Contested state legislative primaries, 2012

Last updated on November 18, 2024

There were 6,013 state legislative seats up for election on November 6, 2012, in 44 states. This page analyzes contested primaries in those races. A primary is contested when there are more candidates running than nominations available, meaning at least one candidate on the primary ballot must lose. Learn more about the terms and methodologies used in this analysis.

Ballotpedia uses the number and percentage of contested primaries to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A greater number of contested primaries indicates more candidates running for office and more choices voters must make. A smaller number of contested primaries indicates fewer candidates and choices on the ballot.

There were 5,633 state legislative districts up for election nationwide, creating 11,017 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 2,037 contested primaries, meaning 18.5% of all primaries were contested, roughly the same as in 2010, when 18.3% of primaries were contested.

In 2012:

There were 823 contested Democratic primaries, representing 15% of all possible Democratic primaries and a 6% decrease from 2010.

There were 1,116 contested Republican primaries, representing 21% of all possible Republican primaries and a 3% increase from 2010.

There were 98 contested top-two/four primaries, representing 39% of all possible top-two/four primaries and a 98% increase/decrease from 2010, caused, in part, by California's transition from partisan primaries to a top-two primary system.

The total number of contested primaries—2,037—was roughly the same as in 2010, representing a 1% increase from the 2,017 held that year.

Contested state legislative primaries, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Top-two/four		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%	#	%
House	4,351	647	15.5%	841	20.2%	75	42.1%	1,563	18.3%
Senate	1,282	176	14.5%	275	22.7%	23	32.4%	474	19.0%
Total	5,633	823	15.3%	1,116	20.7%	98	39.4%	2,037	18.5%

Click [show] on the table below to view contested primary statistics by state in 2012. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries, 2012
State	Possible primaries
		Democratic		Republican		Top-two/four		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%	#	%
Nationwide	11,017	823	15.3%	1,116	20.7%	98	39.4%	2,037	18.5%
Alaska	118	6	10.2%	21	35.6%	-	-	27	22.9%
Arizona	120	14	23.3%	13	21.7%	-	-	27	22.5%
Arkansas	270	19	14.1%	14	10.4%	-	-	33	12.2%
California	100	-	-	-	-	60	60.0%	60	60.0%
Colorado	170	4	4.7%	13	15.3%	-	-	17	10.0%
Connecticut	374	14	7.5%	1	0.5%	-	-	15	4.0%
Delaware	124	14	22.6%	6	9.7%	-	-	20	16.1%
Florida	320	29	18.1%	45	28.1%	-	-	74	23.1%
Georgia	472	32	13.6%	44	18.6%	-	-	76	16.1%
Hawaii	152	31	40.8%	7	9.2%	-	-	38	25.0%
Idaho	210	10	9.5%	61	58.1%	-	-	71	33.8%
Illinois	354	38	21.5%	29	16.4%	-	-	67	18.9%
Indiana	250	16	12.8%	35	28.0%	-	-	51	20.4%
Iowa	252	10	7.9%	35	27.8%	-	-	45	17.9%
Kansas	330	18	10.9%	84	50.9%	-	-	102	30.9%
Kentucky	238	15	12.6%	23	19.3%	-	-	38	16.0%
Maine	372	23	12.4%	16	8.6%	-	-	39	10.5%
Massachusetts	400	30	15.0%	8	4.0%	-	-	38	9.5%
Michigan	220	51	46.4%	34	30.9%	-	-	85	38.6%
Minnesota	402	24	11.9%	20	10.0%	-	-	44	10.9%
Missouri	360	38	21.1%	48	26.7%	-	-	86	23.9%
Montana	252	16	12.7%	29	23.0%	-	-	45	17.9%
Nebraska	25	-	-	-	-	9	36.0%	9	36.0%
Nevada	104	20	38.5%	15	28.8%	-	-	35	33.7%
New Hampshire	456	17	7.5%	68	29.8%	-	-	85	18.6%
New Mexico	224	32	28.6%	14	12.5%	-	-	46	20.5%
New York	426	40	18.8%	16	7.5%	-	-	56	13.1%
North Carolina	340	35	20.6%	56	32.9%	-	-	91	26.8%
North Dakota	100	0	0.0%	7	14.0%	-	-	7	7.0%
Ohio	234	14	12.0%	20	17.1%	-	-	34	14.5%
Oklahoma	250	11	8.8%	34	27.2%	-	-	45	18.0%
Oregon	152	6	7.9%	9	11.8%	-	-	15	9.9%
Pennsylvania	456	35	15.4%	28	12.3%	-	-	63	13.8%
Rhode Island	226	35	31.0%	5	4.4%	-	-	40	17.7%
South Carolina	340	9	5.3%	26	15.3%	-	-	35	10.3%
South Dakota	144	3	4.2%	27	37.5%	-	-	30	20.8%
Tennessee	230	16	13.9%	46	40.0%	-	-	62	27.0%
Texas	362	20	11.0%	70	38.7%	-	-	90	24.9%
Utah	182	4	4.4%	16	17.6%	-	-	20	11.0%
Vermont	234	8	6.8%	4	3.4%	-	-	12	5.1%
Washington	124	-	-	-	-	29	23.4%	29	23.4%
West Virginia	168	35	41.7%	16	19.0%	-	-	51	30.4%
Wisconsin	230	29	25.2%	22	19.1%	-	-	51	22.2%
Wyoming	150	2	2.7%	31	41.3%	-	-	33	22.0%

Historical comparison

The chart below shows a breakdown of contested primaries between 2010 and 2012.

Click [show] on the table below to view overall contested primary statistics by state between 2010 and 2012. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries, 2010 v. 2012
State
	2010		2012
	#	%	#	%
Nationwide	2,017	18.3%	2,037	18.5%
Alaska	10	10.0%	27	22.9%
Arizona	37	30.8%	27	22.5%
Arkansas	44	18.8%	33	12.2%
California	52	26.0%	60	60.0%
Colorado	15	8.9%	17	10.0%
Connecticut	22	5.9%	15	4.0%
Delaware	13	12.5%	20	16.1%
Florida	64	20.0%	74	23.1%
Georgia	76	16.1%	76	16.1%
Hawaii	42	31.8%	38	25.0%
Idaho	34	16.2%	71	33.8%
Illinois	39	14.0%	67	18.9%
Indiana	46	18.4%	51	20.4%
Iowa	26	10.4%	45	17.9%
Kansas	36	14.4%	102	30.9%
Kentucky	37	15.5%	38	16.0%
Maine	36	9.7%	39	10.5%
Massachusetts	61	15.3%	38	9.5%
Michigan	138	46.6%	85	38.6%
Minnesota	23	5.7%	44	10.9%
Missouri	86	23.9%	86	23.9%
Montana	59	23.4%	45	17.9%
Nebraska	9	37.5%	9	36.0%
Nevada	48	45.3%	35	33.7%
New Hampshire	54	21.3%	85	18.6%
New Mexico	23	16.4%	46	20.5%
New York	66	15.6%	56	13.1%
North Carolina	81	23.8%	91	26.8%
North Dakota	1	1.0%	7	7.0%
Ohio	54	23.3%	34	14.5%
Oklahoma	39	15.6%	45	18.0%
Oregon	20	13.2%	15	9.9%
Pennsylvania	63	13.8%	63	13.8%
Rhode Island	51	22.6%	40	17.7%
South Carolina	39	15.7%	35	10.3%
South Dakota	18	12.5%	30	20.8%
Tennessee	37	15.9%	62	27.0%
Texas	56	16.9%	90	24.9%
Utah	14	7.8%	20	11.0%
Vermont	16	6.6%	12	5.1%
Washington	41	33.3%	29	23.4%
West Virginia	46	30.7%	51	30.4%
Wisconsin	50	21.6%	51	22.2%
Wyoming	32	21.3%	33	22.0%

Alaska

There were 59 state legislative districts up for election in Alaska, creating 118 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 27 contested primaries—six by Democrats and 21 by Republicans—meaning 22.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Alaska, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	40	5	12.5%	14	35.0%	19	23.8%
Senate	19	1	5.3%	7	36.8%	8	21.1%
Total	59	6	10.2%	21	35.6%	27	22.9%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Alaska, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	50	1	2.0%	9	18.0%	10	10.0%
2012	59	6	10.2%	21	35.6%	27	22.9%

See also:

• Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Alaska State Senate elections, 2012

Arizona

There were 60 state legislative districts up for election in Arizona, creating 120 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 27 contested primaries—14 by Democrats and 13 by Republicans—meaning 22.5% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Arizona, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	30	10	33.3%	9	30.0%	19	31.7%
Senate	30	4	13.3%	4	13.3%	8	13.3%
Total	60	14	23.3%	13	21.7%	27	22.5%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Arizona, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	60	11	18.3%	26	43.3%	37	30.8%
2012	60	14	23.3%	13	21.7%	27	22.5%

See also:

• Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Arizona State Senate elections, 2012

Arkansas

There were 135 state legislative districts up for election in Arkansas, creating 270 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 33 contested primaries—19 by Democrats and 14 by Republicans—meaning 12.2% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Arkansas, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	13	13.0%	9	9.0%	22	11.0%
Senate	35	6	17.1%	5	14.3%	11	15.7%
Total	135	19	14.1%	14	10.4%	33	12.2%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Arkansas, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	117	34	29.1%	10	8.5%	44	18.8%
2012	135	19	14.1%	14	10.4%	33	12.2%

See also:

• Arkansas House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Arkansas State Senate elections, 2012

California

There were 100 state legislative districts up for election in California, creating 100 possible primaries because of the state's top-two primary system. Of that total, there were 60 contested top-two primaries, meaning 60.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Statistics from 2012 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in California, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Total
		#	%
House	80	50	62.5%
Senate	20	10	50.0%
Total	100	60	60.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in California, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Top-two/four		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	100	25	25.0%	27	27.0%	N/A		52	26.0%
2012	100	N/A				60	60.0%	60	60.0%

See also:

• California State Assembly elections, 2012
• California State Senate elections, 2012

Colorado

There were 85 state legislative districts up for election in Colorado, creating 170 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 17 contested primaries—four by Democrats and 13 by Republicans—meaning 10.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Colorado, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	65	3	4.6%	8	12.3%	11	8.5%
Senate	20	1	5.0%	5	25.0%	6	15.0%
Total	85	4	4.7%	13	15.3%	17	10.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Colorado, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	84	9	10.7%	6	7.1%	15	8.9%
2012	85	4	4.7%	13	15.3%	17	10.0%

See also:

• Colorado House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Colorado State Senate elections, 2012

Connecticut

There were 187 state legislative districts up for election in Connecticut, creating 374 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 15 contested primaries—14 by Democrats and one by Republicans—meaning 4.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Connecticut, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	151	11	7.3%	1	0.7%	12	4.0%
Senate	36	3	8.3%	0	0.0%	3	4.2%
Total	187	14	7.5%	1	0.5%	15	4.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Connecticut, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	187	15	8.0%	7	3.7%	22	5.9%
2012	187	14	7.5%	1	0.5%	15	4.0%

See also:

• Connecticut House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Connecticut State Senate elections, 2012

Delaware

There were 62 state legislative districts up for election in Delaware, creating 124 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 20 contested primaries—14 by Democrats and six by Republicans—meaning 16.1% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Delaware, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	41	10	24.4%	3	7.3%	13	15.9%
Senate	21	4	19.0%	3	14.3%	7	16.7%
Total	62	14	22.6%	6	9.7%	20	16.1%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Delaware, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	52	8	15.4%	5	9.6%	13	12.5%
2012	62	14	22.6%	6	9.7%	20	16.1%

See also:

• Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Delaware State Senate elections, 2012

Florida

There were 160 state legislative districts up for election in Florida, creating 320 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 74 contested primaries—29 by Democrats and 45 by Republicans—meaning 23.1% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Florida, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	120	26	21.7%	37	30.8%	63	26.3%
Senate	40	3	7.5%	8	20.0%	11	13.8%
Total	160	29	18.1%	45	28.1%	74	23.1%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Florida, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	160	20	12.5%	44	27.5%	64	20.0%
2012	160	29	18.1%	45	28.1%	74	23.1%

See also:

• Florida House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Florida State Senate elections, 2012

Georgia

There were 236 state legislative districts up for election in Georgia, creating 472 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 76 contested primaries—32 by Democrats and 44 by Republicans—meaning 16.1% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Georgia, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	180	26	14.4%	34	18.9%	60	16.7%
Senate	56	6	10.7%	10	17.9%	16	14.3%
Total	236	32	13.6%	44	18.6%	76	16.1%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Georgia, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	236	29	12.3%	47	19.9%	76	16.1%
2012	236	32	13.6%	44	18.6%	76	16.1%

See also:

• Georgia House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Georgia State Senate elections, 2012

Hawaii

There were 76 state legislative districts up for election in Hawaii, creating 152 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 38 contested primaries—31 by Democrats and seven by Republicans—meaning 25.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Hawaii, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	51	23	45.1%	6	11.8%	29	28.4%
Senate	25	8	32.0%	1	4.0%	9	18.0%
Total	76	31	40.8%	7	9.2%	38	25.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Hawaii, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	66	32	48.5%	10	15.2%	42	31.8%
2012	76	31	40.8%	7	9.2%	38	25.0%

See also:

• Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Hawaii State Senate elections, 2012

Idaho

There were 105 state legislative districts up for election in Idaho, creating 210 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 71 contested primaries—10 by Democrats and 61 by Republicans—meaning 33.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Idaho, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	70	8	11.4%	42	60.0%	50	35.7%
Senate	35	2	5.7%	19	54.3%	21	30.0%
Total	105	10	9.5%	61	58.1%	71	33.8%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Idaho, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	105	2	1.9%	32	30.5%	34	16.2%
2012	105	10	9.5%	61	58.1%	71	33.8%

See also:

• Idaho House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Idaho State Senate elections, 2012

Illinois

There were 105 state legislative districts up for election in Idaho, creating 210 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 71 contested primaries—10 by Democrats and 61 by Republicans—meaning 33.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Idaho, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	70	8	11.4%	42	60.0%	50	35.7%
Senate	35	2	5.7%	19	54.3%	21	30.0%
Total	105	10	9.5%	61	58.1%	71	33.8%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Idaho, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	105	2	1.9%	32	30.5%	34	16.2%
2012	105	10	9.5%	61	58.1%	71	33.8%

See also:

• Illinois House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Illinois State Senate elections, 2012

Indiana

There were 125 state legislative districts up for election in Indiana, creating 250 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 51 contested primaries—16 by Democrats and 35 by Republicans—meaning 20.4% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Indiana, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	13	13.0%	30	30.0%	43	21.5%
Senate	25	3	12.0%	5	20.0%	8	16.0%
Total	125	16	12.8%	35	28.0%	51	20.4%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Indiana, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	125	13	10.4%	33	26.4%	46	18.4%
2012	125	16	12.8%	35	28.0%	51	20.4%

See also:

• Indiana House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Indiana State Senate elections, 2012

Iowa

There were 126 state legislative districts up for election in Iowa, creating 252 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 45 contested primaries—10 by Democrats and 35 by Republicans—meaning 17.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Iowa, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	6	6.0%	25	25.0%	31	15.5%
Senate	26	4	15.4%	10	38.5%	14	26.9%
Total	126	10	7.9%	35	27.8%	45	17.9%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Iowa, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	125	7	5.6%	19	15.2%	26	10.4%
2012	126	10	7.9%	35	27.8%	45	17.9%

See also:

• Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Iowa State Senate elections, 2012

Kansas

There were 165 state legislative districts up for election in Kansas, creating 330 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 102 contested primaries—18 by Democrats and 84 by Republicans—meaning 30.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Kansas, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	125	15	12.0%	55	44.0%	70	28.0%
Senate	40	3	7.5%	29	72.5%	32	40.0%
Total	165	18	10.9%	84	50.9%	102	30.9%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Kansas, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	125	4	3.2%	32	25.6%	36	14.4%
2012	165	18	10.9%	84	50.9%	102	30.9%

See also:

• Kansas House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Kansas State Senate elections, 2012

Kentucky

There were 119 state legislative districts up for election in Kentucky, creating 238 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 38 contested primaries—15 by Democrats and 23 by Republicans—meaning 16.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Kentucky, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	13	13.0%	17	17.0%	30	15.0%
Senate	19	2	10.5%	6	31.6%	8	21.1%
Total	119	15	12.6%	23	19.3%	38	16.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Kentucky, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	119	17	14.3%	20	16.8%	37	15.5%
2012	119	15	12.6%	23	19.3%	38	16.0%

See also:

• Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Kentucky State Senate elections, 2012

Maine

There were 186 state legislative districts up for election in Maine, creating 372 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 39 contested primaries—23 by Democrats and 16 by Republicans—meaning 10.5% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Maine, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	151	16	10.6%	13	8.6%	29	9.6%
Senate	35	7	20.0%	3	8.6%	10	14.3%
Total	186	23	12.4%	16	8.6%	39	10.5%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Maine, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	186	14	7.5%	22	11.8%	36	9.7%
2012	186	23	12.4%	16	8.6%	39	10.5%

See also:

• Maine House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Maine State Senate elections, 2012

Massachusetts

There were 200 state legislative districts up for election in Massachusetts, creating 400 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 38 contested primaries—30 by Democrats and eight by Republicans—meaning 9.5% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Massachusetts, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	160	22	13.8%	5	3.1%	27	8.4%
Senate	40	8	20.0%	3	7.5%	11	13.8%
Total	200	30	15.0%	8	4.0%	38	9.5%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Massachusetts, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	200	40	20.0%	21	10.5%	61	15.3%
2012	200	30	15.0%	8	4.0%	38	9.5%

See also:

• Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2012

Michigan

There were 110 state legislative districts up for election in Michigan, creating 220 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 85 contested primaries—51 by Democrats and 34 by Republicans—meaning 38.6% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Michigan, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	110	51	46.4%	34	30.9%	85	38.6%
Senate	Did not hold elections
Total	110	51	46.4%	34	30.9%	85	38.6%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Michigan, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	148	60	40.5%	78	52.7%	138	46.6%
2012	110	51	46.4%	34	30.9%	85	38.6%

See also:

• Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2012

Minnesota

There were 201 state legislative districts up for election in Minnesota, creating 402 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 44 contested primaries—24 by Democrats and 20 by Republicans—meaning 10.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Minnesota, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	134	14	10.4%	11	8.2%	25	9.3%
Senate	67	10	14.9%	9	13.4%	19	14.2%
Total	201	24	11.9%	20	10.0%	44	10.9%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Minnesota, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	201	13	6.5%	10	5.0%	23	5.7%
2012	201	24	11.9%	20	10.0%	44	10.9%

See also:

• Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Minnesota State Senate elections, 2012

Missouri

There were 180 state legislative districts up for election in Missouri, creating 360 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 86 contested primaries—38 by Democrats and 48 by Republicans—meaning 23.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Missouri, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	163	34	20.9%	42	25.8%	76	23.3%
Senate	17	4	23.5%	6	35.3%	10	29.4%
Total	180	38	21.1%	48	26.7%	86	23.9%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Missouri, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	180	29	16.1%	57	31.7%	86	23.9%
2012	180	38	21.1%	48	26.7%	86	23.9%

See also:

• Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Missouri State Senate elections, 2012

Montana

There were 126 state legislative districts up for election in Montana, creating 252 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 45 contested primaries—16 by Democrats and 29 by Republicans—meaning 17.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Montana, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	14	14.0%	20	20.0%	34	17.0%
Senate	26	2	7.7%	9	34.6%	11	21.2%
Total	126	16	12.7%	29	23.0%	45	17.9%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Montana, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	126	21	16.7%	38	30.2%	59	23.4%
2012	126	16	12.7%	29	23.0%	45	17.9%

See also:

• Montana House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Montana State Senate elections, 2012

Nebraska

There were 25 state legislative districts up for election in Nebraska, creating 25 possible primaries because of the state's top-two primary system. Of that total, there were nine contested top-two primaries, meaning 36.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Statistics from 2012 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Nebraska, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Total
		#	%
House	N/A
Senate	25	9	36.0%
Total	25	9	36.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Nebraska, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Total
		#	%
2010	24	9	37.5%
2012	25	9	36.0%

See also:

• Nebraska State Senate elections, 2012

Nevada

There were 52 state legislative districts up for election in Nevada, creating 104 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 35 contested primaries—20 by Democrats and 15 by Republicans—meaning 33.7% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Nevada, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	42	15	35.7%	13	31.0%	28	33.3%
Senate	10	5	50.0%	2	20.0%	7	35.0%
Total	52	20	38.5%	15	28.8%	35	33.7%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Nevada, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	53	20	37.7%	28	52.8%	48	45.3%
2012	52	20	38.5%	15	28.8%	35	33.7%

See also:

• Nevada State Assembly elections, 2012
• Nevada State Senate elections, 2012

New Hampshire

There were 228 state legislative districts up for election in New Hampshire, creating 456 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 85 contested primaries—17 by Democrats and 68 by Republicans—meaning 18.6% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in New Hampshire, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	204	16	7.8%	60	29.4%	76	18.6%
Senate	24	1	4.2%	8	33.3%	9	18.8%
Total	228	17	7.5%	68	29.8%	85	18.6%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in New Hampshire, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	127	14	11.0%	40	31.5%	54	21.3%
2012	228	17	7.5%	68	29.8%	85	18.6%

See also:

• New Hampshire House of Representatives elections, 2012
• New Hampshire State Senate elections, 2012

New Mexico

There were 112 state legislative districts up for election in New Mexico, creating 224 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 46 contested primaries—32 by Democrats and 14 by Republicans—meaning 20.5% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in New Mexico, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	70	18	25.7%	8	11.4%	26	18.6%
Senate	42	14	33.3%	6	14.3%	20	23.8%
Total	112	32	28.6%	14	12.5%	46	20.5%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in New Mexico, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	70	14	20.0%	9	12.9%	23	16.4%
2012	112	32	28.6%	14	12.5%	46	20.5%

See also:

• New Mexico House of Representatives elections, 2012
• New Mexico State Senate elections, 2012

New York

There were 213 state legislative districts up for election in New York, creating 426 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 56 contested primaries—40 by Democrats and 16 by Republicans—meaning 13.1% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in New York, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	150	29	19.3%	10	6.7%	39	13.0%
Senate	63	11	17.5%	6	9.5%	17	13.5%
Total	213	40	18.8%	16	7.5%	56	13.1%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in New York, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	212	52	24.5%	14	6.6%	66	15.6%
2012	213	40	18.8%	16	7.5%	56	13.1%

See also:

• New York State Assembly elections, 2012
• New York State Senate elections, 2012

North Carolina

There were 170 state legislative districts up for election in North Carolina, creating 340 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 91 contested primaries—35 by Democrats and 56 by Republicans—meaning 26.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in North Carolina, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	120	25	20.8%	39	32.5%	64	26.7%
Senate	50	10	20.0%	17	34.0%	27	27.0%
Total	170	35	20.6%	56	32.9%	91	26.8%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in North Carolina, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	170	34	20.0%	47	27.6%	81	23.8%
2012	170	35	20.6%	56	32.9%	91	26.8%

See also:

• North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2012
• North Carolina State Senate elections, 2012

North Dakota

There were 50 state legislative districts up for election in North Dakota, creating 100 possible primaries. Of that total, there were seven contested primaries—none by Democrats and seven by Republicans—meaning 7.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in North Dakota, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	25	0	0.0%	4	16.0%	4	8.0%
Senate	25	0	0.0%	3	12.0%	3	6.0%
Total	50	0	0.0%	7	14.0%	7	7.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in North Dakota, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	48	1	2.1%	0	0.0%	1	1.0%
2012	50	0	0.0%	7	14.0%	7	7.0%

See also:

• North Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2012
• North Dakota State Senate elections, 2012

Ohio

There were 117 state legislative districts up for election in Ohio, creating 234 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 34 contested primaries—14 by Democrats and 20 by Republicans—meaning 14.5% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Ohio, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	99	14	14.1%	17	17.2%	31	15.7%
Senate	18	0	0.0%	3	16.7%	3	8.3%
Total	117	14	12.0%	20	17.1%	34	14.5%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Ohio, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	116	26	22.4%	28	24.1%	54	23.3%
2012	117	14	12.0%	20	17.1%	34	14.5%

See also:

• Ohio House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Ohio State Senate elections, 2012

Oklahoma

There were 125 state legislative districts up for election in Oklahoma, creating 250 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 45 contested primaries—11 by Democrats and 34 by Republicans—meaning 18.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Oklahoma, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	101	8	7.9%	25	24.8%	33	16.3%
Senate	24	3	12.5%	9	37.5%	12	25.0%
Total	125	11	8.8%	34	27.2%	45	18.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Oklahoma, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	125	14	11.2%	25	20.0%	39	15.6%
2012	125	11	8.8%	34	27.2%	45	18.0%

See also:

• Oklahoma House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Oklahoma State Senate elections, 2012

Oregon

There were 76 state legislative districts up for election in Oregon, creating 152 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 15 contested primaries—six by Democrats and nine by Republicans—meaning 9.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Oregon, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	60	6	10.0%	6	10.0%	12	10.0%
Senate	16	0	0.0%	3	18.8%	3	9.4%
Total	76	6	7.9%	9	11.8%	15	9.9%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Oregon, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	76	6	7.9%	14	18.4%	20	13.2%
2012	76	6	7.9%	9	11.8%	15	9.9%

See also:

• Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Oregon State Senate elections, 2012

Pennsylvania

There were 228 state legislative districts up for election in Pennsylvania, creating 456 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 63 contested primaries—35 by Democrats and 28 by Republicans—meaning 13.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Pennsylvania, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	203	33	16.3%	22	10.8%	55	13.5%
Senate	25	2	8.0%	6	24.0%	8	16.0%
Total	228	35	15.4%	28	12.3%	63	13.8%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Pennsylvania, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	228	34	14.9%	29	12.7%	63	13.8%
2012	228	35	15.4%	28	12.3%	63	13.8%

See also:

• Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2012

Rhode Island

There were 113 state legislative districts up for election in Rhode Island, creating 226 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 40 contested primaries—35 by Democrats and five by Republicans—meaning 17.7% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Rhode Island, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	75	23	30.7%	4	5.3%	27	18.0%
Senate	38	12	31.6%	1	2.6%	13	17.1%
Total	113	35	31.0%	5	4.4%	40	17.7%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Rhode Island, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	113	45	39.8%	6	5.3%	51	22.6%
2012	113	35	31.0%	5	4.4%	40	17.7%

See also:

• Rhode Island House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2012

South Carolina

There were 170 state legislative districts up for election in South Carolina, creating 340 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 35 contested primaries—nine by Democrats and 26 by Republicans—meaning 10.3% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in South Carolina, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	124	4	3.2%	15	12.1%	19	7.7%
Senate	46	5	10.9%	11	23.9%	16	17.4%
Total	170	9	5.3%	26	15.3%	35	10.3%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in South Carolina, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	124	14	11.3%	25	20.2%	39	15.7%
2012	170	9	5.3%	26	15.3%	35	10.3%

See also:

• South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2012
• South Carolina State Senate elections, 2012

South Dakota

There were 72 state legislative districts up for election in South Dakota, creating 144 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 30 contested primaries—three by Democrats and 27 by Republicans—meaning 20.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in South Dakota, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	37	3	8.1%	15	40.5%	18	24.3%
Senate	35	0	0.0%	12	34.3%	12	17.1%
Total	72	3	4.2%	27	37.5%	30	20.8%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in South Dakota, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	72	8	11.1%	10	13.9%	18	12.5%
2012	72	3	4.2%	27	37.5%	30	20.8%

See also:

• South Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2012
• South Dakota State Senate elections, 2012

Tennessee

There were 115 state legislative districts up for election in Tennessee, creating 230 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 62 contested primaries—16 by Democrats and 46 by Republicans—meaning 27.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Tennessee, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	99	12	12.1%	36	36.4%	48	24.2%
Senate	16	4	25.0%	10	62.5%	14	43.8%
Total	115	16	13.9%	46	40.0%	62	27.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Tennessee, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	116	13	11.2%	24	20.7%	37	15.9%
2012	115	16	13.9%	46	40.0%	62	27.0%

See also:

• Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Tennessee State Senate elections, 2012

Texas

There were 181 state legislative districts up for election in Texas, creating 362 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 90 contested primaries—20 by Democrats and 70 by Republicans—meaning 24.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Texas, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	150	20	13.3%	60	40.0%	80	26.7%
Senate	31	0	0.0%	10	32.3%	10	16.1%
Total	181	20	11.0%	70	38.7%	90	24.9%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Texas, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	166	11	6.6%	45	27.1%	56	16.9%
2012	181	20	11.0%	70	38.7%	90	24.9%

See also:

• Texas House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Texas State Senate elections, 2012

Utah

There were 91 state legislative districts up for election in Utah, creating 182 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 20 contested primaries—four by Democrats and 16 by Republicans—meaning 11.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Utah, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	75	3	4.0%	14	18.7%	17	11.3%
Senate	16	1	6.3%	2	12.5%	3	9.4%
Total	91	4	4.4%	16	17.6%	20	11.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Utah, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	90	2	2.2%	12	13.3%	14	7.8%
2012	91	4	4.4%	16	17.6%	20	11.0%

See also:

• Utah House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Utah State Senate elections, 2012

Vermont

There were 117 state legislative districts up for election in Vermont, creating 234 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 12 contested primaries—eight by Democrats and four by Republicans—meaning 5.1% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Vermont, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	104	4	3.8%	3	2.9%	7	3.4%
Senate	13	4	30.8%	1	7.7%	5	19.2%
Total	117	8	6.8%	4	3.4%	12	5.1%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Vermont, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	121	9	7.4%	7	5.8%	16	6.6%
2012	117	8	6.8%	4	3.4%	12	5.1%

See also:

• Vermont House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Vermont State Senate elections, 2012

Washington

There were 124 state legislative districts up for election in Washington, creating 124 possible primaries because of the state's top-two primary system. Of that total, there were 29 contested top-two primaries, meaning 23.4% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Statistics from 2012 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Washington, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Total
		#	%
House	98	25	25.5%
Senate	26	4	15.4%
Total	124	29	23.4%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Washington, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Total
		#	%
2010	123	41	33.3%
2012	124	29	23.4%

See also:

• Washington House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Washington State Senate elections, 2012

West Virginia

There were 84 state legislative districts up for election in West Virginia, creating 168 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 51 contested primaries—35 by Democrats and 16 by Republicans—meaning 30.4% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in West Virginia, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	67	29	43.3%	16	23.9%	45	33.6%
Senate	17	6	35.3%	0	0.0%	6	17.6%
Total	84	35	41.7%	16	19.0%	51	30.4%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in West Virginia, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	75	32	42.7%	14	18.7%	46	30.7%
2012	84	35	41.7%	16	19.0%	51	30.4%

See also:

• West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2012
• West Virginia State Senate elections, 2012

Wisconsin

There were 115 state legislative districts up for election in Wisconsin, creating 230 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 51 contested primaries—29 by Democrats and 22 by Republicans—meaning 22.2% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Wisconsin, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	99	27	27.3%	19	19.2%	46	23.2%
Senate	16	2	12.5%	3	18.8%	5	15.6%
Total	115	29	25.2%	22	19.1%	51	22.2%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Wisconsin, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	116	13	11.2%	37	31.9%	50	21.6%
2012	115	29	25.2%	22	19.1%	51	22.2%

See also:

• Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2012
• Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2012

Wyoming

There were 75 state legislative districts up for election in Wyoming, creating 150 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 33 contested primaries—two by Democrats and 31 by Republicans—meaning 22.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Wyoming, 2012
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	60	2	3.3%	24	40.0%	26	21.7%
Senate	15	0	0.0%	7	46.7%	7	23.3%
Total	75	2	2.7%	31	41.3%	33	22.0%

2010-2012

Historical statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Wyoming, 2010-2012
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	75	2	2.7%	30	40.0%	32	21.3%
2012	75	2	2.7%	31	41.3%	33	22.0%

See also:

• Wyoming House of Representatives elections, 2012
• Wyoming State Senate elections, 2012

Terms and methodologies

Primary

See also: Primary election

A primary is an election used either to narrow the field of candidates or to determine political parties' nominees in advance of a general election. Broadly, a state might use one of two types of primary systems for its state legislative elections: partisan or top-two/four.

Partisan primaries

See also: Open, closed, and semi-closed primary

Partisan primaries are those where candidates from the same party compete against one another. The winning candidates receive their parties' nominations in order to appear on the general election ballot.

Top-two/four primaries

See also: Top-two primary and Top-four primary

Top-two/four primaries are those where all candidates, regardless of their party affiliations, appear on the same primary ballot. Depending on the system in place, either the top-two or top-four vote-getters advance to the general election.

Contested primary

A contested primary is one where there are more candidates running than nominations available, meaning at least one candidate on the primary ballot must lose.

The number of candidates needed to create a contested primary depends on the primary system in place and the number of seats up for election in a state legislative district.

In states with partisan primaries, a primary is typically contested when two or more candidates from the same political party file to run since only one candidate can receive their party's nomination. In states with multi-member state legislative districts, the number of candidates a party can nominate to the general election ballot depends on the number of seats in the district. In these cases, a primary is contested when at least one more candidate files to run than there are seats in the district. In states with top-two/four primaries, a primary is contested when more than two (in states with a top-two system) or more than four (in states with a top-four system) candidates file to run.

Possible primaries

The number of possible primaries is determined by the number of districts holding elections and the primary system in place.

In states with partisan primaries, there are two possible primaries per district, one for each of the two major parties. In states with top-two/four primaries, there is one possible primary per district, since every candidate appears on the same primary ballot.

Methodology

This page analyzes the total number of contested state legislative primaries by comparing the number of such primaries to the number of possible primaries.

Ballotpedia considers a primary as contested when there are more candidates on the ballot than nominations available. If a candidate unofficially withdraws before the primary but remains on the ballot, that candidate is included in the total towards determining whether a primary is contested.

In states with partisan primaries, only major party candidates and primaries are counted. In states with top-two/four primaries, all candidates—major party and otherwise—are counted.

If a district uses a convention—a nominating contested reserved to a smaller number of participants usually referred to as delegates—as the sole means of nominating a candidate, that district is not included in the calculation of possible primaries. In 2012, no state legislative districts used conventions as the sole means of nomination. Two states—Connecticut and Utah—used a convention-primary system, where candidates could be nominated via a convention but, in both states, those contests still could have advanced to a primary.

See also

• State legislative elections, 2012
  • Impact of term limits on state legislative elections in 2012
  • Open seats in state legislative elections, 2012
  • State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2012
  • Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2012
  • State legislative incumbents without general election challengers, 2012
  • Incumbents defeated in state legislative elections, 2012

Footnotes

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