Contested state legislative primaries, 2014

Last updated on November 18, 2024

There were 6,051 state legislative seats up for election on November 4, 2014, in 46 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 5,598 state legislative districts up for election nationwide, creating 10,949 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 1,698 contested primaries, meaning 16% of all primaries were contested. This was the lowest number and percentage of contested primaries since Ballotpedia began gathering data in 2010.

In 2014:

There were 646 contested Democratic primaries, representing 12% of all possible Democratic primaries and a 22% decrease from 2012.

There were 958 contested Republican primaries, representing 18% of all possible Republican primaries and a 14% decrease from 2012.

There were 94 contested top-two/four primaries, representing 38% of all possible top-two/four primaries and a 4% decrease from 2012.

The total number of contested primaries—1,698—was the lowest since Ballotpedia began gathering data in 2010, representing a 17% decrease from 2012.

Contested state legislative primaries, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Top-two/four		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%	#	%
House	4,522	493	11.3%	770	17.7%	67	37.6%	1,330	15.0%
Senate	1,076	153	15.2%	188	18.7%	27	39.1%	368	17.7%
Total	5,598	646	12.1%	958	17.9%	94	38.1%	1,698	15.5%

Click [show] on the table below to view contested primary statistics by state in 2014. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries, 2014
State	Possible primaries
		Democratic		Republican		Top-two/four		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%	#	%
Nationwide	10,949	646	12.1%	958	17.9%	94	38.1%	1,698	15.5%
Alabama	280	19	13.6%	45	32.1%	-	-	64	22.9%
Alaska	108	2	3.7%	11	20.4%	-	-	13	12.0%
Arizona	120	10	16.7%	21	35.0%	-	-	31	25.8%
Arkansas	236	4	3.4%	22	18.6%	-	-	26	11.0%
California	100	-	-	-	-	54	54.0%	54	54.0%
Colorado	164	3	3.7%	9	11.0%	-	-	12	7.3%
Connecticut	374	13	7.0%	5	2.7%	-	-	18	4.8%
Delaware	102	8	15.7%	3	5.9%	-	-	11	10.8%
Florida	280	14	10.0%	28	20.0%	-	-	42	15.0%
Georgia	472	23	9.7%	39	16.5%	-	-	62	13.1%
Hawaii	126	23	36.5%	6	9.5%	-	-	29	23.0%
Idaho	210	6	5.7%	34	32.4%	-	-	40	19.0%
Illinois	274	13	9.5%	16	11.7%	-	-	29	10.6%
Indiana	250	2	1.6%	23	18.4%	-	-	25	10.0%
Iowa	250	14	11.2%	15	12.0%	-	-	29	11.6%
Kansas	250	5	4.0%	30	24.0%	-	-	35	14.0%
Kentucky	238	11	9.2%	18	15.1%	-	-	29	12.2%
Maine	372	13	7.0%	13	7.0%	-	-	26	7.0%
Maryland	228	57	50.0%	28	24.6%	-	-	85	37.3%
Massachusetts	400	35	17.5%	12	6.0%	-	-	47	11.8%
Michigan	296	48	32.4%	56	37.8%	-	-	104	35.1%
Minnesota	268	6	4.5%	9	6.7%	-	-	15	5.6%
Missouri	360	16	8.9%	33	18.3%	-	-	49	13.6%
Montana	250	21	16.8%	38	30.4%	-	-	59	23.6%
Nebraska	24	-	-	-	-	11	45.8%	11	45.8%
Nevada	106	12	22.6%	20	37.7%	-	-	32	30.2%
New Hampshire	456	20	8.8%	58	25.4%	-	-	78	17.1%
New Mexico	140	12	17.1%	6	8.6%	-	-	18	12.9%
New York	426	37	17.4%	9	4.2%	-	-	46	10.8%
North Carolina	340	22	12.9%	31	18.2%	-	-	53	15.6%
North Dakota	96	1	2.1%	3	6.3%	-	-	4	4.2%
Ohio	232	17	14.7%	34	29.3%	-	-	51	22.0%
Oklahoma	250	12	9.6%	33	26.4%	-	-	45	18.0%
Oregon	150	7	9.3%	13	17.3%	-	-	20	13.3%
Pennsylvania	456	39	17.1%	29	12.7%	-	-	68	14.9%
Rhode Island	226	23	20.4%	3	2.7%	-	-	26	11.5%
South Carolina	248	8	6.5%	21	16.9%	-	-	29	11.7%
South Dakota	144	5	6.9%	17	23.6%	-	-	22	15.3%
Tennessee	232	10	8.6%	34	29.3%	-	-	44	19.0%
Texas	330	13	7.9%	44	26.7%	-	-	57	17.3%
Utah	178	1	1.1%	6	6.7%	-	-	7	3.9%
Vermont	234	6	5.1%	5	4.3%	-	-	11	4.7%
Washington	123	-	-	-	-	29	23.6%	29	23.6%
West Virginia	168	20	23.8%	24	28.6%	-	-	44	26.2%
Wisconsin	232	12	10.3%	20	17.2%	-	-	32	13.8%
Wyoming	150	3	4.0%	34	45.3%	-	-	37	24.7%

Historical comparison

The chart below shows a breakdown of contested primaries from 2010 to 2014.

Click [show] on the table below to view overall contested primary statistics by state from 2010 to 2014. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries, 2010-2014
State
	2010		2012		2014
	#	%	#	%	#	%
Nationwide	2,017	18.3%	2,037	18.5%	1,698	15.5%
Alabama	72	25.7%	-	-	64	22.9%
Alaska	10	10.0%	27	22.9%	13	12.0%
Arizona	37	30.8%	27	22.5%	31	25.8%
Arkansas	44	18.8%	33	12.2%	26	11.0%
California	52	26.0%	60	60.0%	54	54.0%
Colorado	15	8.9%	17	10.0%	12	7.3%
Connecticut	22	5.9%	15	4.0%	18	4.8%
Delaware	13	12.5%	20	16.1%	11	10.8%
Florida	64	20.0%	74	23.1%	42	15.0%
Georgia	76	16.1%	76	16.1%	62	13.1%
Hawaii	42	31.8%	38	25.0%	29	23.0%
Idaho	34	16.2%	71	33.8%	40	19.0%
Illinois	39	14.0%	67	18.9%	29	10.6%
Indiana	46	18.4%	51	20.4%	25	10.0%
Iowa	26	10.4%	45	17.9%	29	11.6%
Kansas	36	14.4%	102	30.9%	35	14.0%
Kentucky	37	15.5%	38	16.0%	29	12.2%
Maine	36	9.7%	39	10.5%	26	7.0%
Maryland	91	40.6%	-	-	85	37.3%
Massachusetts	61	15.3%	38	9.5%	47	11.8%
Michigan	138	46.6%	85	38.6%	104	35.1%
Minnesota	23	5.7%	44	10.9%	15	5.6%
Missouri	86	23.9%	86	23.9%	49	13.6%
Montana	59	23.4%	45	17.9%	59	23.6%
Nebraska	9	37.5%	9	36.0%	11	45.8%
Nevada	48	45.3%	35	33.7%	32	30.2%
New Hampshire	54	21.3%	85	18.6%	78	17.1%
New Mexico	23	16.4%	46	20.5%	18	12.9%
New York	66	15.6%	56	13.1%	46	10.8%
North Carolina	81	23.8%	91	26.8%	53	15.6%
North Dakota	1	1.0%	7	7.0%	4	4.2%
Ohio	54	23.3%	34	14.5%	51	22.0%
Oklahoma	39	15.6%	45	18.0%	45	18.0%
Oregon	20	13.2%	15	9.9%	20	13.3%
Pennsylvania	63	13.8%	63	13.8%	68	14.9%
Rhode Island	51	22.6%	40	17.7%	26	11.5%
South Carolina	39	15.7%	35	10.3%	29	11.7%
South Dakota	18	12.5%	30	20.8%	22	15.3%
Tennessee	37	15.9%	62	27.0%	44	19.0%
Texas	56	16.9%	90	24.9%	57	17.3%
Utah	14	7.8%	20	11.0%	7	3.9%
Vermont	16	6.6%	12	5.1%	11	4.7%
Washington	41	33.3%	29	23.4%	29	23.6%
West Virginia	46	30.7%	51	30.4%	44	26.2%
Wisconsin	50	21.6%	51	22.2%	32	13.8%
Wyoming	32	21.3%	33	22.0%	37	24.7%

Alabama

There were 140 state legislative districts up for election in Alabama, creating 280 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 64 contested primaries—19 by Democrats and 45 by Republicans—meaning 22.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Alabama, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	105	15	14.3%	31	29.5%	46	21.9%
Senate	35	4	11.4%	14	40.0%	18	25.7%
Total	140	19	13.6%	45	32.1%	64	22.9%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Alabama, 2010-2014
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	140	33	23.6%	39	27.9%	72	25.7%
2012	Did not hold elections
2014	140	19	13.6%	45	32.1%	64	22.9%

See also:

• Alabama House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Alabama State Senate elections, 2014

Alaska

There were 54 state legislative districts up for election in Alaska, creating 108 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 13 contested primaries—two by Democrats and 11 by Republicans—meaning 12.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Alaska, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	40	2	5.0%	10	25.0%	12	15.0%
Senate	14	0	0.0%	1	7.1%	1	3.6%
Total	54	2	3.7%	11	20.4%	13	12.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Alaska, 2010-2014
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%
2014	54	2	3.7%	11	20.4%	13	12.0%

See also:

• Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Alaska State Senate elections, 2014

Arizona

There were 60 state legislative districts up for election in Arizona, creating 120 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 31 contested primaries—10 by Democrats and 21 by Republicans—meaning 25.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Arizona, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	30	5	16.7%	13	43.3%	18	30.0%
Senate	30	5	16.7%	8	26.7%	13	21.7%
Total	60	10	16.7%	21	35.0%	31	25.8%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Arizona, 2010-2014
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	30	5	16.7%	13	43.3%	18	30.0%
Senate	30	5	16.7%	8	26.7%	13	21.7%
Total	60	10	16.7%	21	35.0%	31	25.8%

See also:

• Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Arizona State Senate elections, 2014

Arkansas

There were 118 state legislative districts up for election in Arkansas, creating 236 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 26 contested primaries—four by Democrats and 22 by Republicans—meaning 11.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Arkansas, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	4	4.0%	18	18.0%	22	11.0%
Senate	18	0	0.0%	4	22.2%	4	11.1%
Total	118	4	3.4%	22	18.6%	26	11.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Arkansas, 2010-2014
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%
2014	118	4	3.4%	22	18.6%	26	11.0%

See also:

• Arkansas House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Arkansas State Senate elections, 2014

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 54 contested top-two primaries, meaning 54.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in California, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Total
		#	%
House	80	43	53.8%
Senate	20	11	55.0%
Total	100	54	54.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in California, 2010-2014
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%
2014	100	N/A				54	54.0%	54	54.0%

See also:

• California State Assembly elections, 2014
• California State Senate elections, 2014

Colorado

There were 82 state legislative districts up for election in Colorado, creating 164 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 12 contested primaries—three by Democrats and nine by Republicans—meaning 7.3% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Colorado, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	65	3	4.6%	8	12.3%	11	8.5%
Senate	17	0	0.0%	1	5.9%	1	2.9%
Total	82	3	3.7%	9	11.0%	12	7.3%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Colorado, 2010-2014
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%
2014	82	3	3.7%	9	11.0%	12	7.3%

See also:

• Colorado House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Colorado State Senate elections, 2014

Connecticut

There were 187 state legislative districts up for election in Connecticut, creating 374 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 18 contested primaries—13 by Democrats and five by Republicans—meaning 4.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Connecticut, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	151	9	6.0%	5	3.3%	14	4.6%
Senate	36	4	11.1%	0	0.0%	4	5.6%
Total	187	13	7.0%	5	2.7%	18	4.8%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Connecticut, 2010-2014
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%
2014	187	13	7.0%	5	2.7%	18	4.8%

See also:

• Connecticut House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Connecticut State Senate elections, 2014

Delaware

There were 51 state legislative districts up for election in Delaware, creating 102 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 11 contested primaries—eight by Democrats and three by Republicans—meaning 10.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Delaware, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	41	5	12.2%	3	7.3%	8	9.8%
Senate	10	3	30.0%	0	0.0%	3	15.0%
Total	51	8	15.7%	3	5.9%	11	10.8%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Delaware, 2010-2014
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%
2014	51	8	15.7%	3	5.9%	11	10.8%

See also:

• Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Delaware State Senate elections, 2014

Florida

There were 140 state legislative districts up for election in Florida, creating 280 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 42 contested primaries—14 by Democrats and 28 by Republicans—meaning 15.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Florida, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	120	12	10.0%	22	18.3%	34	14.2%
Senate	20	2	10.0%	6	30.0%	8	20.0%
Total	140	14	10.0%	28	20.0%	42	15.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Florida, 2010-2014
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%
2014	140	14	10.0%	28	20.0%	42	15.0%

See also:

• Florida House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Florida State Senate elections, 2014

Georgia

There were 236 state legislative districts up for election in Georgia, creating 472 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 62 contested primaries—23 by Democrats and 39 by Republicans—meaning 13.1% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Georgia, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	180	13	7.2%	30	16.7%	43	11.9%
Senate	56	10	17.9%	9	16.1%	19	17.0%
Total	236	23	9.7%	39	16.5%	62	13.1%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Georgia, 2010-2014
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%
2014	236	23	9.7%	39	16.5%	62	13.1%

See also:

• Georgia House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Georgia State Senate elections, 2014

Hawaii

There were 63 state legislative districts up for election in Hawaii, creating 126 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 29 contested primaries—23 by Democrats and six by Republicans—meaning 23.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Hawaii, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	51	18	35.3%	4	7.8%	22	21.6%
Senate	12	5	41.7%	2	16.7%	7	29.2%
Total	63	23	36.5%	6	9.5%	29	23.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Hawaii, 2010-2014
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%
2014	63	23	36.5%	6	9.5%	29	23.0%

See also:

• Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Hawaii State Senate elections, 2014

Idaho

There were 105 state legislative districts up for election in Idaho, creating 210 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 40 contested primaries—six by Democrats and 34 by Republicans—meaning 19.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Idaho, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	70	6	8.6%	24	34.3%	30	21.4%
Senate	35	0	0.0%	10	28.6%	10	14.3%
Total	105	6	5.7%	34	32.4%	40	19.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Idaho, 2010-2014
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%
2014	105	6	5.7%	34	32.4%	40	19.0%

See also:

• Idaho House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Idaho State Senate elections, 2014

Illinois

There were 137 state legislative districts up for election in Illinois, creating 274 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 29 contested primaries—13 by Democrats and 16 by Republicans—meaning 10.6% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Illinois, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	118	12	10.2%	15	12.7%	27	11.4%
Senate	19	1	5.3%	1	5.3%	2	5.3%
Total	137	13	9.5%	16	11.7%	29	10.6%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Illinois, 2010-2014
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	139	24	17.3%	15	10.8%	39	14.0%
2012	177	38	21.5%	29	16.4%	67	18.9%
2014	137	13	9.5%	16	11.7%	29	10.6%

See also:

• Illinois House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Illinois State Senate elections, 2014

Indiana

There were 125 state legislative districts up for election in Indiana, creating 250 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 25 contested primaries—two by Democrats and 23 by Republicans—meaning 10.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Indiana, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	1	1.0%	14	14.0%	15	7.5%
Senate	25	1	4.0%	9	36.0%	10	20.0%
Total	125	2	1.6%	23	18.4%	25	10.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Indiana, 2010-2014
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%
2014	125	2	1.6%	23	18.4%	25	10.0%

See also:

• Indiana House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Indiana State Senate elections, 2014

Iowa

There were 125 state legislative districts up for election in Iowa, creating 250 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 29 contested primaries—14 by Democrats and 15 by Republicans—meaning 11.6% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Iowa, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	7	7.0%	9	9.0%	16	8.0%
Senate	25	7	28.0%	6	24.0%	13	26.0%
Total	125	14	11.2%	15	12.0%	29	11.6%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Iowa, 2010-2014
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%
2014	125	14	11.2%	15	12.0%	29	11.6%

See also:

• Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Iowa State Senate elections, 2014

Kansas

There were 125 state legislative districts up for election in Kansas, creating 250 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 35 contested primaries—five by Democrats and 30 by Republicans—meaning 14.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Kansas, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	125	5	4.0%	30	24.0%	35	14.0%
Senate	Did not hold elections
Total	125	5	4.0%	30	24.0%	35	14.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Kansas, 2010-2014
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%
2014	125	5	4.0%	30	24.0%	35	14.0%

See also:

• Kansas House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Kansas State Senate elections, 2014

Kentucky

There were 119 state legislative districts up for election in Kentucky, creating 238 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 29 contested primaries—11 by Democrats and 18 by Republicans—meaning 12.2% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Kentucky, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	10	10.0%	13	13.0%	23	11.5%
Senate	19	1	5.3%	5	26.3%	6	15.8%
Total	119	11	9.2%	18	15.1%	29	12.2%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Kentucky, 2010-2014
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%
2014	119	11	9.2%	18	15.1%	29	12.2%

See also:

• Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Kentucky State Senate elections, 2014

Maine

There were 186 state legislative districts up for election in Maine, creating 372 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 26 contested primaries—13 by Democrats and 13 by Republicans—meaning 7.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Maine, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	151	9	6.0%	12	7.9%	21	7.0%
Senate	35	4	11.4%	1	2.9%	5	7.1%
Total	186	13	7.0%	13	7.0%	26	7.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Maine, 2010-2014
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%
2014	186	13	7.0%	13	7.0%	26	7.0%

See also:

• Maine House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Maine State Senate elections, 2014

Maryland

There were 114 state legislative districts up for election in Maryland, creating 228 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 85 contested primaries—57 by Democrats and 28 by Republicans—meaning 37.3% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Maryland, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	67	38	56.7%	21	31.3%	59	44.0%
Senate	47	19	40.4%	7	14.9%	26	27.7%
Total	114	57	50.0%	28	24.6%	85	37.3%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Maryland, 2010-2014
Year	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
2010	112	54	48.2%	37	33.0%	91	40.6%
2012	Did not hold elections
2014	114	57	50.0%	28	24.6%	85	37.3%

See also:

• Maryland House of Delegates elections, 2014
• Maryland State Senate elections, 2014

Massachusetts

There were 200 state legislative districts up for election in Massachusetts, creating 400 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 47 contested primaries—35 by Democrats and 12 by Republicans—meaning 11.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Massachusetts, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	160	28	17.5%	10	6.3%	38	11.9%
Senate	40	7	17.5%	2	5.0%	9	11.3%
Total	200	35	17.5%	12	6.0%	47	11.8%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Massachusetts, 2010-2014
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%
2014	200	35	17.5%	12	6.0%	47	11.8%

See also:

• Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2014

Michigan

There were 148 state legislative districts up for election in Michigan, creating 296 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 104 contested primaries—48 by Democrats and 56 by Republicans—meaning 35.1% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Michigan, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	110	35	31.8%	46	41.8%	81	36.8%
Senate	38	13	34.2%	10	26.3%	23	30.3%
Total	148	48	32.4%	56	37.8%	104	35.1%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Michigan, 2010-2014
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%
2014	148	48	32.4%	56	37.8%	104	35.1%

See also:

• Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Michigan State Senate elections, 2014

Minnesota

There were 134 state legislative districts up for election in Minnesota, creating 268 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 15 contested primaries—six by Democrats and nine by Republicans—meaning 5.6% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Minnesota, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	134	6	4.5%	9	6.7%	15	5.6%
Senate	Did not hold elections
Total	134	6	4.5%	9	6.7%	15	5.6%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Minnesota, 2010-2014
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%
2014	134	6	4.5%	9	6.7%	15	5.6%

See also:

• Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2014

Missouri

There were 180 state legislative districts up for election in Missouri, creating 360 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 49 contested primaries—16 by Democrats and 33 by Republicans—meaning 13.6% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Missouri, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	163	15	9.2%	30	18.4%	45	13.8%
Senate	17	1	5.9%	3	17.6%	4	11.8%
Total	180	16	8.9%	33	18.3%	49	13.6%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Missouri, 2010-2014
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%
2014	180	16	8.9%	33	18.3%	49	13.6%

See also:

• Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Missouri State Senate elections, 2014

Montana

There were 125 state legislative districts up for election in Montana, creating 250 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 59 contested primaries—21 by Democrats and 38 by Republicans—meaning 23.6% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Montana, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	100	17	17.0%	26	26.0%	43	21.5%
Senate	25	4	16.0%	12	48.0%	16	32.0%
Total	125	21	16.8%	38	30.4%	59	23.6%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Montana, 2010-2014
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%
2014	125	21	16.8%	38	30.4%	59	23.6%

See also:

• Montana House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Montana State Senate elections, 2014

Nebraska

There were 24 state legislative districts up for election in Nebraska, creating 24 possible primaries because of the state's top-two primary system. Of that total, there were 11 contested top-two primaries, meaning 45.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Nebraska, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Total
		#	%
House	N/A
Senate	24	11	45.8%
Total	24	11	45.8%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Nebraska, 2010-2014
Year	Districts
		Total
		#	%
2010	24	9	37.5%
2012	25	9	36.0%
2014	24	11	45.8%

See also:

• Nebraska State Senate elections, 2014

Nevada

There were 53 state legislative districts up for election in Nevada, creating 106 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 32 contested primaries—12 by Democrats and 20 by Republicans—meaning 30.2% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Nevada, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	42	10	23.8%	16	38.1%	26	31.0%
Senate	11	2	18.2%	4	36.4%	6	27.3%
Total	53	12	22.6%	20	37.7%	32	30.2%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Nevada, 2010-2014
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%
2014	53	12	22.6%	20	37.7%	32	30.2%

See also:

• Nevada State Assembly elections, 2014
• Nevada State Senate elections, 2014

New Hampshire

There were 228 state legislative districts up for election in New Hampshire, creating 456 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 78 contested primaries—20 by Democrats and 58 by Republicans—meaning 17.1% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in New Hampshire, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	204	19	9.3%	48	23.5%	67	16.4%
Senate	24	1	4.2%	10	41.7%	11	22.9%
Total	228	20	8.8%	58	25.4%	78	17.1%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in New Hampshire, 2010-2014
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%
2014	228	20	8.8%	58	25.4%	78	17.1%

See also:

• New Hampshire House of Representatives elections, 2014
• New Hampshire State Senate elections, 2014

New Mexico

There were 70 state legislative districts up for election in New Mexico, creating 140 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 18 contested primaries—12 by Democrats and six by Republicans—meaning 12.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in New Mexico, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	70	12	17.1%	6	8.6%	18	12.9%
Senate	Did not hold elections
Total	70	12	17.1%	6	8.6%	18	12.9%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in New Mexico, 2010-2014
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%
2014	70	12	17.1%	6	8.6%	18	12.9%

See also:

• New Mexico House of Representatives elections, 2014

New York

There were 213 state legislative districts up for election in New York, creating 426 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 46 contested primaries—37 by Democrats and nine by Republicans—meaning 10.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in New York, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	150	22	14.7%	6	4.0%	28	9.3%
Senate	63	15	23.8%	3	4.8%	18	14.3%
Total	213	37	17.4%	9	4.2%	46	10.8%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in New York, 2010-2014
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%
2014	213	37	17.4%	9	4.2%	46	10.8%

See also:

• New York State Assembly elections, 2014
• New York State Senate elections, 2014

North Carolina

There were 170 state legislative districts up for election in North Carolina, creating 340 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 53 contested primaries—22 by Democrats and 31 by Republicans—meaning 15.6% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in North Carolina, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	120	11	9.2%	22	18.3%	33	13.8%
Senate	50	11	22.0%	9	18.0%	20	20.0%
Total	170	22	12.9%	31	18.2%	53	15.6%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in North Carolina, 2010-2014
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%
2014	170	22	12.9%	31	18.2%	53	15.6%

See also:

• North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2014
• North Carolina State Senate elections, 2014

North Dakota

There were 48 state legislative districts up for election in North Dakota, creating 96 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 4 contested primaries—one by Democrats and three by Republicans—meaning 4.2% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in North Dakota, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	24	1	4.2%	3	12.5%	4	8.3%
Senate	24	0	0.0%	0	0.0%	0	0.0%
Total	48	1	2.1%	3	6.3%	4	4.2%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in North Dakota, 2010-2014
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%
2014	48	1	2.1%	3	6.3%	4	4.2%

See also:

• North Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2014
• North Dakota State Senate elections, 2014

Ohio

There were 116 state legislative districts up for election in Ohio, creating 232 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 51 contested primaries—17 by Democrats and 34 by Republicans—meaning 22.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Ohio, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	99	13	13.1%	28	28.3%	41	20.7%
Senate	17	4	23.5%	6	35.3%	10	29.4%
Total	116	17	14.7%	34	29.3%	51	22.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Ohio, 2010-2014
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%
2014	116	17	14.7%	34	29.3%	51	22.0%

See also:

• Ohio House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Ohio State Senate elections, 2014

Oklahoma

There were 125 state legislative districts up for election in Oklahoma, creating 250 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 45 contested primaries—12 by Democrats and 33 by Republicans—meaning 18.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Oklahoma, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	101	8	7.9%	25	24.8%	33	16.3%
Senate	24	4	16.7%	8	33.3%	12	25.0%
Total	125	12	9.6%	33	26.4%	45	18.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Oklahoma, 2010-2014
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%
2014	125	12	9.6%	33	26.4%	45	18.0%

See also:

• Oklahoma House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Oklahoma State Senate elections, 2014

Oregon

There were 75 state legislative districts up for election in Oregon, creating 150 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 20 contested primaries—seven by Democrats and 13 by Republicans—meaning 13.3% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Oregon, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	60	7	11.7%	12	20.0%	19	15.8%
Senate	15	0	0.0%	1	6.7%	1	3.3%
Total	75	7	9.3%	13	17.3%	20	13.3%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Oregon, 2010-2014
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%
2014	75	7	9.3%	13	17.3%	20	13.3%

See also:

• Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Oregon State Senate elections, 2014

Pennsylvania

There were 228 state legislative districts up for election in Pennsylvania, creating 456 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 68 contested primaries—39 by Democrats and 29 by Republicans—meaning 14.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Pennsylvania, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	203	35	17.2%	26	12.8%	61	15.0%
Senate	25	4	16.0%	3	12.0%	7	14.0%
Total	228	39	17.1%	29	12.7%	68	14.9%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Pennsylvania, 2010-2014
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%
2014	228	39	17.1%	29	12.7%	68	14.9%

See also:

• Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2014

Rhode Island

There were 113 state legislative districts up for election in Rhode Island, creating 226 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 26 contested primaries—23 by Democrats and three by Republicans—meaning 11.5% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Rhode Island, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	75	16	21.3%	2	2.7%	18	12.0%
Senate	38	7	18.4%	1	2.6%	8	10.5%
Total	113	23	20.4%	3	2.7%	26	11.5%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Rhode Island, 2010-2014
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%
2014	113	23	20.4%	3	2.7%	26	11.5%

See also:

• Rhode Island House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2014

South Carolina

There were 124 state legislative districts up for election in South Carolina, creating 248 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 29 contested primaries—eight by Democrats and 21 by Republicans—meaning 11.7% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in South Carolina, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	124	8	6.5%	21	16.9%	29	11.7%
Senate	Did not hold elections
Total	124	8	6.5%	21	16.9%	29	11.7%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in South Carolina, 2010-2014
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%
2014	124	8	6.5%	21	16.9%	29	11.7%

See also:

• South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2014

South Dakota

There were 72 state legislative districts up for election in South Dakota, creating 144 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 22 contested primaries—five by Democrats and 17 by Republicans—meaning 15.3% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in South Dakota, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	37	3	8.1%	12	32.4%	15	20.3%
Senate	35	2	5.7%	5	14.3%	7	10.0%
Total	72	5	6.9%	17	23.6%	22	15.3%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in South Dakota, 2010-2014
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%
2014	72	5	6.9%	17	23.6%	22	15.3%

See also:

• South Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2014
• South Dakota State Senate elections, 2014

Tennessee

There were 116 state legislative districts up for election in Tennessee, creating 232 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 44 contested primaries—10 by Democrats and 34 by Republicans—meaning 19.0% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Tennessee, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	99	7	7.1%	27	27.3%	34	17.2%
Senate	17	3	17.6%	7	41.2%	10	29.4%
Total	116	10	8.6%	34	29.3%	44	19.0%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Tennessee, 2010-2014
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%
2014	116	10	8.6%	34	29.3%	44	19.0%

See also:

• Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Tennessee State Senate elections, 2014

Texas

There were 165 state legislative districts up for election in Texas, creating 330 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 57 contested primaries—13 by Democrats and 44 by Republicans—meaning 17.3% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Texas, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	150	11	7.3%	37	24.7%	48	16.0%
Senate	15	2	13.3%	7	46.7%	9	30.0%
Total	165	13	7.9%	44	26.7%	57	17.3%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Texas, 2010-2014
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%
2014	165	13	7.9%	44	26.7%	57	17.3%

See also:

• Texas House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Texas State Senate elections, 2014

Utah

There were 89 state legislative districts up for election in Utah, creating 178 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 7 contested primaries—one by Democrats and six by Republicans—meaning 3.9% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Utah, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	75	1	1.3%	4	5.3%	5	3.3%
Senate	14	0	0.0%	2	14.3%	2	7.1%
Total	89	1	1.1%	6	6.7%	7	3.9%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Utah, 2010-2014
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%
2014	89	1	1.1%	6	6.7%	7	3.9%

See also:

• Utah House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Utah State Senate elections, 2014

Vermont

There were 117 state legislative districts up for election in Vermont, creating 234 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 11 contested primaries—six by Democrats and five by Republicans—meaning 4.7% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Vermont, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	104	5	4.8%	5	4.8%	10	4.8%
Senate	13	1	7.7%	0	0.0%	1	3.8%
Total	117	6	5.1%	5	4.3%	11	4.7%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Vermont, 2010-2014
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%
2014	117	6	5.1%	5	4.3%	11	4.7%

See also:

• Vermont House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Vermont State Senate elections, 2014

Washington

There were 123 state legislative districts up for election in Washington, creating 123 possible primaries because of the state's top-two primary system. Of that total, there were 29 contested top-two primaries, meaning 23.6% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

Contested state legislative primaries in Washington, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Total
		#	%
House	98	24	24.5%
Senate	25	5	20.0%
Total	123	29	23.6%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Washington, 2010-2014
Year	Districts
		Total
		#	%
2010	123	41	33.3%
2012	124	29	23.4%
2014	123	29	23.6%

See also:

• Washington House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Washington State Senate elections, 2014

West Virginia

There were 84 state legislative districts up for election in West Virginia, creating 168 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 44 contested primaries—20 by Democrats and 24 by Republicans—meaning 26.2% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in West Virginia, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	67	18	26.9%	22	32.8%	40	29.9%
Senate	17	2	11.8%	2	11.8%	4	11.8%
Total	84	20	23.8%	24	28.6%	44	26.2%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in West Virginia, 2010-2014
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%
2014	84	20	23.8%	24	28.6%	44	26.2%

See also:

• West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2014
• West Virginia State Senate elections, 2014

Wisconsin

There were 116 state legislative districts up for election in Wisconsin, creating 232 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 32 contested primaries—12 by Democrats and 20 by Republicans—meaning 13.8% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Wisconsin, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	99	9	9.1%	18	18.2%	27	13.6%
Senate	17	3	17.6%	2	11.8%	5	14.7%
Total	116	12	10.3%	20	17.2%	32	13.8%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Wisconsin, 2010-2014
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%
2014	116	12	10.3%	20	17.2%	32	13.8%

See also:

• Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2014
• Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2014

Wyoming

There were 75 state legislative districts up for election in Wyoming, creating 150 possible primaries. Of that total, there were 37 contested primaries—three by Democrats and 34 by Republicans—meaning 24.7% of all primaries were contested.

In 2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Wyoming, 2014
Chamber	Districts
		Democratic		Republican		Total
		#	%	#	%	#	%
House	60	2	3.3%	27	45.0%	29	24.2%
Senate	15	1	6.7%	7	46.7%	8	26.7%
Total	75	3	4.0%	34	45.3%	37	24.7%

2010-2014

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

Contested state legislative primaries in Wyoming, 2010-2014
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%
2014	75	3	4.0%	34	45.3%	37	24.7%

See also:

• Wyoming House of Representatives elections, 2014
• Wyoming State Senate elections, 2014

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 2014, 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, 2014
  • Impact of term limits on state legislative elections in 2014
  • Open seats in state legislative elections, 2014
  • State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2014
  • Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2014
  • State legislative incumbents without general election challengers, 2014
  • Incumbents defeated in state legislative elections, 2014

Footnotes

Ballotpedia

About

Overview • What people are saying • Support Ballotpedia • Contact • Contribute • Job opportunities

---

Executive: Leslie Graves, Founder and CEO • Gwen Beattie, Chief Operating Officer

Communications: Alison Graves, Director of Communications • Carley Allensworth • Abigail Campbell • Frank Festa • Sarah Groat • Nathaniel Harwood • Dillon Redmond • Erica Shumaker
External Relations: Geoff Pallay, Director of External Relations • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy • Ashley Fleming • Thomas Mardik • Hannah Nelson
Operations: Meghann Olshefski, Director of Operations • Amanda Herbert • Mandy Morris • Caroline Presnell • Kelly Rindfleisch
Tech: Matt Latourelle, Director of Technology Operations • Ryan Burch • Kirsten Corrao • Beth Dellea • Travis Eden • Tate Kamish • Margaret Kearney • Eric Lotto • Joseph Sanchez • Mary Susmitha

Contributors: Scott Rasmussen

---

Editorial Content

Josh Altic, Director of Content • Daniel Anderson, Associate Director of Elections & Data • Cory Eucalitto, Associate Director of Features • Ryan Byrne, Managing Editor of Ballot Measures • Mandy McConnell, Managing Editor of News • Doug Kronaizl, Managing Editor of Local Expansion • Abbey Smith, Managing Editor of Elections • Janie Valentine, Managing Editor of Law • Joel Williams. Managing Editor of Events • Andrew Bahl • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Joseph Brusgard • Emma Burlingame • Kelly Coyle • Jon Dunn • Thomas Ellis • Nicole Fisher • Joseph Greaney • Thomas Grobben • Brianna Hosea • Molly Kehoe • Tyler King • Glorie Martinez • Norm Leahy, Senior Editor • Nathan Maxwell • Jimmy McAllister • Brandon McCauley • Ellie Mikus • Ellen Morrissey • Mackenzie Murphy • Kaley Platek • Samantha Post • Adam Powell • Annelise Reinwald • Ethan Rice • Spencer Richardson • Victoria Rose • Briana Ryan • Myj Saintyl • Maddy Salucka • Emma Soukup • Alexis Thacker • Mina Vogel • Samuel Wonacott • Trenton Woodcox