9%	29	44.2	11
Massachusetts	12.0%	42	11.9%	42	30.0%	44	18.0	46
Michigan	44.6%	3	52.4%	4	98.6%	1	65.2	1
Minnesota	31.3%	14	14.1%	40	87.1%	4	44.2	11
Missouri	27.2%	18	26.5%	23	43.3%	36	32.3	30
Montana	31.2%	15	15.1%	36	68.8%	14	38.4	17
Nebraska	54.2%	1	54.5%	3	45.8%	33	51.5	4
Nevada	35.8%	6	38.2%	11	83.0%	6	52.3	3
New Hampshire	29.7%	16	38.4%	10	91.0%	3	53.0	2
New Mexico	17.1%	34	20.7%	30	48.6%	30	28.8	37
New York	11.7%	43	24.1%	26	65.3%	16	33.7	26
North Carolina	17.6%	32	22.9%	28	68.2%	15	36.2	21
North Dakota	26.5%	21	36.0%	13	37.8%	41	33.4	28
Ohio	26.7%	20	23.3%	27	69.8%	13	39.9	16
Oklahoma	16.0%	36	24.8%	25	28.8%	45	23.2	44
Oregon	32.0%	12	17.6%	32	86.7%	5	45.4	10
Pennsylvania	18.0%	31	22.1%	29	56.1%	21	32.1	31
Rhode Island	12.4%	39	30.3%	19	58.4%	18	33.7	26
South Carolina	12.1%	41	30.6%	18	40.3%	39	27.7	38
South Dakota	32.4%	11	49.3%	6	44.8%	35	42.2	14
Tennessee	14.7%	38	15.2%	35	37.9%	40	22.6	45
Texas	16.6%	35	29.6%	20	55.2%	24	33.8	25
Utah	8.9%	46	18.3%	31	51.1%	26	26.1	41
Vermont	31.7%	13	14.4%	39	51.1%	26	32.4	29
Washington	21.3%	25	32.3%	15	58.2%	19	37.3	19
West Virginia	19.7%	27	36.7%	12	71.8%	12	42.7	13
Wisconsin	25.9%	22	10.5%	43	73.3%	11	36.6	20
Wyoming	26.9%	19	49.1%	7	30.8%	43	35.6	22

Click [show] on the table below to view each state's State Legislative Competitiveness Index from 2010 to 2022.

State Legislative Competitiveness Indices, 2010-2022
State	2010		2012		2014		2016		2018		2020		2022
	#	Rk.	#	Rk.	#	Rk.	#	Rk.	#	Rk.	#	Rk.	#	Rk.
Nationwide	34.6	-	35.2	-	30.8	-	31.7	-	36.1	-	33.4	-	36.6	-
Alabama	28.9	30	-	-	29.3	25	-	-	36.0	23	-	-	24.1	43
Alaska	26.4	36	39.2	15	30.0	21	33.1	19	44.6	10	30.1	31	24.9	42
Arizona	50.3	3	41.5	12	42.7	7	34.7	17	50.3	5	38.6	11	50.3	6
Arkansas	28.0	32	31.9	29	22.3	39	15.5	43	25.0	40	19.4	43	29.1	35
California	46.6	7	52.4	3	47.4	4	44.3	7	43.3	11	43.3	4	51.5	4
Colorado	36.6	16	44.1	8	36.1	14	39.4	11	42.4	12	39.6	9	48.6	7
Connecticut	30.4	26	31.9	29	30.0	21	30.7	24	34.2	28	30.9	28	31.3	32
Delaware	29.2	28	29.0	34	26.4	29	20.7	37	34.1	29	22.6	41	26.9	40
Florida	33.5	21	35.4	24	23.6	36	32.9	20	37.1	21	41.9	5	37.9	18
Georgia	23.3	44	19.2	42	16.3	45	16.8	42	23.9	42	26.6	36	34.2	24
Hawaii	48.1	6	36.3	22	36.9	11	30.8	23	29.5	33	33.3	20	46.6	8
Idaho	29.0	29	52.4	3	31.6	17	33.3	18	34.8	26	32.9	22	46.0	9
Illinois	27.6	33	28.3	35	19.6	42	19.3	39	26.7	38	25.1	39	29.1	35
Indiana	33.4	23	33.8	26	22.1	40	31.1	22	33.6	30	31.7	26	31.2	34
Iowa	29.4	27	37.3	19	23.0	37	28.8	27	31.2	31	28.5	33	35.1	23
Kansas	28.3	31	47.9	5	29.7	23	38.7	14	27.5	36	33.7	18	27.6	39
Kentucky	27.0	35	25.4	39	24.2	34	27.3	31	40.6	15	28.0	35	31.3	32
Maine	40.0	11	43.0	9	38.7	10	36.2	16	38.5	20	33.8	17	40.3	15
Maryland	49.1	5	-	-	53.2	2	-	-	51.6	2	-	-	44.2	11
Massachusetts	24.5	41	16.0	44	19.7	41	13.4	44	17.8	46	13.6	44	18.0	46
Michigan	59.0	1	52.8	1	54.5	1	57.3	1	58.9	1	50.4	1	65.2	1
Minnesota	37.8	12	42.8	10	36.2	13	38.9	12	40.4	16	38.8	10	44.2	11
Missouri	37.6	14	37.0	21	27.6	26	25.9	33	41.7	13	31.8	25	32.3	30
Montana	42.5	8	45.0	7	47.5	3	44.2	8	36.0	23	41.4	6	38.4	17
Nebraska	26.2	37	37.7	18	39.5	9	38.9	12	39.6	18	30.2	30	51.5	4
Nevada	54.2	2	47.0	6	36.5	12	45.9	4	39.1	19	36.1	15	52.3	3
New Hampshire	49.6	4	52.6	2	46.3	5	49.3	3	44.9	9	47.6	3	53.0	2
New Mexico	24.1	43	31.4	31	25.9	31	18.4	40	22.8	45	33.7	18	28.8	37
New York	36.3	17	30.4	32	27.2	27	27.9	30	28.3	35	32.9	22	33.7	26
North Carolina	34.5	20	37.8	17	26.4	29	28.9	26	45.0	7	41.3	7	36.2	21
North Dakota	32.2	25	41.0	14	30.5	20	41.5	10	34.4	27	31.6	27	33.4	28
Ohio	42.1	10	38.7	16	43.0	6	38.5	15	51.2	3	38.4	12	39.9	16
Oklahoma	24.2	42	24.1	40	24.8	33	45.2	6	50.8	4	25.4	38	23.2	44
Oregon	37.7	13	32.7	28	31.3	18	29.4	25	30.2	32	37.9	13	45.4	10
Pennsylvania	27.5	34	26.2	38	25.6	32	24.3	35	28.7	34	28.9	32	32.1	31
Rhode Island	36.9	15	26.7	37	16.9	44	18.1	41	23.9	42	21.6	42	33.7	26
South Carolina	20.9	45	23.2	41	16.3	45	20.3	38	24.6	41	26.3	37	27.7	38
South Dakota	33.5	21	41.1	13	33.4	15	43.8	9	45.0	7	37.6	14	42.2	14
Tennessee	25.9	39	34.8	25	24.1	35	28.4	29	41.2	14	23.3	40	22.6	45
Texas	20.8	46	30.2	33	22.8	38	24.7	34	35.5	25	30.6	29	33.8	25
Utah	33.3	24	37.1	20	32.1	16	28.6	28	36.4	22	31.9	24	26.1	41
Vermont	25.2	40	18.5	43	19.3	43	26.9	32	23.0	44	28.5	33	32.4	29
Washington	34.9	19	33.3	27	31.3	18	32.7	21	39.7	17	41.1	8	37.3	19
West Virginia	42.5	8	42.6	11	41.8	8	51.5	2	47.7	6	50.0	2	42.7	13
Wisconsin	35.1	18	35.8	23	26.7	28	23.2	36	27.2	37	35.1	16	36.6	20
Wyoming	26.1	38	27.2	36	29.5	24	45.5	5	25.7	39	33.2	21	35.6	22

Alabama

Alabama had a Competitiveness Index of 24.1, ranking it 43rd of the 46 states that held elections.

• 26 of the 140 seats up for election were open (19%).
• 35 of the 114 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (31%).
• 32 of the 140 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (23%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Alabama, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	20.0%	31.0%	22.9%	24.6
Senate	14.3%	30.0%	22.9%	22.4
Total	18.6%	30.7%	22.9%	24.1

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Alabama, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	13.6%	28.1%	45.0%	28.9	30 / 46
2012	Did not hold elections.
2014	15.0%	33.6%	39.3%	29.3	25 / 46
2016	Did not hold elections.
2018	27.1%	35.3%	45.7%	36.0	23 / 46
2020	Did not hold elections.
2022	18.6%	30.7%	22.9%	24.1	43 / 46

See also:

• Alabama House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Alabama State Senate elections, 2022

Alaska

Alaska had a Competitiveness Index of 24.9, ranking it 42nd of the 46 states that held elections.

• 20 of the 59 seats up for election were open (34%).
• None of the 40 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (0%).
• 24 of the 59 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (41%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Alaska, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	37.5%	0.0%	40.0%	25.8
Senate	26.3%	0.0%	42.1%	22.8
Total	33.9%	0.0%	40.7%	24.9

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Alaska, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	10.0%	13.3%	56.0%	26.4	36 / 46
2012	18.6%	29.6%	69.5%	39.2	15 / 44
2014	14.8%	8.5%	66.7%	30.0	21 / 46
2016	18.0%	29.3%	52.0%	33.1	19 / 44
2018	26.0%	29.7%	78.0%	44.6	10 / 46
2020	6.0%	40.4%	44.0%	30.1	31 / 44
2022	33.9%	0.0%	40.7%	24.9	42 / 46

See also:

• Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Alaska State Senate elections, 2022

Arizona

Arizona had a Competitiveness Index of 50.3, ranking it sixth of the 46 states that held elections.

• 43 of the 90 seats up for election were open (48%).
• 26 of the 50 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (52%).
• 46 of the 90 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (51%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Arizona, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	48.3%	65.6%	43.3%	52.4
Senate	46.7%	27.8%	66.7%	47.1
Total	47.8%	52.0%	51.1%	50.3

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Arizona, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	43.3%	51.0%	56.7%	50.3	3 / 46
2012	35.6%	40.0%	48.9%	41.5	12 / 44
2014	26.7%	42.4%	58.9%	42.7	7 / 46
2016	28.9%	29.7%	45.6%	34.7	17 / 44
2018	36.7%	47.4%	66.7%	50.3	5 / 46
2020	18.9%	37.0%	60.0%	38.6	11 / 44
2022	47.8%	52.0%	51.1%	50.3	6 / 46

See also:

• Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Arizona State Senate elections, 2022

Arkansas

Arkansas had a Competitiveness Index of 29.1, ranking it 35th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 32 of the 135 seats up for election were open (24%).
• 29 of the 104 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (28%).
• 48 of the 135 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (36%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Arkansas, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	23.0%	26.9%	35.0%	28.3
Senate	25.7%	30.8%	37.1%	31.2
Total	23.7%	27.9%	35.6%	29.1

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Arkansas, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	45.3%	6.3%	32.5%	28.0	32 / 46
2012	34.8%	13.6%	47.4%	31.9	29 / 44
2014	26.3%	9.2%	31.4%	22.3	39 / 46
2016	12.8%	9.8%	23.9%	15.5	43 / 44
2018	19.5%	15.8%	39.8%	25.0	40 / 46
2020	8.5%	10.3%	39.3%	19.4	43 / 44
2022	23.7%	27.9%	35.6%	29.1	35 / 46

See also:

• Arkansas House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Arkansas State Senate elections, 2022

California

California had a Competitiveness Index of 51.5, ranking it fourth of the 46 states that held elections.

• 34 of the 100 seats up for election were open (34%).
• 32 of the 69 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (46%).
• 74 of the 100 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (74%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in California, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	30.0%	45.8%	73.8%	49.9
Senate	50.0%	50.0%	75.0%	58.3
Total	34.0%	46.4%	74.0%	51.5

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in California, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	38.0%	9.7%	92.0%	46.6	7 / 46
2012	44.0%	39.3%	74.0%	52.4	3 / 44
2014	33.0%	34.3%	75.0%	47.4	4 / 46
2016	26.0%	33.8%	73.0%	44.3	7 / 44
2018	14.0%	43.0%	73.0%	43.3	11 / 46
2020	14.0%	43.0%	73.0%	43.3	4 / 44
2022	34.0%	46.4%	74.0%	51.5	4 / 46

See also:

• California State Assembly elections, 2022
• California State Senate elections, 2022

Colorado

Colorado had a Competitiveness Index of 48.6, ranking it seventh of the 46 states that held elections.

• 32 of the 82 seats up for election were open (39%).
• 7 of the 50 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (14%).
• 76 of the 82 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (93%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Colorado, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	36.9%	14.6%	93.8%	48.4
Senate	47.1%	11.1%	88.2%	48.8
Total	39.0%	14.0%	92.7%	48.6

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Colorado, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	23.8%	1.6%	84.5%	36.6	16 / 46
2012	38.8%	7.5%	85.9%	44.1	8 / 44
2014	28.0%	3.4%	76.8%	36.1	14 / 46
2016	28.9%	8.5%	80.7%	39.4	11 / 44
2018	30.5%	8.8%	87.8%	42.4	12 / 46
2020	24.1%	7.9%	86.7%	39.6	9 / 44
2022	39.0%	14.0%	92.7%	48.6	7 / 46

See also:

• Colorado House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Colorado State Senate elections, 2022

Connecticut

Connecticut had a Competitiveness Index of 31.3, ranking it 32nd of the 46 states that held elections.

• 30 of the 187 seats up for election were open (16%).
• 4 of the 157 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (3%).
• 141 of the 187 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (75%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Connecticut, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	15.2%	2.3%	72.8%	30.1
Senate	19.4%	3.4%	86.1%	36.3
Total	16.0%	2.5%	75.4%	31.3

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Connecticut, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	10.2%	6.0%	74.9%	30.4	26 / 46
2012	12.8%	4.3%	78.6%	31.9	29 / 44
2014	12.8%	5.5%	71.7%	30.0	21 / 46
2016	12.3%	6.1%	73.8%	30.7	24 / 44
2018	12.8%	3.1%	86.6%	34.2	28 / 46
2020	9.1%	2.9%	80.7%	30.9	28 / 44
2022	16.0%	2.5%	75.4%	31.3	32 / 46

See also:

• Connecticut House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Connecticut State Senate elections, 2022

Delaware

Delaware had a Competitiveness Index of 26.9, ranking it 40th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 7 of the 62 seats up for election were open (11%).
• 8 of the 55 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (15%).
• 34 of the 62 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (55%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Delaware, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	12.2%	19.4%	61.0%	30.9
Senate	9.5%	5.3%	42.9%	19.2
Total	11.3%	14.5%	54.8%	26.9

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Delaware, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	7.7%	14.6%	65.4%	29.2	28 / 46
2012	16.1%	20.8%	50.0%	29.0	34 / 44
2014	3.9%	18.4%	56.9%	26.4	29 / 46
2016	3.8%	12.0%	46.2%	20.7	37 / 44
2018	27.5%	8.1%	66.7%	34.1	29 / 46
2020	3.8%	14.0%	50.0%	22.6	41 / 44
2022	11.3%	14.5%	54.8%	26.9	40 / 46

See also:

• Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Delaware State Senate elections, 2022

Florida

Florida had a Competitiveness Index of 37.9, ranking it 18th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 47 of the 160 seats up for election were open (29%).
• 32 of the 114 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (28%).
• 90 of the 160 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (56%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Florida, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	30.0%	29.4%	55.8%	38.4
Senate	27.5%	24.1%	57.5%	36.4
Total	29.4%	28.1%	56.3%	37.9

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Florida, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	32.2%	18.6%	49.7%	33.5	21 / 46
2012	33.1%	28.2%	45.0%	35.4	24 / 44
2014	12.9%	17.2%	40.7%	23.6	36 / 46
2016	38.8%	14.3%	45.6%	32.9	20 / 44
2018	27.1%	18.6%	65.7%	37.1	21 / 46
2020	28.6%	17.0%	80.0%	41.9	5 / 44
2022	29.4%	28.1%	56.3%	37.9	18 / 46

See also:

• Florida House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Florida State Senate elections, 2022

Georgia

Georgia had a Competitiveness Index of 34.2, ranking it 24th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 51 of the 236 seats up for election were open (22%).
• 63 of the 188 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (34%).
• 112 of the 236 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (47%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Georgia, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	22.8%	33.1%	47.8%	34.6
Senate	17.9%	34.8%	46.4%	33.0
Total	21.6%	33.5%	47.5%	34.2

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Georgia, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	16.1%	20.7%	33.1%	23.3	44 / 46
2012	11.9%	22.9%	22.9%	19.2	42 / 44
2014	7.2%	21.5%	20.3%	16.3	45 / 46
2016	8.9%	22.9%	18.6%	16.8	42 / 44
2018	8.5%	24.5%	38.6%	23.9	42 / 46
2020	11.0%	20.0%	48.7%	26.6	36 / 44
2022	21.6%	33.5%	47.5%	34.2	24 / 46

See also:

• Georgia House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Georgia State Senate elections, 2022

Hawaii

Hawaii had a Competitiveness Index of 46.6, ranking it eighth of the 46 states that held elections.

• 15 of the 76 seats up for election were open (20%).
• 25 of the 63 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (40%).
• 61 of the 76 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (80%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Hawaii, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	21.6%	51.2%	78.4%	50.4
Senate	16.0%	18.2%	84.0%	39.4
Total	19.7%	39.7%	80.3%	46.6

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Hawaii, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	12.1%	41.4%	90.9%	48.1	6 / 46
2012	10.5%	36.6%	61.8%	36.3	22 / 44
2014	7.9%	34.5%	68.3%	36.9	11 / 46
2016	4.7%	39.3%	48.4%	30.8	23 / 44
2018	14.3%	42.6%	31.7%	29.5	33 / 46
2020	12.5%	35.7%	51.6%	33.3	20 / 44
2022	19.7%	39.7%	80.3%	46.6	8 / 46

See also:

• Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Hawaii State Senate elections, 2022

Idaho

Idaho had a Competitiveness Index of 46, ranking it ninth of the 46 states that held elections.

• 36 of the 105 seats up for election were open (34%).
• 45 of the 74 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (61%).
• 45 of the 105 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (43%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Idaho, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	34.3%	52.1%	45.7%	44.0
Senate	34.3%	76.9%	37.1%	49.4
Total	34.3%	60.8%	42.9%	46.0

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Idaho, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	8.6%	27.1%	51.4%	29.0	29 / 46
2012	34.3%	48.6%	74.3%	52.4	3 / 44
2014	10.5%	31.9%	52.4%	31.6	17 / 46
2016	8.6%	32.3%	59.0%	33.3	18 / 44
2018	15.2%	34.8%	54.3%	34.8	26 / 46
2020	17.1%	32.2%	49.5%	32.9	23 / 44
2022	34.3%	60.8%	42.9%	46.0	9 / 46

See also:

• Idaho House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Idaho State Senate elections, 2022

Illinois

Illinois had a Competitiveness Index of 29.1, ranking it 35th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 22 of the 177 seats up for election were open (12%).
• 25 of the 155 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (16%).
• 104 of the 177 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (59%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Illinois, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	11.9%	17.3%	66.1%	31.8
Senate	13.6%	13.7%	44.1%	23.8
Total	12.4%	16.1%	58.8%	29.1

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Illinois, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	8.6%	16.5%	57.6%	27.6	33 / 46
2012	19.2%	22.8%	42.9%	28.3	35 / 44
2014	8.8%	11.2%	38.7%	19.6	42 / 46
2016	8.9%	11.8%	37.3%	19.3	39 / 44
2018	17.8%	13.2%	49.0%	26.7	38 / 46
2020	10.9%	18.0%	46.4%	25.1	39 / 44
2022	12.4%	16.1%	58.8%	29.1	35 / 46

See also:

• Illinois House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Illinois State Senate elections, 2022

Indiana

Indiana had a Competitiveness Index of 31.2, ranking it 34th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 14 of the 125 seats up for election were open (11%).
• 30 of the 114 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (26%).
• 70 of the 125 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (56%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Indiana, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	10.0%	27.2%	53.0%	30.1
Senate	16.0%	22.7%	68.0%	35.6
Total	11.2%	26.3%	56.0%	31.2

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Indiana, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	9.6%	18.6%	72.0%	33.4	23 / 46
2012	18.4%	16.5%	66.4%	33.8	26 / 44
2014	6.4%	9.4%	50.4%	22.1	40 / 46
2016	13.6%	15.7%	64.0%	31.1	22 / 44
2018	11.2%	20.7%	68.8%	33.6	30 / 46
2020	8.0%	20.0%	67.2%	31.7	26 / 44
2022	11.2%	26.3%	56.0%	31.2	34 / 46

See also:

• Indiana House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Indiana State Senate elections, 2022

Iowa

Iowa had a Competitiveness Index of 35.1, ranking it 23rd of the 46 states that held elections.

• 46 of the 134 seats up for election were open (34%).
• 14 of the 93 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (15%).
• 75 of the 134 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (56%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Iowa, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	33.0%	18.6%	52.0%	34.5
Senate	38.2%	4.3%	67.6%	36.7
Total	34.3%	15.1%	56.0%	35.1

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Iowa, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	13.6%	7.4%	67.2%	29.4	27 / 46
2012	23.8%	16.0%	72.2%	37.3	19 / 44
2014	12.0%	7.3%	49.6%	23.0	37 / 46
2016	10.4%	8.0%	68.0%	28.8	27 / 44
2018	17.6%	4.9%	71.2%	31.2	31 / 46
2020	13.6%	5.6%	66.4%	28.5	33 / 44
2022	34.3%	15.1%	56.0%	35.1	23 / 46

See also:

• Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Iowa State Senate elections, 2022

Kansas

Kansas had a Competitiveness Index of 27.6, ranking it 39th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 23 of the 125 seats up for election were open (19%).
• 17 of the 103 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (16%).
• 60 of the 125 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (48%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Kansas, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	19.2%	15.7%	48.0%	27.6
Senate	Did not hold elections.
Total	19.2%	15.7%	48.0%	27.6

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Kansas, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	8.0%	20.0%	56.8%	28.3	31 / 46
2012	31.5%	42.5%	69.7%	47.9	5 / 44
2014	10.4%	18.8%	60.0%	29.7	23 / 46
2016	20.0%	29.5%	66.7%	38.7	14 / 44
2018	10.4%	23.2%	48.8%	27.5	36 / 46
2020	13.9%	21.8%	65.5%	33.7	18 / 44
2022	19.2%	15.7%	48.0%	27.6	39 / 46

See also:

• Kansas House of Representatives elections, 2022

Kentucky

Kentucky had a Competitiveness Index of 31.3, ranking it 32nd of the 46 states that held elections.

• 21 of the 119 seats up for election were open (18%).
• 31 of the 100 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (31%).
• 54 of the 119 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (45%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Kentucky, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	15.0%	32.2%	46.0%	31.1
Senate	31.6%	23.1%	42.1%	32.3
Total	17.6%	31.0%	45.4%	31.3

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Kentucky, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	5.9%	18.8%	56.3%	27.0	35 / 46
2012	10.9%	20.8%	44.5%	25.4	39 / 44
2014	9.2%	13.9%	49.6%	24.2	34 / 46
2016	8.4%	14.7%	58.8%	27.3	31 / 44
2018	17.6%	19.4%	84.9%	40.6	15 / 46
2020	14.3%	12.7%	57.1%	28.0	35 / 44
2022	17.6%	31.0%	45.4%	31.3	32 / 46

See also:

• Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Kentucky State Senate elections, 2022

Maine

Maine had a Competitiveness Index of 40.3, ranking it 15th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 70 of the 186 seats up for election were open (38%).
• 3 of the 116 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (3%).
• 150 of the 186 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (81%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Maine, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	37.1%	3.2%	76.2%	38.8
Senate	40.0%	0.0%	100.0%	46.7
Total	37.6%	2.6%	80.6%	40.3

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Maine, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	23.1%	2.8%	94.1%	40.0	11 / 46
2012	33.9%	4.1%	90.9%	43.0	9 / 44
2014	27.4%	2.2%	86.6%	38.7	10 / 46
2016	19.9%	2.7%	86.0%	36.2	16 / 44
2018	30.1%	1.5%	83.9%	38.5	20 / 46
2020	20.4%	4.7%	76.3%	33.8	17 / 44
2022	37.6%	2.6%	80.6%	40.3	15 / 46

See also:

• Maine House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Maine State Senate elections, 2022

Maryland

Maryland had a Competitiveness Index of 44.2, ranking it 11th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 39 of the 188 seats up for election were open (21%).
• 95 of the 151 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (63%).
• 92 of the 188 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (49%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Maryland, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	22.7%	69.4%	46.1%	46.1
Senate	14.9%	45.0%	57.4%	39.1
Total	20.7%	62.9%	48.9%	44.2

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Maryland, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	13.8%	64.8%	68.6%	49.1	5 / 46
2012	Did not hold elections.
2014	27.7%	68.1%	63.8%	53.2	2 / 46
2016	Did not hold elections.
2018	20.7%	71.8%	62.2%	51.6	2 / 46
2020	Did not hold elections.
2022	20.7%	62.9%	48.9%	44.2	11 / 46

See also:

• Maryland House of Delegates elections, 2022
• Maryland State Senate elections, 2022

Massachusetts

Massachusetts had a Competitiveness Index of 18.0, the lowest in 2022. This was the state's fourth consecutive cycle with the lowest Competitiveness Index.

• 24 of the 200 seats up for election were open (12%).
• 21 of the 176 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (12%).
• 60 of the 200 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (30%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Massachusetts, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	11.9%	12.1%	26.3%	16.8
Senate	12.5%	11.4%	45.0%	23.0
Total	12.0%	11.9%	30.0%	18.0

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Massachusetts, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	17.0%	8.4%	48.0%	24.5	41 / 46
2012	5.0%	10.0%	33.0%	16.0	44 / 44
2014	11.0%	9.6%	38.5%	19.7	41 / 46
2016	6.5%	10.7%	23.0%	13.4	44 / 44
2018	12.0%	11.4%	30.0%	17.8	46 / 46
2020	7.5%	12.4%	21.0%	13.6	44 / 44
2022	12.0%	11.9%	30.0%	18.0	46 / 46

See also:

• Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2022

Michigan

Michigan had a Competitiveness Index of 65.2, the highest in 2022. This was the state's seventh cycle in a row with the highest Competitiveness Index.

• 66 of the 148 seats up for election were open (45%).
• 44 of the 84 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (52%).
• 146 of the 148 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (99%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Michigan, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	47.3%	49.2%	99.1%	65.2
Senate	36.8%	60.0%	97.4%	64.7
Total	44.6%	52.4%	98.6%	65.2

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Michigan, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	54.1%	25.0%	98.0%	59.0	1 / 46
2012	20.0%	40.2%	98.2%	52.8	1 / 44
2014	34.5%	28.9%	100.0%	54.5	1 / 46
2016	38.2%	33.8%	100.0%	57.3	1 / 44
2018	47.3%	29.5%	100.0%	58.9	1 / 46
2020	23.6%	28.6%	99.1%	50.4	1 / 44
2022	44.6%	52.4%	98.6%	65.2	1 / 46

See also:

• Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Michigan State Senate elections, 2022

Minnesota

Minnesota had a Competitiveness Index of 44.2, ranking it 11th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 63 of the 201 seats up for election were open (31%).
• 20 of the 142 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (14%).
• 175 of the 201 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (87%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Minnesota, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	29.9%	11.2%	87.3%	42.8
Senate	34.3%	20.5%	86.6%	47.1
Total	31.3%	14.1%	87.1%	44.2

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Minnesota, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	11.9%	4.5%	97.0%	37.8	11 / 46
2012	25.4%	7.1%	96.0%	42.8	10 / 44
2014	11.2%	4.2%	93.3%	36.2	13 / 46
2016	13.9%	6.4%	96.5%	38.9	12 / 44
2018	17.2%	6.3%	97.8%	40.4	16 / 46
2020	9.5%	10.4%	96.5%	38.8	10 / 44
2022	31.3%	14.1%	87.1%	44.2	12 / 46

See also:

• Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Minnesota State Senate elections, 2022

Missouri

Missouri had a Competitiveness Index of 32.3, ranking it 30th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 49 of the 180 seats up for election were open (27%).
• 35 of the 132 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (27%).
• 78 of the 180 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (43%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Missouri, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	25.2%	23.6%	41.1%	30.0
Senate	47.1%	66.7%	64.7%	59.5
Total	27.2%	26.5%	43.3%	32.3

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Missouri, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	41.7%	14.3%	56.7%	37.6	14 / 46
2012	33.9%	27.8%	49.4%	37.0	21 / 44
2014	18.3%	15.0%	49.4%	27.6	26 / 46
2016	21.1%	14.8%	41.7%	25.9	33 / 44
2018	35.0%	16.2%	73.9%	41.7	13 / 46
2020	31.7%	13.8%	50.0%	31.8	25 / 44
2022	27.2%	26.5%	43.3%	32.3	30 / 46

See also:

• Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Missouri State Senate elections, 2022

Montana

Montana had a Competitiveness Index of 38.4, ranking it 17th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 39 of the 125 seats up for election were open (31%).
• 13 of the 86 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (15%).
• 86 of the 125 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (69%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Montana, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	26.0%	13.5%	68.0%	35.8
Senate	52.0%	25.0%	72.0%	49.7
Total	31.2%	15.1%	68.8%	38.4

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Montana, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	40.5%	14.7%	72.2%	42.5	8 / 46
2012	34.9%	20.7%	79.4%	45.0	7 / 44
2014	36.0%	22.5%	84.0%	47.5	3 / 46
2016	37.6%	17.5%	77.6%	44.2	8 / 44
2018	28.8%	11.2%	68.0%	36.0	23 / 46
2020	32.8%	27.4%	64.0%	41.4	6 / 44
2022	31.2%	15.1%	68.8%	38.4	17 / 46

See also:

• Montana House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Montana State Senate elections, 2022

Nebraska

Nebraska had a Competitiveness Index of 51.5, ranking it fourth of the 46 states that held elections.

• 13 of the 24 seats up for election were open (54%).
• 6 of the 11 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (55%).
• 11 of the 24 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (46%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Nebraska, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	N/A
Senate	54.2%	54.5%	45.8%	51.5
Total	54.2%	54.5%	45.8%	51.5

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Nebraska, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	12.5%	28.6%	37.5%	26.2	37 / 46
2012	36.0%	25.0%	52.0%	37.7	18 / 44
2014	70.8%	14.3%	33.3%	39.5	9 / 46
2016	44.0%	28.6%	44.0%	38.9	12 / 44
2018	33.3%	31.3%	54.2%	39.6	18 / 46
2020	24.0%	10.5%	56.0%	30.2	30 / 44
2022	54.2%	54.5%	45.8%	51.5	4 / 46

See also:

• Nebraska State Senate elections, 2022

Nevada

Nevada had a Competitiveness Index of 52.3, ranking it third of the 46 states that held elections.

• 19 of the 53 seats up for election were open (36%).
• 13 of the 34 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (38%).
• 44 of the 53 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (83%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Nevada, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	33.3%	35.7%	83.3%	50.8
Senate	45.5%	50.0%	81.8%	59.1
Total	35.8%	38.2%	83.0%	52.3

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Nevada, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	50.9%	19.2%	98.1%	56.1	2 / 46
2012	30.8%	33.3%	76.9%	47.0	6 / 44
2014	18.9%	30.2%	60.4%	36.5	12 / 46
2016	21.2%	41.5%	75.0%	45.9	4 / 44
2018	28.3%	21.1%	67.9%	39.1	19 / 46
2020	25.0%	17.9%	65.4%	36.1	15 / 44
2022	35.8%	38.2%	83.0%	52.3	3 / 46

See also:

• Nevada State Assembly elections, 2022
• Nevada State Senate elections, 2022

New Hampshire

New Hampshire had a Competitiveness Index of 53, ranking it second of the 46 states that held elections.

• 126 of the 424 seats up for election were open (30%).
• 116 of the 302 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (38%).
• 386 of the 424 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (91%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New Hampshire, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	29.5%	39.9%	91.0%	53.5
Senate	33.3%	12.5%	91.7%	45.8
Total	29.7%	38.4%	91.0%	53.0

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New Hampshire, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	24.1%	38.5%	86.3%	49.6	4 / 46
2012	29.5%	46.0%	82.3%	52.6	2 / 44
2014	26.7%	33.2%	79.0%	46.3	5 / 46
2016	27.8%	40.7%	79.5%	49.3	3 / 44
2018	24.8%	27.2%	82.8%	44.9	9 / 46
2020	19.1%	29.1%	94.6%	47.6	3 / 44
2022	29.7%	38.4%	91.0%	53.0	2 / 46

See also:

• New Hampshire House of Representatives elections, 2022
• New Hampshire State Senate elections, 2022

New Mexico

New Mexico had a Competitiveness Index of 28.8, ranking it 37th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 12 of the 70 seats up for election were open (17%).
• 12 of the 58 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (21%).
• 34 of the 70 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (49%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New Mexico, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	17.1%	20.7%	48.6%	28.8
Senate	Did not hold elections
Total	17.1%	20.7%	48.6%	28.8

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New Mexico, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	4.3%	20.9%	47.1%	24.1	43 / 46
2012	19.6%	26.4%	48.2%	31.4	31 / 44
2014	15.7%	11.9%	50.0%	25.9	31 / 46
2016	8.9%	8.8%	37.5%	18.4	40 / 44
2018	12.9%	9.8%	45.7%	22.8	45 / 46
2020	9.8%	19.8%	71.4%	33.7	18 / 44
2022	17.1%	20.7%	48.6%	28.8	37 / 46

See also:

• New Mexico House of Representatives elections, 2022

New York

New York had a Competitiveness Index of 33.7, ranking it 26th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 25 of the 213 seats up for election were open (12%).
• 46 of the 191 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (24%).
• 139 of the 213 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (65%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New York, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	9.3%	22.8%	66.7%	32.9
Senate	17.5%	27.3%	61.9%	35.6
Total	11.7%	24.1%	65.3%	33.7

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in New York, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	11.8%	19.8%	77.4%	36.3	17 / 46
2012	11.3%	17.5%	62.4%	30.4	32 / 44
2014	9.9%	14.1%	57.7%	27.2	27 / 46
2016	8.9%	17.0%	57.7%	27.9	30 / 44
2018	8.5%	15.9%	60.6%	28.3	35 / 46
2020	15.5%	20.0%	63.8%	33.1	22 / 44
2022	11.7%	24.1%	65.3%	33.7	26 / 46

See also:

• New York State Assembly elections, 2022
• New York State Senate elections, 2022

North Carolina

North Carolina had a Competitiveness Index of 36.2, ranking it 21st of the 46 states that held elections.

• 30 of the 170 seats up for election were open (18%).
• 33 of the 144 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (23%).
• 116 of the 170 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (68%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in North Carolina, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	16.7%	20.6%	67.5%	34.9
Senate	20.0%	28.6%	70.0%	39.5
Total	17.6%	22.9%	68.2%	36.2

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in North Carolina, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	10.6%	25.7%	67.1%	34.5	20 / 46
2012	27.1%	29.1%	57.1%	37.8	17 / 44
2014	8.2%	18.6%	52.4%	26.4	29 / 46
2016	11.8%	20.7%	54.1%	28.9	26 / 44
2018	11.2%	25.5%	98.2%	45.0	7 / 46
2020	15.3%	16.7%	91.8%	41.3	7 / 44
2022	17.6%	22.9%	68.2%	36.2	21 / 46

See also:

• North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2022
• North Carolina State Senate elections, 2022

North Dakota

North Dakota had a Competitiveness Index of 33.4, ranking it 28th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 26 of the 98 seats up for election were open (27%).
• 27 of the 75 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (36%).
• 37 of the 98 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (38%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in North Dakota, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	28.8%	42.9%	37.9%	36.5
Senate	21.9%	23.1%	37.5%	27.5
Total	26.5%	36.0%	37.8%	33.4

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in North Dakota, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	20.8%	3.5%	72.2%	32.2	25 / 46
2012	24.0%	16.4%	82.7%	41.0	14 / 44
2014	18.1%	6.8%	66.7%	30.5	20 / 46
2016	21.7%	13.0%	89.9%	41.5	10 / 44
2018	16.7%	10.0%	76.4%	34.4	27 / 46
2020	8.7%	7.9%	78.3%	31.6	27 / 44
2022	26.5%	36.0%	37.8%	33.4	28 / 46

See also:

• North Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2022
• North Dakota State Senate elections, 2022

Ohio

Ohio had a Competitiveness Index of 39.9, ranking it 16th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 31 of the 116 seats up for election were open (27%).
• 20 of the 86 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (23%).
• 81 of the 116 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (70%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Ohio, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	25.3%	25.3%	69.7%	40.1
Senate	35.3%	9.1%	70.6%	38.3
Total	26.7%	23.3%	69.8%	39.9

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Ohio, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	25.0%	16.1%	85.3%	42.1	10 / 46
2012	16.2%	14.3%	85.5%	38.7	16 / 44
2014	22.4%	25.6%	81.0%	43.0	6 / 46
2016	25.2%	16.3%	73.9%	38.5	15 / 44
2018	36.2%	27.0%	90.5%	51.2	3 / 46
2020	20.0%	15.2%	80.0%	38.4	12 / 44
2022	26.7%	23.3%	69.8%	39.9	16 / 46

See also:

• Ohio House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Ohio State Senate elections, 2022

Oklahoma

Oklahoma had a Competitiveness Index of 23.2, ranking it 44th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 20 of the 125 seats up for election were open (16%).
• 26 of the 105 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (25%).
• 36 of the 125 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (29%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Oklahoma, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	13.9%	23.0%	28.7%	21.9
Senate	25.0%	33.3%	29.2%	29.2
Total	16.0%	24.8%	28.8%	23.2

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Oklahoma, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	17.6%	11.7%	43.2%	24.2	42 / 46
2012	18.4%	18.6%	35.2%	24.1	40 / 44
2014	24.0%	13.7%	36.8%	24.8	33 / 46
2016	32.8%	33.3%	69.6%	45.2	6 / 44
2018	34.4%	45.1%	72.8%	50.8	4 / 46
2020	8.8%	28.9%	38.4%	25.4	38 / 44
2022	16.0%	24.8%	28.8%	23.2	44 / 46

See also:

• Oklahoma House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Oklahoma State Senate elections, 2022

Oregon

Oregon had a Competitiveness Index of 45.4, ranking it 10th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 24 of the 75 seats up for election were open (32%).
• 9 of the 51 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (18%).
• 65 of the 75 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (87%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Oregon, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	33.3%	17.5%	85.0%	45.3
Senate	26.7%	18.2%	93.3%	46.1
Total	32.0%	17.6%	86.7%	45.4

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Oregon, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	9.2%	13.0%	90.8%	37.7	13 / 46
2012	13.2%	6.1%	78.9%	32.7	28 / 44
2014	20.0%	10.0%	64.0%	31.3	18 / 46
2016	22.7%	6.9%	58.7%	29.4	25 / 44
2018	11.0%	13.8%	65.8%	30.2	32 / 46
2020	20.0%	8.3%	85.3%	37.9	13 / 44
2022	32.0%	17.6%	86.7%	45.4	10 / 46

See also:

• Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Oregon State Senate elections, 2022

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania had a Competitiveness Index of 32.1, ranking it 31st of the 46 states that held elections.

• 41 of the 228 seats up for election were open (18%).
• 42 of the 190 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (22%).
• 128 of the 228 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (56%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Pennsylvania, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	17.7%	22.9%	53.2%	31.3
Senate	20.0%	15.0%	80.0%	38.3
Total	18.0%	22.1%	56.1%	32.1

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Pennsylvania, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	9.2%	14.0%	59.2%	27.5	34 / 46
2012	11.0%	15.8%	51.8%	26.2	38 / 44
2014	11.8%	20.7%	44.3%	25.6	32 / 46
2016	8.3%	13.4%	51.3%	24.3	35 / 44
2018	14.0%	11.2%	61.0%	28.7	34 / 46
2020	8.3%	13.4%	64.9%	28.9	32 / 44
2022	18.0%	22.1%	56.1%	32.1	31 / 46

See also:

• Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2022

Rhode Island

Rhode Island had a Competitiveness Index of 33.7, ranking it 26th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 14 of the 113 seats up for election were open (12%).
• 30 of the 99 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (30%).
• 66 of the 113 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (58%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Rhode Island, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	9.3%	29.4%	53.3%	30.7
Senate	18.4%	32.3%	68.4%	39.7
Total	12.4%	30.3%	58.4%	33.7

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Rhode Island, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	13.3%	34.7%	62.8%	36.9	15 / 46
2012	11.5%	26.0%	42.5%	26.7	37 / 44
2014	7.1%	17.1%	26.5%	16.9	44 / 46
2016	7.1%	17.1%	30.1%	18.1	41 / 44
2018	13.3%	20.4%	38.1%	23.9	42 / 46
2020	8.0%	25.0%	31.9%	21.6	42 / 44
2022	12.4%	30.3%	58.4%	33.7	26 / 46

See also:

• Rhode Island House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2022

South Carolina

South Carolina had a Competitiveness Index of 27.7, ranking it 38th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 15 of the 124 seats up for election were open (12%).
• 34 of the 111 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (31%).
• 50 of the 124 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (40%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in South Carolina, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	12.1%	30.6%	40.3%	27.7
Senate	Did not hold elections.
Total	12.1%	30.6%	40.3%	27.7

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in South Carolina, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	9.7%	23.2%	29.8%	20.9	45 / 46
2012	14.1%	15.5%	40.0%	23.2	41 / 44
2014	7.3%	17.4%	24.2%	16.3	45 / 46
2016	10.0%	27.5%	23.5%	20.3	38 / 44
2018	6.5%	31.0%	36.3%	24.6	41 / 46
2020	8.2%	23.1%	47.6%	26.3	37 / 44
2022	12.1%	30.6%	40.3%	27.7	38 / 46

See also:

• South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2022

South Dakota

South Dakota had a Competitiveness Index of 42.2, ranking it 14th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 34 of the 105 seats up for election were open (32%).
• 35 of the 71 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (49%).
• 47 of the 105 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (45%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in South Dakota, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	35.7%	57.8%	50.0%	47.8
Senate	25.7%	34.6%	34.3%	31.5
Total	32.4%	49.3%	44.8%	42.2

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in South Dakota, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	32.4%	9.9%	58.1%	33.5	21 / 46
2012	29.5%	33.8%	60.0%	41.1	13 / 44
2014	29.5%	23.0%	47.6%	33.4	15 / 46
2016	40.0%	28.6%	62.9%	43.8	9 / 44
2018	24.8%	25.3%	84.8%	45.0	7 / 46
2020	27.6%	32.9%	52.4%	37.6	14 / 44
2022	32.4%	49.3%	44.8%	42.2	14 / 46

See also:

• South Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2022
• South Dakota State Senate elections, 2022

Tennessee

Tennessee had a Competitiveness Index of 22.6, ranking it 45th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 17 of the 116 seats up for election were open (15%).
• 15 of the 99 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (15%).
• 44 of the 116 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (38%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Tennessee, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	14.1%	12.9%	36.4%	21.1
Senate	17.6%	28.6%	47.1%	31.1
Total	14.7%	15.2%	37.9%	22.6

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Tennessee, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	8.6%	11.3%	57.8%	25.9	39 / 46
2012	18.3%	35.7%	50.4%	34.8	25 / 44
2014	10.3%	24.0%	37.9%	24.1	35 / 46
2016	5.2%	31.2%	48.7%	28.4	29 / 44
2018	23.3%	27.0%	73.3%	41.2	14 / 46
2020	5.2%	24.8%	40.0%	23.3	40 / 44
2022	14.7%	15.2%	37.9%	22.6	45 / 46

See also:

• Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Tennessee State Senate elections, 2022

Texas

Texas had a Competitiveness Index of 33.8, ranking it 25th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 30 of the 181 seats up for election were open (17%).
• 45 of the 152 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (30%).
• 100 of the 181 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (55%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Texas, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	16.7%	33.3%	54.7%	34.9
Senate	16.1%	11.5%	58.1%	28.6
Total	16.6%	29.6%	55.2%	33.8

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Texas, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	5.4%	17.8%	39.2%	20.8	46 / 46
2012	19.3%	34.7%	36.5%	30.2	33 / 44
2014	9.1%	26.0%	33.3%	22.8	38 / 46
2016	9.6%	30.7%	33.7%	24.7	34 / 44
2018	8.5%	33.1%	64.8%	35.5	25 / 46
2020	6.6%	20.6%	64.5%	30.6	29 / 44
2022	16.6%	29.6%	55.2%	33.8	25 / 46

See also:

• Texas House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Texas State Senate elections, 2022

Utah

Utah had a Competitiveness Index of 26.1, ranking it 41st of the 46 states that held elections.

• 8 of the 90 seats up for election were open (9%).
• 15 of the 82 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (18%).
• 46 of the 90 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (51%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Utah, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	9.3%	13.2%	52.0%	24.8
Senate	6.7%	42.9%	46.7%	32.1
Total	8.9%	18.3%	51.1%	26.1

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Utah, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	10.0%	11.1%	78.9%	33.3	24 / 46
2012	16.5%	17.9%	76.9%	37.1	20 / 44
2014	13.5%	5.2%	77.5%	32.1	16 / 46
2016	15.6%	7.9%	62.2%	28.6	28 / 44
2018	27.0%	4.6%	77.5%	36.4	22 / 46
2020	14.4%	15.6%	65.6%	31.9	24 / 44
2022	8.9%	18.3%	51.1%	26.1	41 / 46

See also:

• Utah House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Utah State Senate elections, 2022

Vermont

Vermont had a Competitiveness Index of 32.4, ranking it 29th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 57 of the 180 seats up for election were open (32%).
• 18 of the 125 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (14%).
• 92 of the 180 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (51%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Vermont, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	30.7%	10.4%	46.7%	29.3
Senate	36.7%	36.8%	73.3%	48.9
Total	31.7%	14.4%	51.1%	32.4

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Vermont, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	11.7%	8.2%	55.6%	25.2	40 / 46
2012	14.4%	7.7%	33.3%	18.5	43 / 44
2014	15.0%	5.2%	37.8%	19.3	43 / 46
2016	15.6%	17.8%	47.2%	26.9	32 / 44
2018	17.8%	12.8%	38.3%	23.0	44 / 46
2020	12.2%	16.5%	56.7%	28.5	33 / 44
2022	31.7%	14.4%	51.1%	32.4	29 / 46

See also:

• Vermont House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Vermont State Senate elections, 2022

Washington

Washington had a Competitiveness Index of 37.3, ranking it 19th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 26 of the 122 seats up for election were open (21%).
• 31 of the 96 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (32%).
• 71 of the 122 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (58%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Washington, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	20.4%	30.8%	59.2%	36.8
Senate	25.0%	38.9%	54.2%	39.4
Total	21.3%	32.3%	58.2%	37.3

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Washington, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	16.3%	23.3%	65.0%	34.9	19 / 46
2012	21.0%	15.3%	63.7%	33.3	27 / 44
2014	9.8%	20.7%	63.4%	31.3	18 / 46
2016	16.9%	31.1%	50.0%	32.7	21 / 44
2018	13.8%	32.1%	73.2%	39.7	17 / 46
2020	13.0%	35.5%	74.8%	41.1	8 / 44
2022	21.3%	32.3%	58.2%	37.3	19 / 46

See also:

• Washington House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Washington State Senate elections, 2022

West Virginia

West Virginia had a Competitiveness Index of 42.7, ranking it 13th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 23 of the 117 seats up for election were open (20%).
• 36 of the 98 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (37%).
• 84 of the 117 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (72%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in West Virginia, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	19.0%	36.5%	72.0%	42.5
Senate	23.5%	38.5%	70.6%	44.2
Total	19.7%	36.7%	71.8%	42.7

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in West Virginia, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	12.0%	50.5%	65.0%	42.5	8 / 46
2012	16.2%	45.9%	65.8%	42.6	11 / 44
2014	9.4%	32.1%	83.8%	41.8	8 / 46
2016	21.4%	40.9%	92.3%	51.5	2 / 44
2018	15.4%	40.4%	87.2%	47.7	6 / 46
2020	20.5%	48.4%	81.2%	50.0	2 / 44
2022	19.7%	36.7%	71.8%	42.7	13 / 46

See also:

• West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2022
• West Virginia State Senate elections, 2022

Wisconsin

Wisconsin had a Competitiveness Index of 36.6, ranking it 20th of the 46 states that held elections.

• 30 of the 116 seats up for election were open (26%).
• 9 of the 86 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (10%).
• 85 of the 116 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (73%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Wisconsin, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	23.2%	9.2%	73.7%	35.4
Senate	41.2%	20.0%	70.6%	43.9
Total	25.9%	10.5%	73.3%	36.6

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Wisconsin, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	19.8%	14.0%	71.6%	35.1	18 / 46
2012	20.0%	16.0%	71.3%	35.8	23 / 44
2014	25.0%	3.4%	51.7%	26.7	28 / 46
2016	11.3%	7.8%	50.4%	23.2	36 / 44
2018	13.8%	4.0%	63.8%	27.2	37 / 46
2020	17.4%	9.5%	78.3%	35.1	16 / 44
2022	25.9%	10.5%	73.3%	36.6	20 / 46

See also:

• Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2022
• Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2022

Wyoming

Wyoming had a Competitiveness Index of 35.6, ranking it 22nd of the 46 states that held elections.

• 21 of the 78 seats up for election were open (27%).
• 28 of the 57 incumbents who ran for re-election faced contested primaries (49%).
• 24 of the 78 seats up for election were contested by both major parties (31%).

In 2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Wyoming, 2022
Chamber	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index
House	30.6%	46.5%	29.0%	35.4
Senate	12.5%	57.1%	37.5%	35.7
Total	26.9%	49.1%	30.8%	35.6

2010-2022

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State Legislative Competitiveness Index in Wyoming, 2010-2022
Year	Open seats	Incs. in contested primaries	Major party competition	Competitiveness Index	Rank
2010	20.0%	25.0%	33.3%	26.1	38 / 46
2012	20.0%	35.0%	26.7%	27.2	36 / 44
2014	14.7%	40.6%	33.3%	29.5	24 / 46
2016	26.7%	36.4%	73.3%	45.5	5 / 44
2018	13.3%	29.2%	34.7%	25.7	39 / 46
2020	20.0%	51.7%	28.0%	33.2	21 / 44
2022	26.9%	49.1%	30.8%	35.6	22 / 46

See also:

• Wyoming House of Representatives elections, 2022
• Wyoming State Senate elections, 2022

Open seats

See also: Open seats in state legislative elections, 2022

There were 6,278 state legislative seats up for election on November 8, 2022, in 46 states. Of that total, there were 1,492 open seats, guaranteeing at least 24% of all seats would be won by newcomers. This was the largest number and percentage of open seats compared to the preceding six election cycles.

Ballotpedia uses the number and percentage of open seats to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A greater number of open seats guarantees more newcomers entering legislatures and typically results in more candidates running for office. A smaller number of open seats guarantees fewer newcomers and typically results in fewer candidates running for office.

In 2022:

There were 583 open Democratic seats, those most recently held by Democrats at the time of filing.

There were 802 open Republican seats, those most recently held by Republicans at the time of filing.

There were 107 other open seats. This includes those most recently held by minor party or independent officeholders at the time of filing. It also includes seats where Ballotpedia could not determine partisan control due to redistricting.

The total number of open seats—1,492—was the largest number since at least 2010 and a 70% increase from 2020.

Open state legislative seats, 2022
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic	Republican	Other	Total
					#	%
House	4,978	442	610	98	1,150	23.1%
Senate	1,300	141	192	9	342	26.3%
Total	6,278	583	802	107	1,492	23.8%

Historical comparison

The chart below shows a breakdown of open seats from 2010 to 2022. The "Other" value includes seats left open by minor party and independent officeholders. It also includes seats whose previous officeholder could not be determined due to redistricting, resulting in a larger value in 2022.

Incumbents in contested primaries

See also: State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2022

There were 6,278 state legislative seats up for election on November 8, 2022, in 46 states. Overall, 4,852 incumbents filed for re-election and were running at the time of their respective primaries. Of that total, 1,299 incumbents faced contested primaries, representing 27% of all incumbents who filed for re-election. This was the largest number and percentage of incumbents in contested primaries compared to the preceding six election cycles.

Ballotpedia uses the number and percentage of incumbents in contested primaries to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A larger number of contested primaries indicates more opportunities for voters to elect a non-incumbent to office. A smaller number indicates fewer of those opportunities.

In 2022:

There were 510 Democratic incumbents in contested primaries, representing 22% of all Democratic incumbents who filed for re-election and a 3% increase from 2020.

There were 789 Republican incumbents in contested primaries, representing 31% of all Republican incumbents who filed for re-election and a 54% increase from 2020.

The total number of incumbents in contested primaries—1,299—was the largest number since at least 2010 and a 29% increase from 2020.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2022
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	4,978	1,796	405	22.6%	2,071	629	30.4%	3,878	1,034	26.7%
Senate	1,300	476	105	22.1%	498	160	32.1%	974	265	27.2%
Total	6,278	2,272	510	22.4%	2,569	789	30.7%	4,852	1,299	26.8%

Historical comparison

The chart below shows a breakdown of incumbents in contested primaries from 2010 to 2022.

All contested primaries

See also: Contested state legislative primaries, 2022

This section shows figures on all contested state legislative primaries, regardless of whether an incumbent was present. There were 5,862 state legislative districts up for election nationwide, creating 11,419 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 2,334 contested primaries, meaning 20% of all primaries were contested. This was the largest number and percentage of contested primaries compared to the preceding six election cycles.

In 2022:

There were 821 contested Democratic primaries, representing 15% of all possible Democratic primaries and a 2% decrease from 2020.

There were 1,387 contested Republican primaries, representing 25% of all possible Republican primaries and a 57% increase from 2020.

There were 126 contested top-two/four primaries, representing 41% of all possible top-two/four primaries and a 14% increase from 2020.

The total number of contested primaries—2,334—was the largest number since 2010 and a 28% increase from 2020.

Contested state legislative primaries, 2022
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Top-two/four		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%	#	%
House	4,576	628	14.6%	1,065	24.4%	90	41.3%	1,793	20.1%
Senate	1,286	183	15.3%	322	26.9%	36	41.4%	541	21.8%
Total	5,862	821	14.8%	1,387	25.0%	126	41.3%	2,334	20.4%

The chart below shows a breakdown of contested primaries from 2010 to 2022.

Major party competition

See also: Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2022

There were 6,278 state legislative seats up for election on November 8, 2022, in 46 states. Of that total, 2,559 (40.8%) were uncontested and had no major party competition. The remaining 3,719 (59.2%) were contested by both major parties. This was a higher rate of uncontested seats compared to the 2018 and 2020 election cycles, but lower than cycles in 2014 and 2016.

Ballotpedia uses the level of major party competition to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A larger number of seats without major party competition indicates fewer options on the ballot. A smaller number indicates more options.

In 2022:

Democrats were guaranteed to win 998 seats (16%) that lacked Republican competition. This was the smallest percentage of seats guaranteed to Democrats in six election cycles.

Republicans were guaranteed to win 1,557 seats (25%) that lacked Democratic competition. This was the largest percentage of seats guaranteed to Republicans in six election cycles.

Overall, Democrats ran for 4,717 seats (75%) and Republicans ran for 5,276 (84%).

There were four seats guaranteed to independents because no major party candidates ran.

The percentage of seats without major party competition—40.8%—was at its highest rate since 2016, up from 35.0% in 2020.

One of the two major parties was guaranteed a simple majority in 22 chambers across 16 states due to the absence of major party competition.

Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2022
Chamber	Seats
		Uncontested						Contested
		Only Democrats		Only Republicans		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%	#	%
House	4,978	813	16.3%	1,239	24.9%	2,056	41.3%	2,922	58.7%
Senate	1,300	185	14.2%	318	24.5%	503	38.7%	797	61.3%
Total	6,278	998	15.9%	1,557	24.8%	2,559	40.8%	3,719	59.2%

Historical comparison

The chart below shows a breakdown of major party competition in state legislative elections from 2010 to 2022.

Terms and definitions

Use the links below to view terms, definitions, and methodologies specific to the three competitiveness criteria:

• Open seats
• Incumbents in contested primaries
• Major party competition

See also

• Election results, 2022: State legislatures
• State legislative elections, 2022
  • Impact of term limits on state legislative elections in 2022
  • Open seats in state legislative elections, 2022
  • Contested state legislative primaries, 2022
  • State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2022
  • Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2022
  • Incumbents defeated in state legislative elections, 2022
• Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2022

Footnotes

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