State legislative incumbents in contested 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. Overall, 4,790 incumbents filed for re-election and were running at the time of their respective primaries. Of that total, 1,117 incumbents faced contested primaries, representing 23% of all incumbents who filed for re-election. This represented an increase from 2010 when 20% of incumbents faced contested primaries.

A primary is contested when there are more candidates running than nominations available. When this occurs, and an incumbent is present, it means the incumbent could possibly lose the primary. Learn more about the terms and methodologies used in this analysis.

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

In 2012:

There were 450 Democratic incumbents in contested primaries, representing 21% of all Democratic incumbents who filed for re-election, a 19% decrease from 2010.

There were 667 Republican incumbents in contested primaries, representing 26% of all Republican incumbents who filed for re-election, a 53% increase from 2010.

There were no minor party or independent incumbents in contested primaries.

The total number of incumbents in contested primaries—1,117—represented a 12% increase from 2010.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	4,714	1,687	351	20.8%	2,070	527	25.5%	3,767	878	23.3%
Senate	1,299	483	99	20.5%	538	140	26.0%	1,023	239	23.4%
Total	6,013	2,170	450	20.7%	2,608	667	25.6%	4,790	1,117	23.3%

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2012
State	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
Nationwide	6,013	2,170	450	20.7%	2,608	667	25.6%	4,790	1,117	23.3%
Alaska	59	21	3	14.3%	32	13	40.6%	54	16	29.6%
Arizona	90	17	11	64.7%	43	13	30.2%	60	24	40.0%
Arkansas	135	40	6	15.0%	48	6	12.5%	88	12	13.6%
California	100	36	15	41.7%	20	7	35.0%	56	22	39.3%
Colorado	85	29	1	3.4%	24	3	12.5%	53	4	7.5%
Connecticut	187	104	6	5.8%	59	1	1.7%	163	7	4.3%
Delaware	62	35	6	17.1%	18	5	27.8%	53	11	20.8%
Florida	160	31	7	22.6%	79	24	30.4%	110	31	28.2%
Georgia	236	73	25	34.2%	136	23	16.9%	210	48	22.9%
Hawaii	76	64	24	37.5%	7	2	28.6%	71	26	36.6%
Idaho	105	11	1	9.1%	59	33	55.9%	70	34	48.6%
Illinois	177	82	21	25.6%	63	12	19.0%	145	33	22.8%
Indiana	125	35	5	14.3%	68	12	17.6%	103	17	16.5%
Iowa	126	45	0	0.0%	55	16	29.1%	100	16	16.0%
Kansas	165	37	6	16.2%	90	48	53.3%	127	54	42.5%
Kentucky	119	64	11	17.2%	42	11	26.2%	106	22	20.8%
Maine	186	54	4	7.4%	67	1	1.5%	123	5	4.1%
Massachusetts	200	154	18	11.7%	36	1	2.8%	190	19	10.0%
Michigan	110	36	19	52.8%	56	18	32.1%	92	37	40.2%
Minnesota	201	72	7	9.7%	82	4	4.9%	154	11	7.1%
Missouri	180	43	19	44.2%	83	16	19.3%	126	35	27.8%
Montana	126	26	3	11.5%	56	14	25.0%	82	17	20.7%
Nebraska	25	6	2	33.3%	10	2	20.0%	16	4	25.0%
Nevada	52	24	10	41.7%	12	2	16.7%	36	12	33.3%
New Hampshire	424	85	14	16.5%	230	131	57.0%	315	145	46.0%
New Mexico	112	50	19	38.0%	40	5	12.5%	91	24	26.4%
New York	213	118	24	20.3%	71	9	12.7%	189	33	17.5%
North Carolina	170	50	15	30.0%	77	22	28.6%	127	37	29.1%
North Dakota	75	18	0	0.0%	43	10	23.3%	61	10	16.4%
Ohio	117	36	6	16.7%	62	8	12.9%	98	14	14.3%
Oklahoma	125	30	2	6.7%	72	17	23.6%	102	19	18.6%
Oregon	76	31	1	3.2%	35	3	8.6%	66	4	6.1%
Pennsylvania	228	88	17	19.3%	115	15	13.0%	203	32	15.8%
Rhode Island	113	84	24	28.6%	15	2	13.3%	100	26	26.0%
South Carolina	170	57	7	12.3%	91	16	17.6%	148	23	15.5%
South Dakota	105	15	3	20.0%	59	22	37.3%	74	25	33.8%
Tennessee	115	30	11	36.7%	67	24	35.8%	98	35	35.7%
Texas	181	53	8	15.1%	94	43	45.7%	147	51	34.7%
Utah	91	17	2	11.8%	61	12	19.7%	78	14	17.9%
Vermont	180	105	11	10.5%	45	1	2.2%	155	12	7.7%
Washington	124	53	10	18.9%	45	5	11.1%	98	15	15.3%
West Virginia	117	66	37	56.1%	32	8	25.0%	98	45	45.9%
Wisconsin	115	36	9	25.0%	58	6	10.3%	94	15	16.0%
Wyoming	75	9	0	0.0%	51	21	41.2%	60	21	35.0%

Historical comparison

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

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2010 v. 2012
State
	2010		2012
	Cont.	%	Cont.	%
Nationwide	995	20.0%	1,117	23.3%
Alaska	6	13.3%	16	29.6%
Arizona	26	51.0%	24	40.0%
Arkansas	4	6.3%	12	13.6%
California	6	9.7%	22	39.3%
Colorado	1	1.6%	4	7.5%
Connecticut	10	6.0%	7	4.3%
Delaware	7	14.6%	11	20.8%
Florida	18	18.6%	31	28.2%
Georgia	41	20.7%	48	22.9%
Hawaii	24	41.4%	26	36.6%
Idaho	26	27.1%	34	48.6%
Illinois	21	16.5%	33	22.8%
Indiana	21	18.6%	17	16.5%
Iowa	8	7.4%	16	16.0%
Kansas	23	20.0%	54	42.5%
Kentucky	21	18.8%	22	20.8%
Maine	4	2.8%	5	4.1%
Massachusetts	14	8.4%	19	10.0%
Michigan	17	25.0%	37	40.2%
Minnesota	8	4.5%	11	7.1%
Missouri	15	14.3%	35	27.8%
Montana	11	14.7%	17	20.7%
Nebraska	6	28.6%	4	25.0%
Nevada	5	19.2%	12	33.3%
New Hampshire	124	38.5%	145	46.0%
New Mexico	14	20.9%	24	26.4%
New York	37	19.8%	33	17.5%
North Carolina	39	25.7%	37	29.1%
North Dakota	2	3.5%	10	16.4%
Ohio	14	16.1%	14	14.3%
Oklahoma	12	11.7%	19	18.6%
Oregon	9	13.0%	4	6.1%
Pennsylvania	29	14.0%	32	15.8%
Rhode Island	34	34.7%	26	26.0%
South Carolina	26	23.2%	23	15.5%
South Dakota	7	9.9%	25	33.8%
Tennessee	12	11.3%	35	35.7%
Texas	28	17.8%	51	34.7%
Utah	9	11.1%	14	17.9%
Vermont	13	8.2%	12	7.7%
Washington	24	23.3%	15	15.3%
West Virginia	52	50.5%	45	45.9%
Wisconsin	13	14.0%	15	16.0%
Wyoming	15	25.0%	21	35.0%

Alaska

There were 59 seats up for election in Alaska. A total of 54 incumbents filed for re-election: 21 Democrats, 32 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 16 incumbents—three Democrats and 13 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 29.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Alaska, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	40	12	2	16.7%	22	9	40.9%	35	11	31.4%
Senate	19	9	1	11.1%	10	4	40.0%	19	5	26.3%
Total	59	21	3	14.3%	32	13	40.6%	54	16	29.6%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Alaska, 2010-2022
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	50	22	1	4.5%	23	5	21.7%	45	6	13.3%
2012	59	21	3	14.3%	32	13	40.6%	54	16	29.6%

See also:

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

Arizona

There were 90 seats up for election in Arizona. A total of 60 incumbents filed for re-election: 17 Democrats and 43 Republicans. Of that total, 24 incumbents—11 Democrats and 13 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 40.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arizona, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	60	11	8	72.7%	27	10	37.0%	38	18	47.4%
Senate	30	6	3	50.0%	16	3	18.8%	22	6	27.3%
Total	90	17	11	64.7%	43	13	30.2%	60	24	40.0%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arizona, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	90	20	7	35.0%	31	19	61.3%	51	26	51.0%
2012	90	17	11	64.7%	43	13	30.2%	60	24	40.0%

See also:

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

Arkansas

There were 135 seats up for election in Arkansas. A total of 88 incumbents filed for re-election: 40 Democrats and 48 Republicans. Of that total, 12 incumbents—six Democrats and six Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 13.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arkansas, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	28	2	7.1%	36	4	11.1%	64	6	9.4%
Senate	35	12	4	33.3%	12	2	16.7%	24	6	25.0%
Total	135	40	6	15.0%	48	6	12.5%	88	12	13.6%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arkansas, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	117	42	3	7.1%	22	1	4.5%	64	4	6.3%
2012	135	40	6	15.0%	48	6	12.5%	88	12	13.6%

See also:

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

California

There were 100 seats up for election in California. A total of 56 incumbents filed for re-election: 36 Democrats and 20 Republicans. Of that total, 22 incumbents—15 Democrats and seven Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 39.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in California, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	80	29	11	37.9%	16	6	37.5%	45	17	37.8%
Senate	20	7	4	57.1%	4	1	25.0%	11	5	45.5%
Total	100	36	15	41.7%	20	7	35.0%	56	22	39.3%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in California, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	100	44	3	6.8%	18	3	16.7%	62	6	9.7%
2012	100	36	15	41.7%	20	7	35.0%	56	22	39.3%

See also:

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

Colorado

There were 85 seats up for election in Colorado. A total of 53 incumbents filed for re-election: 29 Democrats and 24 Republicans. Of that total, four incumbents—one Democrat and three Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 7.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Colorado, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	65	21	1	4.8%	21	2	9.5%	42	3	7.1%
Senate	20	8	0	0.0%	3	1	33.3%	11	1	9.1%
Total	85	29	1	3.4%	24	3	12.5%	53	4	7.5%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Colorado, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	84	37	1	2.7%	26	0	0.0%	64	1	1.6%
2012	85	29	1	3.4%	24	3	12.5%	53	4	7.5%

See also:

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

Connecticut

There were 187 seats up for election in Connecticut. A total of 163 incumbents filed for re-election: 104 Democrats and 59 Republicans. Of that total, seven incumbents—six Democrats and one Republican—faced contested primaries, representing 4.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Connecticut, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	151	84	5	6.0%	46	1	2.2%	130	6	4.6%
Senate	36	20	1	5.0%	13	0	0.0%	33	1	3.0%
Total	187	104	6	5.8%	59	1	1.7%	163	7	4.3%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Connecticut, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	187	124	10	8.1%	44	0	0.0%	168	10	6.0%
2012	187	104	6	5.8%	59	1	1.7%	163	7	4.3%

See also:

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

Delaware

There were 62 seats up for election in Delaware. A total of 53 incumbents filed for re-election: 35 Democrats and 18 Republicans. Of that total, 11 incumbents—six Democrats and five Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 20.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Delaware, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	41	22	3	13.6%	12	3	25.0%	34	6	17.6%
Senate	21	13	3	23.1%	6	2	33.3%	19	5	26.3%
Total	62	35	6	17.1%	18	5	27.8%	53	11	20.8%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Delaware, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	52	32	6	18.8%	16	1	6.3%	48	7	14.6%
2012	62	35	6	17.1%	18	5	27.8%	53	11	20.8%

See also:

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

Florida

There were 160 seats up for election in Florida. A total of 110 incumbents filed for re-election: 31 Democrats and 79 Republicans. Of that total, 31 incumbents—seven Democrats and 24 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 28.2% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Florida, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	120	22	7	31.8%	62	22	35.5%	84	29	34.5%
Senate	40	9	0	0.0%	17	2	11.8%	26	2	7.7%
Total	160	31	7	22.6%	79	24	30.4%	110	31	28.2%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Florida, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	143	40	6	15.0%	57	12	21.1%	97	18	18.6%
2012	160	31	7	22.6%	79	24	30.4%	110	31	28.2%

See also:

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

Georgia

There were 236 seats up for election in Georgia. A total of 210 incumbents filed for re-election: 73 Democrats, 136 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 48 incumbents—25 Democrats and 23 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 22.9% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Georgia, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	180	54	19	35.2%	101	16	15.8%	156	35	22.4%
Senate	56	19	6	31.6%	35	7	20.0%	54	13	24.1%
Total	236	73	25	34.2%	136	23	16.9%	210	48	22.9%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Georgia, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	236	86	19	22.1%	111	22	19.8%	198	41	20.7%
2012	236	73	25	34.2%	136	23	16.9%	210	48	22.9%

See also:

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

Hawaii

There were 76 seats up for election in Hawaii. A total of 71 incumbents filed for re-election: 64 Democrats and 7 Republicans. Of that total, 26 incumbents—24 Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 36.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Hawaii, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	51	40	16	40.0%	6	2	33.3%	46	18	39.1%
Senate	25	24	8	33.3%	1	0	0.0%	25	8	32.0%
Total	76	64	24	37.5%	7	2	28.6%	71	26	36.6%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Hawaii, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	66	52	24	46.2%	6	0	0.0%	58	24	41.4%
2012	76	64	24	37.5%	7	2	28.6%	71	26	36.6%

See also:

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

Idaho

There were 105 seats up for election in Idaho. A total of 70 incumbents filed for re-election: 11 Democrats and 59 Republicans. Of that total, 34 incumbents—one Democrat and 33 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 48.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Idaho, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	70	7	1	14.3%	37	20	54.1%	44	21	47.7%
Senate	35	4	0	0.0%	22	13	59.1%	26	13	50.0%
Total	105	11	1	9.1%	59	33	55.9%	70	34	48.6%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Idaho, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	105	19	1	5.3%	77	25	32.5%	96	26	27.1%
2012	105	11	1	9.1%	59	33	55.9%	70	34	48.6%

See also:

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

Illinois

There were 177 seats up for election in Illinois. A total of 145 incumbents filed for re-election: 82 Democrats and 63 Republicans. Of that total, 33 incumbents—21 Democrats and 12 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 22.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Illinois, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	118	53	13	24.5%	46	6	13.0%	99	19	19.2%
Senate	59	29	8	27.6%	17	6	35.3%	46	14	30.4%
Total	177	82	21	25.6%	63	12	19.0%	145	33	22.8%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Illinois, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	139	76	14	18.4%	51	7	13.7%	127	21	16.5%
2012	177	82	21	25.6%	63	12	19.0%	145	33	22.8%

See also:

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

Indiana

There were 125 seats up for election in Indiana. A total of 103 incumbents filed for re-election: 35 Democrats and 68 Republicans. Of that total, 17 incumbents—five Democrats and 12 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 16.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Indiana, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	28	3	10.7%	53	10	18.9%	81	13	16.0%
Senate	25	7	2	28.6%	15	2	13.3%	22	4	18.2%
Total	125	35	5	14.3%	68	12	17.6%	103	17	16.5%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Indiana, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	125	56	6	10.7%	57	15	26.3%	113	21	18.6%
2012	125	35	5	14.3%	68	12	17.6%	103	17	16.5%

See also:

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

Iowa

There were 126 seats up for election in Iowa. A total of 100 incumbents filed for re-election: 45 Democrats and 55 Republicans. Of that total, 16 incumbents—no Democrats and 16 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 16.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Iowa, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	36	0	0.0%	46	13	28.3%	82	13	15.9%
Senate	26	9	0	0.0%	9	3	33.3%	18	3	16.7%
Total	126	45	0	0.0%	55	16	29.1%	100	16	16.0%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Iowa, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	125	65	5	7.7%	43	3	7.0%	108	8	7.4%
2012	126	45	0	0.0%	55	16	29.1%	100	16	16.0%

See also:

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

Kansas

There were 165 seats up for election in Kansas. A total of 127 incumbents filed for re-election: 37 Democrats and 90 Republicans. Of that total, 54 incumbents—six Democrats and 48 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 42.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kansas, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	125	29	5	17.2%	62	29	46.8%	91	34	37.4%
Senate	40	8	1	12.5%	28	19	67.9%	36	20	55.6%
Total	165	37	6	16.2%	90	48	53.3%	127	54	42.5%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kansas, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	125	45	3	6.7%	70	20	28.6%	115	23	20.0%
2012	165	37	6	16.2%	90	48	53.3%	127	54	42.5%

See also:

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

Kentucky

There were 119 seats up for election in Kentucky. A total of 106 incumbents filed for re-election: 64 Democrats and 42 Republicans. Of that total, 22 incumbents—11 Democrats and 11 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 20.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kentucky, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	55	10	18.2%	36	8	22.2%	91	18	19.8%
Senate	19	9	1	11.1%	6	3	50.0%	15	4	26.7%
Total	119	64	11	17.2%	42	11	26.2%	106	22	20.8%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kentucky, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	119	68	11	16.2%	43	10	23.3%	112	21	18.8%
2012	119	64	11	17.2%	42	11	26.2%	106	22	20.8%

See also:

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

Maine

There were 186 seats up for election in Maine. A total of 123 incumbents filed for re-election: 54 Democrats, 67 Republicans, and two minor party or independent incumbents. Of that total, five incumbents—four Democrats and one Republican—faced contested primaries, representing 4.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Maine, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	151	46	4	8.7%	53	1	1.9%	100	5	5.0%
Senate	35	8	0	0.0%	14	0	0.0%	23	0	0.0%
Total	186	54	4	7.4%	67	1	1.5%	123	5	4.1%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Maine, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	186	94	3	3.2%	49	1	2.0%	143	4	2.8%
2012	186	54	4	7.4%	67	1	1.5%	123	5	4.1%

See also:

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

Massachusetts

There were 200 seats up for election in Massachusetts. A total of 190 incumbents filed for re-election: 154 Democrats and 36 Republicans. Of that total, 19 incumbents—18 Democrats and one Republican—faced contested primaries, representing 10.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Massachusetts, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	160	121	14	11.6%	32	1	3.1%	153	15	9.8%
Senate	40	33	4	12.1%	4	0	0.0%	37	4	10.8%
Total	200	154	18	11.7%	36	1	2.8%	190	19	10.0%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Massachusetts, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	200	151	14	9.3%	15	0	0.0%	166	14	8.4%
2012	200	154	18	11.7%	36	1	2.8%	190	19	10.0%

See also:

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

Michigan

There were 110 seats up for election in Michigan. A total of 92 incumbents filed for re-election: 36 Democrats and 56 Republicans. Of that total, 37 incumbents—19 Democrats and 18 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 40.2% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Michigan, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	110	36	19	52.8%	56	18	32.1%	92	37	40.2%
Senate	Did not hold elections
Total	110	36	19	52.8%	56	18	32.1%	92	37	40.2%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Michigan, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	148	40	10	25.0%	28	7	25.0%	68	17	25.0%
2012	110	36	19	52.8%	56	18	32.1%	92	37	40.2%

See also:

• Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2012

Minnesota

There were 201 seats up for election in Minnesota. A total of 154 incumbents filed for re-election: 72 Democrats and 82 Republicans. Of that total, 11 incumbents—seven Democrats and four Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 7.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Minnesota, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	134	47	2	4.3%	56	2	3.6%	103	4	3.9%
Senate	67	25	5	20.0%	26	2	7.7%	51	7	13.7%
Total	201	72	7	9.7%	82	4	4.9%	154	11	7.1%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Minnesota, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	201	121	5	4.1%	56	3	5.4%	177	8	4.5%
2012	201	72	7	9.7%	82	4	4.9%	154	11	7.1%

See also:

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

Missouri

There were 180 seats up for election in Missouri. A total of 126 incumbents filed for re-election: 43 Democrats and 83 Republicans. Of that total, 35 incumbents—19 Democrats and 16 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 27.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Missouri, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	163	41	18	43.9%	78	15	19.2%	119	33	27.7%
Senate	17	2	1	50.0%	5	1	20.0%	7	2	28.6%
Total	180	43	19	44.2%	83	16	19.3%	126	35	27.8%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Missouri, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	180	55	8	14.5%	50	7	14.0%	105	15	14.3%
2012	180	43	19	44.2%	83	16	19.3%	126	35	27.8%

See also:

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

Montana

There were 126 seats up for election in Montana. A total of 82 incumbents filed for re-election: 26 Democrats and 56 Republicans. Of that total, 17 incumbents—three Democrats and 14 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 20.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Montana, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	18	2	11.1%	50	12	24.0%	68	14	20.6%
Senate	26	8	1	12.5%	6	2	33.3%	14	3	21.4%
Total	126	26	3	11.5%	56	14	25.0%	82	17	20.7%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Montana, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	126	34	3	8.8%	41	8	19.5%	75	11	14.7%
2012	126	26	3	11.5%	56	14	25.0%	82	17	20.7%

See also:

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

Nebraska

There were 25 seats up for election in Nebraska. A total of 16 incumbents filed for re-election: six Democrats and 10 Republicans. Of that total, four incumbents—two Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 25.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nebraska, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	N/A
Senate	25	6	2	33.3%	10	2	20.0%	16	4	25.0%
Total	25	6	2	33.3%	10	2	20.0%	16	4	25.0%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nebraska, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	24	10	4	40.0%	10	1	10.0%	21	6	28.6%
2012	25	6	2	33.3%	10	2	20.0%	16	4	25.0%

See also:

• Nebraska State Senate elections, 2012

Nevada

There were 52 seats up for election in Nevada. A total of 36 incumbents filed for re-election: 24 Democrats and 12 Republicans. Of that total, 12 incumbents—10 Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 33.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nevada, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	42	22	9	40.9%	11	2	18.2%	33	11	33.3%
Senate	10	2	1	50.0%	1	0	0.0%	3	1	33.3%
Total	52	24	10	41.7%	12	2	16.7%	36	12	33.3%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nevada, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	53	17	1	5.9%	9	4	44.4%	26	5	19.2%
2012	52	24	10	41.7%	12	2	16.7%	36	12	33.3%

See also:

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

New Hampshire

There were 424 seats up for election in New Hampshire. A total of 315 incumbents filed for re-election: 85 Democrats and 230 Republicans. Of that total, 145 incumbents—14 Democrats and 131 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 46.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Hampshire, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	400	82	14	17.1%	219	129	58.9%	301	143	47.5%
Senate	24	3	0	0.0%	11	2	18.2%	14	2	14.3%
Total	424	85	14	16.5%	230	131	57.0%	315	145	46.0%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Hampshire, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	424	178	45	25.3%	144	79	54.9%	322	124	38.5%
2012	424	85	14	16.5%	230	131	57.0%	315	145	46.0%

See also:

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

New Mexico

There were 112 seats up for election in New Mexico. A total of 91 incumbents filed for re-election: 50 Democrats, 40 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 24 incumbents—19 Democrats and five Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 26.4% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Mexico, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	70	27	9	33.3%	30	5	16.7%	58	14	24.1%
Senate	42	23	10	43.5%	10	0	0.0%	33	10	30.3%
Total	112	50	19	38.0%	40	5	12.5%	91	24	26.4%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Mexico, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	70	44	10	22.7%	23	4	17.4%	67	14	20.9%
2012	112	50	19	38.0%	40	5	12.5%	91	24	26.4%

See also:

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

New York

There were 213 seats up for election in New York. A total of 189 incumbents filed for re-election: 118 Democrats and 71 Republicans. Of that total, 33 incumbents—24 Democrats and nine Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 17.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New York, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	150	91	18	19.8%	40	4	10.0%	131	22	16.8%
Senate	63	27	6	22.2%	31	5	16.1%	58	11	19.0%
Total	213	118	24	20.3%	71	9	12.7%	189	33	17.5%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New York, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	212	128	35	27.3%	59	2	3.4%	187	37	19.8%
2012	213	118	24	20.3%	71	9	12.7%	189	33	17.5%

See also:

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

North Carolina

There were 170 seats up for election in North Carolina. A total of 127 incumbents filed for re-election: 50 Democrats and 77 Republicans. Of that total, 37 incumbents—15 Democrats and 22 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 29.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Carolina, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	120	36	12	33.3%	52	15	28.8%	88	27	30.7%
Senate	50	14	3	21.4%	25	7	28.0%	39	10	25.6%
Total	170	50	15	30.0%	77	22	28.6%	127	37	29.1%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Carolina, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	170	88	24	27.3%	64	15	23.4%	152	39	25.7%
2012	170	50	15	30.0%	77	22	28.6%	127	37	29.1%

See also:

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

North Dakota

There were 75 seats up for election in North Dakota. A total of 61 incumbents filed for re-election: 18 Democrats and 43 Republicans. Of that total, 10 incumbents—no Democrats and 10 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 16.4% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Dakota, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	50	11	0	0.0%	29	7	24.1%	40	7	17.5%
Senate	25	7	0	0.0%	14	3	21.4%	21	3	14.3%
Total	75	18	0	0.0%	43	10	23.3%	61	10	16.4%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Dakota, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	72	24	2	8.3%	33	0	0.0%	57	2	3.5%
2012	75	18	0	0.0%	43	10	23.3%	61	10	16.4%

See also:

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

Ohio

There were 117 seats up for election in Ohio. A total of 98 incumbents filed for re-election: 36 Democrats and 62 Republicans. Of that total, 14 incumbents—six Democrats and eight Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 14.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Ohio, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	99	33	6	18.2%	50	7	14.0%	83	13	15.7%
Senate	18	3	0	0.0%	12	1	8.3%	15	1	6.7%
Total	117	36	6	16.7%	62	8	12.9%	98	14	14.3%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Ohio, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	116	47	6	12.8%	40	8	20.0%	87	14	16.1%
2012	117	36	6	16.7%	62	8	12.9%	98	14	14.3%

See also:

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

Oklahoma

There were 125 seats up for election in Oklahoma. A total of 102 incumbents filed for re-election: 30 Democrats and 72 Republicans. Of that total, 19 incumbents—two Democrats and 17 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 18.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oklahoma, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	101	26	2	7.7%	60	13	21.7%	86	15	17.4%
Senate	24	4	0	0.0%	12	4	33.3%	16	4	25.0%
Total	125	30	2	6.7%	72	17	23.6%	102	19	18.6%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oklahoma, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	125	41	5	12.2%	62	7	11.3%	103	12	11.7%
2012	125	30	2	6.7%	72	17	23.6%	102	19	18.6%

See also:

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

Oregon

There were 76 seats up for election in Oregon. A total of 66 incumbents filed for re-election: 31 Democrats and 35 Republicans. Of that total, four incumbents—one Democrat and three Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 6.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oregon, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	60	24	1	4.2%	29	1	3.4%	53	2	3.8%
Senate	16	7	0	0.0%	6	2	33.3%	13	2	15.4%
Total	76	31	1	3.2%	35	3	8.6%	66	4	6.1%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oregon, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	76	44	2	4.5%	25	7	28.0%	69	9	13.0%
2012	76	31	1	3.2%	35	3	8.6%	66	4	6.1%

See also:

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

Pennsylvania

There were 228 seats up for election in Pennsylvania. A total of 203 incumbents filed for re-election: 88 Democrats and 115 Republicans. Of that total, 32 incumbents—17 Democrats and 15 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 15.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Pennsylvania, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	203	78	17	21.8%	104	11	10.6%	182	28	15.4%
Senate	25	10	0	0.0%	11	4	36.4%	21	4	19.0%
Total	228	88	17	19.3%	115	15	13.0%	203	32	15.8%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Pennsylvania, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	228	100	20	20.0%	107	9	8.4%	207	29	14.0%
2012	228	88	17	19.3%	115	15	13.0%	203	32	15.8%

See also:

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

Rhode Island

There were 113 seats up for election in Rhode Island. A total of 100 incumbents filed for re-election: 84 Democrats, 15 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 26 incumbents—24 Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 26.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Rhode Island, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	75	59	17	28.8%	7	1	14.3%	66	18	27.3%
Senate	38	25	7	28.0%	8	1	12.5%	34	8	23.5%
Total	113	84	24	28.6%	15	2	13.3%	100	26	26.0%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Rhode Island, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	113	88	32	36.4%	9	2	22.2%	98	34	34.7%
2012	113	84	24	28.6%	15	2	13.3%	100	26	26.0%

See also:

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

South Carolina

There were 170 seats up for election in South Carolina. A total of 148 incumbents filed for re-election: 57 Democrats and 91 Republicans. Of that total, 23 incumbents—seven Democrats and 16 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 15.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Carolina, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	124	42	5	11.9%	67	9	13.4%	109	14	12.8%
Senate	46	15	2	13.3%	24	7	29.2%	39	9	23.1%
Total	170	57	7	12.3%	91	16	17.6%	148	23	15.5%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Carolina, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	124	48	11	22.9%	64	15	23.4%	112	26	23.2%
2012	170	57	7	12.3%	91	16	17.6%	148	23	15.5%

See also:

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

South Dakota

There were 105 seats up for election in South Dakota. A total of 74 incumbents filed for re-election: 15 Democrats and 59 Republicans. Of that total, 25 incumbents—three Democrats and 22 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 33.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Dakota, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	70	11	3	27.3%	36	14	38.9%	47	17	36.2%
Senate	35	4	0	0.0%	23	8	34.8%	27	8	29.6%
Total	105	15	3	20.0%	59	22	37.3%	74	25	33.8%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Dakota, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	105	26	3	11.5%	45	4	8.9%	71	7	9.9%
2012	105	15	3	20.0%	59	22	37.3%	74	25	33.8%

See also:

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

Tennessee

There were 115 seats up for election in Tennessee. A total of 98 incumbents filed for re-election: 30 Democrats, 67 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 35 incumbents—11 Democrats and 24 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 35.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Tennessee, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	99	27	9	33.3%	60	21	35.0%	88	30	34.1%
Senate	16	3	2	66.7%	7	3	42.9%	10	5	50.0%
Total	115	30	11	36.7%	67	24	35.8%	98	35	35.7%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Tennessee, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	116	54	6	11.1%	51	6	11.8%	106	12	11.3%
2012	115	30	11	36.7%	67	24	35.8%	98	35	35.7%

See also:

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

Texas

There were 181 seats up for election in Texas. A total of 147 incumbents filed for re-election: 53 Democrats and 94 Republicans. Of that total, 51 incumbents—eight Democrats and 43 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 34.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Texas, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	150	41	8	19.5%	79	37	46.8%	120	45	37.5%
Senate	31	12	0	0.0%	15	6	40.0%	27	6	22.2%
Total	181	53	8	15.1%	94	43	45.7%	147	51	34.7%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Texas, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	166	75	8	10.7%	82	20	24.4%	157	28	17.8%
2012	181	53	8	15.1%	94	43	45.7%	147	51	34.7%

See also:

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

Utah

There were 91 seats up for election in Utah. A total of 78 incumbents filed for re-election: 17 Democrats and 61 Republicans. Of that total, 14 incumbents—two Democrats and 12 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 17.9% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Utah, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	75	16	2	12.5%	49	10	20.4%	65	12	18.5%
Senate	16	1	0	0.0%	12	2	16.7%	13	2	15.4%
Total	91	17	2	11.8%	61	12	19.7%	78	14	17.9%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Utah, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	90	27	1	3.7%	54	8	14.8%	81	9	11.1%
2012	91	17	2	11.8%	61	12	19.7%	78	14	17.9%

See also:

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

Vermont

There were 180 seats up for election in Vermont. A total of 155 incumbents filed for re-election: 105 Democrats, 45 Republicans, and five minor party or independent incumbents. Of that total, 12 incumbents—11 Democrats and one Republican—faced contested primaries, representing 7.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Vermont, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	150	86	3	3.5%	40	1	2.5%	131	4	3.1%
Senate	30	19	8	42.1%	5	0	0.0%	24	8	33.3%
Total	180	105	11	10.5%	45	1	2.2%	155	12	7.7%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Vermont, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	180	107	8	7.5%	47	5	10.6%	159	13	8.2%
2012	180	105	11	10.5%	45	1	2.2%	155	12	7.7%

See also:

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

Washington

There were 124 seats up for election in Washington. A total of 98 incumbents filed for re-election: 53 Democrats and 45 Republicans. Of that total, 15 incumbents—10 Democrats and five Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 15.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Washington, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	98	45	8	17.8%	34	3	8.8%	79	11	13.9%
Senate	26	8	2	25.0%	11	2	18.2%	19	4	21.1%
Total	124	53	10	18.9%	45	5	11.1%	98	15	15.3%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Washington, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	123	65	21	32.3%	38	3	7.9%	103	24	23.3%
2012	124	53	10	18.9%	45	5	11.1%	98	15	15.3%

See also:

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

West Virginia

There were 117 seats up for election in West Virginia. A total of 98 incumbents filed for re-election: 66 Democrats and 32 Republicans. Of that total, 45 incumbents—37 Democrats and eight Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 45.9% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in West Virginia, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	54	34	63.0%	30	8	26.7%	84	42	50.0%
Senate	17	12	3	25.0%	2	0	0.0%	14	3	21.4%
Total	117	66	37	56.1%	32	8	25.0%	98	45	45.9%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in West Virginia, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	117	76	46	60.5%	27	6	22.2%	103	52	50.5%
2012	117	66	37	56.1%	32	8	25.0%	98	45	45.9%

See also:

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

Wisconsin

There were 115 seats up for election in Wisconsin. A total of 94 incumbents filed for re-election: 36 Democrats and 58 Republicans. Of that total, 15 incumbents—nine Democrats and six Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 16.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wisconsin, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	99	28	9	32.1%	52	5	9.6%	80	14	17.5%
Senate	16	8	0	0.0%	6	1	16.7%	14	1	7.1%
Total	115	36	9	25.0%	58	6	10.3%	94	15	16.0%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wisconsin, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	116	52	6	11.5%	40	7	17.5%	93	13	14.0%
2012	115	36	9	25.0%	58	6	10.3%	94	15	16.0%

See also:

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

Wyoming

There were 75 seats up for election in Wyoming. A total of 60 incumbents filed for re-election: nine Democrats and 51 Republicans. Of that total, 21 incumbents—no Democrats and 21 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 35.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wyoming, 2012
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	60	8	0	0.0%	38	14	36.8%	46	14	30.4%
Senate	15	1	0	0.0%	13	7	53.8%	14	7	50.0%
Total	75	9	0	0.0%	51	21	41.2%	60	21	35.0%

2010-2012

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wyoming, 2010-2012
Year	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
2010	75	18	0	0.0%	42	15	35.7%	60	15	25.0%
2012	75	9	0	0.0%	51	21	41.2%	60	21	35.0%

See also:

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

Terms and definitions

Incumbent

See also: Incumbent

Ballotpedia defines incumbency by chamber. Under this definition, if an incumbent in House District 1 filed for re-election in House District 2, they would still be counted as an incumbent due to their remaining in the same chamber even though they ran for a different seat. If an incumbent in House District 1 filed to run in Senate District 2, they would not be counted as an incumbent in the Senate race since they are coming from a different chamber.

Ballotpedia uses the term re-elect to refer to any incumbent who is running in an election to retain their office, including incumbents who were originally appointed to their position.

Contested primary

See also: Primary election

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.

Methodology

Counting incumbents in contested primaries

An incumbent is counted as facing a contested primary when there is a chance that incumbent could lose to a primary challenger. Each incumbent is counted individually.

Typically, in a single-member district, this means the incumbent filed for re-election and faced one or more primary challengers.

But in states with multi-member districts, several incumbents might be seeking re-election. If such a primary becomes contested, every incumbent running for re-election is counted as facing a contested primary even if it is not possible for every incumbent to lose.

For example, in a district with two seats where two Democratic incumbents file for re-election, if a third Democrat joins the primary, both of the Democratic incumbents are counted as facing a contested primary even though the third primary challenger can only potentially defeat one.

In the event of an incumbent v. incumbent primary, where there are more incumbents running in the primary than nominations available, every incumbent present is counted as facing a contested primary.

Candidacy withdrawals

See also: Signature requirements and deadlines for 2012 state government elections

In order to have their names printed on election ballots, candidates must submit information prior to a filing deadline. Filing deadlines are the dates by which candidates must submit required paperwork to state election administrators.

For major party candidates, filing deadlines always precede primaries. However, candidates may choose to withdraw before the primary takes place. Withdrawals include decisions to leave the race, disqualifications, and deaths. These withdrawals are either official or unofficial.

An official withdrawal means the candidate withdrew before a specific date set in state law and their name was removed from the primary ballot. If an incumbent officially withdrew before the primary, they are not included in any of the totals of this analysis, unless they later re-entered the race as a minor party or independent candidate.

An unofficial withdrawal means the candidate withdrew after a specific date set in state law, typically after ballots have been printed, meaning their name remains on the ballot even though they are not actively campaigning. If an incumbent unofficially withdrew, they are included in the totals of this analysis.

Minor party and independent incumbents

Minor party and independent incumbents typically do not participate in primaries in the same way major party incumbents might.

For minor party incumbents, nominations are normally carried out via conventions, which are limited to a smaller number of voting delegates. Ballotpedia does not count conventions as primaries.

Independent incumbents normally do not participate in primaries, qualifying instead for the general election ballot directly.

If a minor party or independent incumbent participates in a contested primary (partisan or top-two/four), they are included in the total number of incumbents in contested primaries.

All minor party or independent incumbents who have filed for re-election are included in the total number of incumbents running at the time of the primary even if the filing deadline was later than the primary date.

Convention defeats

If an incumbent is defeated in a convention and did not appear in any later elections, that incumbent is still included in the total number of incumbents who filed for re-election even though they were not running at the time of the primary.

See also

• State legislative elections, 2012
  • Impact of term limits on state legislative elections in 2012
  • Open seats in state legislative elections, 2012
  • Contested state legislative 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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