State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2016

Last updated on November 18, 2024

There were 5,916 state legislative seats up for election on November 8, 2016, in 44 states. Overall, 4,887 incumbents filed for re-election and were running at the time of their respective primaries. Of that total, 985 incumbents faced contested primaries, representing 20% of all incumbents who filed for re-election. This was the same percentage as in 2010 and 2014 (20%) but lower than in 2012 (23%).

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 2016:

There were 402 Democratic incumbents in contested primaries, representing 19% of all Democratic incumbents who filed for re-election, a 3% decrease from 2014.

There were 582 Republican incumbents in contested primaries, representing 22% of all Republican incumbents who filed for re-election, a 2% increase from 2014.

There was one minor party or independent incumbent in contested primaries, representing 8% of all minor party or independent incumbents who filed for re-election.

The total number of incumbents in contested primaries—985—was up from 2014 (983), representing no percentage change.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	4,710	1,717	315	18.3%	2,190	480	21.9%	3,918	795	20.3%
Senate	1,206	451	87	19.3%	517	102	19.7%	969	190	19.6%
Total	5,916	2,168	402	18.5%	2,707	582	21.5%	4,887	985	20.2%

Click [show] on the table below to view incumbents in contested primaries statistics by state in 2016. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2016
State	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
Nationwide	5,916	2,168	402	18.5%	2,707	582	21.5%	4,887	985	20.2%
Alaska	50	18	2	11.1%	22	10	45.5%	41	12	29.3%
Arizona	90	26	11	42.3%	38	8	21.1%	64	19	29.7%
Arkansas	117	36	2	5.6%	66	8	12.1%	102	10	9.8%
California	100	51	15	29.4%	23	10	43.5%	74	25	33.8%
Colorado	83	26	0	0.0%	33	5	15.2%	59	5	8.5%
Connecticut	187	96	8	8.3%	68	2	2.9%	164	10	6.1%
Delaware	52	31	5	16.1%	19	1	5.3%	50	6	12.0%
Florida	160	26	7	26.9%	72	7	9.7%	98	14	14.3%
Georgia	236	71	19	26.8%	143	30	21.0%	214	49	22.9%
Hawaii	64	53	22	41.5%	8	2	25.0%	61	24	39.3%
Idaho	105	17	1	5.9%	79	30	38.0%	96	31	32.3%
Illinois	158	92	11	12.0%	52	6	11.5%	144	17	11.8%
Indiana	125	30	2	6.7%	78	15	19.2%	108	17	15.7%
Iowa	125	50	4	8.0%	62	5	8.1%	112	9	8.0%
Kansas	165	34	4	11.8%	98	35	35.7%	132	39	29.5%
Kentucky	119	57	7	12.3%	52	9	17.3%	109	16	14.7%
Maine	186	69	2	2.9%	80	2	2.5%	149	4	2.7%
Massachusetts	200	147	19	12.9%	40	1	2.5%	187	20	10.7%
Michigan	110	32	14	43.8%	36	9	25.0%	68	23	33.8%
Minnesota	201	82	7	8.5%	91	4	4.4%	173	11	6.4%
Missouri	180	35	7	20.0%	106	14	13.2%	142	21	14.8%
Montana	125	36	1	2.8%	44	13	29.5%	80	14	17.5%
Nebraska	25	4	2	50.0%	9	1	11.1%	14	4	28.6%
Nevada	52	21	6	28.6%	19	11	57.9%	41	17	41.5%
New Hampshire	424	128	25	19.5%	179	100	55.9%	307	125	40.7%
New Mexico	112	52	9	17.3%	50	0	0.0%	102	9	8.8%
New York	213	129	28	21.7%	65	5	7.7%	194	33	17.0%
North Carolina	170	57	13	22.8%	93	18	19.4%	150	31	20.7%
North Dakota	69	21	0	0.0%	33	7	21.2%	54	7	13.0%
Ohio	115	28	4	14.3%	58	10	17.2%	86	14	16.3%
Oklahoma	125	20	4	20.0%	64	24	37.5%	84	28	33.3%
Oregon	75	30	2	6.7%	28	2	7.1%	58	4	6.9%
Pennsylvania	228	89	19	21.3%	120	9	7.5%	209	28	13.4%
Rhode Island	113	91	18	19.8%	13	0	0.0%	105	18	17.1%
South Carolina	170	57	14	24.6%	96	28	29.2%	153	42	27.5%
South Dakota	105	10	0	0.0%	53	18	34.0%	63	18	28.6%
Tennessee	115	26	8	30.8%	83	26	31.3%	109	34	31.2%
Texas	166	54	13	24.1%	95	33	34.7%	150	46	30.7%
Utah	90	13	0	0.0%	63	6	9.5%	76	6	7.9%
Vermont	180	88	23	26.1%	58	4	6.9%	152	27	17.8%
Washington	124	52	16	30.8%	51	16	31.4%	103	32	31.1%
West Virginia	117	35	20	57.1%	58	18	31.0%	93	38	40.9%
Wisconsin	115	39	8	20.5%	63	0	0.0%	102	8	7.8%
Wyoming	75	9	0	0.0%	46	20	43.5%	55	20	36.4%

Historical comparison

The chart below shows a breakdown of incumbents in contested primaries from 2010 to 2016.

Click [show] on the table below to view overall incumbents in contested primaries statistics by state from 2010 to 2016. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2010-2016
State
	2010		2012		2014		2016
	Cont.	%	Cont.	%	Cont.	%	Cont.	%
Nationwide	995	20.0%	1,117	23.3%	983	19.5%	985	20.2%
Alaska	6	13.3%	16	29.6%	4	8.5%	12	29.3%
Arizona	26	51.0%	24	40.0%	28	42.4%	19	29.7%
Arkansas	4	6.3%	12	13.6%	8	9.2%	10	9.8%
California	6	9.7%	22	39.3%	23	34.3%	25	33.8%
Colorado	1	1.6%	4	7.5%	2	3.4%	5	8.5%
Connecticut	10	6.0%	7	4.3%	9	5.5%	10	6.1%
Delaware	7	14.6%	11	20.8%	9	18.4%	6	12.0%
Florida	18	18.6%	31	28.2%	21	17.2%	14	14.3%
Georgia	41	20.7%	48	22.9%	47	21.5%	49	22.9%
Hawaii	24	41.4%	26	36.6%	20	34.5%	24	39.3%
Idaho	26	27.1%	34	48.6%	30	31.9%	31	32.3%
Illinois	21	16.5%	33	22.8%	14	11.2%	17	11.8%
Indiana	21	18.6%	17	16.5%	11	9.4%	17	15.7%
Iowa	8	7.4%	16	16.0%	8	7.3%	9	8.0%
Kansas	23	20.0%	54	42.5%	21	18.8%	39	29.5%
Kentucky	21	18.8%	22	20.8%	15	13.9%	16	14.7%
Maine	4	2.8%	5	4.1%	3	2.2%	4	2.7%
Massachusetts	14	8.4%	19	10.0%	17	9.6%	20	10.7%
Michigan	17	25.0%	37	40.2%	28	28.9%	23	33.8%
Minnesota	8	4.5%	11	7.1%	5	4.2%	11	6.4%
Missouri	15	14.3%	35	27.8%	22	15.0%	21	14.8%
Montana	11	14.7%	17	20.7%	18	22.5%	14	17.5%
Nebraska	6	28.6%	4	25.0%	1	14.3%	4	28.6%
Nevada	5	19.2%	12	33.3%	13	30.2%	17	41.5%
New Hampshire	124	38.5%	145	46.0%	104	33.2%	125	40.7%
New Mexico	14	20.9%	24	26.4%	7	11.9%	9	8.8%
New York	37	19.8%	33	17.5%	27	14.1%	33	17.0%
North Carolina	39	25.7%	37	29.1%	29	18.6%	31	20.7%
North Dakota	2	3.5%	10	16.4%	4	6.8%	7	13.0%
Ohio	14	16.1%	14	14.3%	23	25.6%	14	16.3%
Oklahoma	12	11.7%	19	18.6%	13	13.7%	28	33.3%
Oregon	9	13.0%	4	6.1%	6	10.0%	4	6.9%
Pennsylvania	29	14.0%	32	15.8%	42	20.7%	28	13.4%
Rhode Island	34	34.7%	26	26.0%	18	17.1%	18	17.1%
South Carolina	26	23.2%	23	15.5%	20	17.4%	42	27.5%
South Dakota	7	9.9%	25	33.8%	17	23.0%	18	28.6%
Tennessee	12	11.3%	35	35.7%	25	24.0%	34	31.2%
Texas	28	17.8%	51	34.7%	39	26.0%	46	30.7%
Utah	9	11.1%	14	17.9%	4	5.2%	6	7.9%
Vermont	13	8.2%	12	7.7%	8	5.2%	27	17.8%
Washington	24	23.3%	15	15.3%	23	20.7%	32	31.1%
West Virginia	52	50.5%	45	45.9%	34	32.1%	38	40.9%
Wisconsin	13	14.0%	15	16.0%	3	3.4%	8	7.8%
Wyoming	15	25.0%	21	35.0%	26	40.6%	20	36.4%

Alaska

There were 50 seats up for election in Alaska. A total of 41 incumbents filed for re-election: 18 Democrats, 22 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 12 incumbents—two Democrats and 10 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 29.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Alaska, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	40	16	2	12.5%	18	10	55.6%	35	12	34.3%
Senate	10	2	0	0.0%	4	0	0.0%	6	0	0.0%
Total	50	18	2	11.1%	22	10	45.5%	41	12	29.3%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Alaska, 2010-2016
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%
2014	54	18	1	5.6%	29	3	10.3%	47	4	8.5%
2016	50	18	2	11.1%	22	10	45.5%	41	12	29.3%

See also:

• Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Alaska State Senate elections, 2016

Arizona

There were 90 seats up for election in Arizona. A total of 64 incumbents filed for re-election: 26 Democrats and 38 Republicans. Of that total, 19 incumbents—11 Democrats and eight Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 29.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arizona, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	60	16	9	56.3%	26	7	26.9%	42	16	38.1%
Senate	30	10	2	20.0%	12	1	8.3%	22	3	13.6%
Total	90	26	11	42.3%	38	8	21.1%	64	19	29.7%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arizona, 2010-2016
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%
2014	90	27	6	22.2%	39	22	56.4%	66	28	42.4%
2016	90	26	11	42.3%	38	8	21.1%	64	19	29.7%

See also:

• Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Arizona State Senate elections, 2016

Arkansas

There were 117 seats up for election in Arkansas. A total of 102 incumbents filed for re-election: 36 Democrats and 66 Republicans. Of that total, 10 incumbents—two Democrats and eight Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 9.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arkansas, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	31	2	6.5%	56	6	10.7%	87	8	9.2%
Senate	17	5	0	0.0%	10	2	20.0%	15	2	13.3%
Total	117	36	2	5.6%	66	8	12.1%	102	10	9.8%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arkansas, 2010-2016
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%
2014	118	44	1	2.3%	43	7	16.3%	87	8	9.2%
2016	117	36	2	5.6%	66	8	12.1%	102	10	9.8%

See also:

• Arkansas House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Arkansas State Senate elections, 2016

California

There were 100 seats up for election in California. A total of 74 incumbents filed for re-election: 51 Democrats and 23 Republicans. Of that total, 25 incumbents—15 Democrats and 10 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 33.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in California, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	80	43	11	25.6%	20	8	40.0%	63	19	30.2%
Senate	20	8	4	50.0%	3	2	66.7%	11	6	54.5%
Total	100	51	15	29.4%	23	10	43.5%	74	25	33.8%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in California, 2010-2016
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%
2014	100	45	19	42.2%	22	4	18.2%	67	23	34.3%
2016	100	51	15	29.4%	23	10	43.5%	74	25	33.8%

See also:

• California State Assembly elections, 2016
• California State Senate elections, 2016

Colorado

There were 83 seats up for election in Colorado. A total of 59 incumbents filed for re-election: 26 Democrats and 33 Republicans. Of that total, five incumbents—zero Democrats and five Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 8.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Colorado, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	65	23	0	0.0%	27	5	18.5%	50	5	10.0%
Senate	18	3	0	0.0%	6	0	0.0%	9	0	0.0%
Total	83	26	0	0.0%	33	5	15.2%	59	5	8.5%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Colorado, 2010-2016
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%
2014	82	36	0	0.0%	23	2	8.7%	59	2	3.4%
2016	83	26	0	0.0%	33	5	15.2%	59	5	8.5%

See also:

• Colorado House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Colorado State Senate elections, 2016

Connecticut

There were 187 seats up for election in Connecticut. A total of 164 incumbents filed for re-election: 96 Democrats and 68 Republicans. Of that total, 10 incumbents—eight Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 6.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Connecticut, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	151	76	5	6.6%	54	2	3.7%	130	7	5.4%
Senate	36	20	3	15.0%	14	0	0.0%	34	3	8.8%
Total	187	96	8	8.3%	68	2	2.9%	164	10	6.1%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Connecticut, 2010-2016
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%
2014	187	105	8	7.6%	58	1	1.7%	163	9	5.5%
2016	187	96	8	8.3%	68	2	2.9%	164	10	6.1%

See also:

• Connecticut House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Connecticut State Senate elections, 2016

Delaware

There were 52 seats up for election in Delaware. A total of 50 incumbents filed for re-election: 31 Democrats and 19 Republicans. Of that total, six incumbents—five Democrats and one Republican—faced contested primaries, representing 12.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Delaware, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	41	25	4	16.0%	15	1	6.7%	40	5	12.5%
Senate	11	6	1	16.7%	4	0	0.0%	10	1	10.0%
Total	52	31	5	16.1%	19	1	5.3%	50	6	12.0%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Delaware, 2010-2016
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%
2014	51	31	6	19.4%	18	3	16.7%	49	9	18.4%
2016	52	31	5	16.1%	19	1	5.3%	50	6	12.0%

See also:

• Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Delaware State Senate elections, 2016

Florida

There were 160 seats up for election in Florida. A total of 98 incumbents filed for re-election: 26 Democrats and 72 Republicans. Of that total, 14 incumbents—seven Democrats and seven Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 14.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Florida, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	120	21	5	23.8%	55	6	10.9%	76	11	14.5%
Senate	40	5	2	40.0%	17	1	5.9%	22	3	13.6%
Total	160	26	7	26.9%	72	7	9.7%	98	14	14.3%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Florida, 2010-2016
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%
2014	140	43	8	18.6%	79	13	16.5%	122	21	17.2%
2016	160	26	7	26.9%	72	7	9.7%	98	14	14.3%

See also:

• Florida House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Florida State Senate elections, 2016

Georgia

There were 236 seats up for election in Georgia. A total of 214 incumbents filed for re-election: 71 Democrats and 143 Republicans. Of that total, 49 incumbents—19 Democrats and 30 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 22.9% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Georgia, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	180	54	18	33.3%	107	21	19.6%	161	39	24.2%
Senate	56	17	1	5.9%	36	9	25.0%	53	10	18.9%
Total	236	71	19	26.8%	143	30	21.0%	214	49	22.9%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Georgia, 2010-2016
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%
2014	236	74	17	23.0%	144	30	20.8%	219	47	21.5%
2016	236	71	19	26.8%	143	30	21.0%	214	49	22.9%

See also:

• Georgia House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Georgia State Senate elections, 2016

Hawaii

There were 64 seats up for election in Hawaii. A total of 61 incumbents filed for re-election: 53 Democrats and eight Republicans. Of that total, 24 incumbents—22 Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 39.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Hawaii, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	51	42	18	42.9%	7	2	28.6%	49	20	40.8%
Senate	13	11	4	36.4%	1	0	0.0%	12	4	33.3%
Total	64	53	22	41.5%	8	2	25.0%	61	24	39.3%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Hawaii, 2010-2016
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%
2014	63	52	19	36.5%	6	1	16.7%	58	20	34.5%
2016	64	53	22	41.5%	8	2	25.0%	61	24	39.3%

See also:

• Hawaii House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Hawaii State Senate elections, 2016

Idaho

There were 105 seats up for election in Idaho. A total of 96 incumbents filed for re-election: 17 Democrats and 79 Republicans. Of that total, 31 incumbents—one Democrat and 30 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 32.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Idaho, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	70	11	1	9.1%	52	25	48.1%	63	26	41.3%
Senate	35	6	0	0.0%	27	5	18.5%	33	5	15.2%
Total	105	17	1	5.9%	79	30	38.0%	96	31	32.3%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Idaho, 2010-2016
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%
2014	105	15	1	6.7%	79	29	36.7%	94	30	31.9%
2016	105	17	1	5.9%	79	30	38.0%	96	31	32.3%

See also:

• Idaho House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Idaho State Senate elections, 2016

Illinois

There were 158 seats up for election in Illinois. A total of 144 incumbents filed for re-election: 92 Democrats and 52 Republicans. Of that total, 17 incumbents—11 Democrats and six Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 11.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Illinois, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	118	67	9	13.4%	42	4	9.5%	109	13	11.9%
Senate	40	25	2	8.0%	10	2	20.0%	35	4	11.4%
Total	158	92	11	12.0%	52	6	11.5%	144	17	11.8%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Illinois, 2010-2016
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%
2014	137	82	9	11.0%	43	5	11.6%	125	14	11.2%
2016	158	92	11	12.0%	52	6	11.5%	144	17	11.8%

See also:

• Illinois House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Illinois State Senate elections, 2016

Indiana

There were 125 seats up for election in Indiana. A total of 108 incumbents filed for re-election: 30 Democrats and 78 Republicans. Of that total, 17 incumbents—two Democrats and 15 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 15.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Indiana, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	26	1	3.8%	65	11	16.9%	91	12	13.2%
Senate	25	4	1	25.0%	13	4	30.8%	17	5	29.4%
Total	125	30	2	6.7%	78	15	19.2%	108	17	15.7%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Indiana, 2010-2016
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%
2014	125	36	0	0.0%	81	11	13.6%	117	11	9.4%
2016	125	30	2	6.7%	78	15	19.2%	108	17	15.7%

See also:

• Indiana House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Indiana State Senate elections, 2016

Iowa

There were 125 seats up for election in Iowa. A total of 112 incumbents filed for re-election: 50 Democrats and 62 Republicans. Of that total, nine incumbents—four Democrats and five Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 8.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Iowa, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	39	4	10.3%	49	5	10.2%	88	9	10.2%
Senate	25	11	0	0.0%	13	0	0.0%	24	0	0.0%
Total	125	50	4	8.0%	62	5	8.1%	112	9	8.0%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Iowa, 2010-2016
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%
2014	125	55	3	5.5%	55	5	9.1%	110	8	7.3%
2016	125	50	4	8.0%	62	5	8.1%	112	9	8.0%

See also:

• Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Iowa State Senate elections, 2016

Kansas

There were 165 seats up for election in Kansas. A total of 132 incumbents filed for re-election: 34 Democrats and 98 Republicans. Of that total, 39 incumbents—four Democrats and 35 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 29.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kansas, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	125	26	4	15.4%	74	24	32.4%	100	28	28.0%
Senate	40	8	0	0.0%	24	11	45.8%	32	11	34.4%
Total	165	34	4	11.8%	98	35	35.7%	132	39	29.5%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kansas, 2010-2016
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%
2014	125	29	0	0.0%	83	21	25.3%	112	21	18.8%
2016	165	34	4	11.8%	98	35	35.7%	132	39	29.5%

See also:

• Kansas House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Kansas State Senate elections, 2016

Kentucky

There were 119 seats up for election in Kentucky. A total of 109 incumbents filed for re-election: 57 Democrats and 52 Republicans. Of that total, 16 incumbents—seven Democrats and nine Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 14.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kentucky, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	49	5	10.2%	43	7	16.3%	92	12	13.0%
Senate	19	8	2	25.0%	9	2	22.2%	17	4	23.5%
Total	119	57	7	12.3%	52	9	17.3%	109	16	14.7%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kentucky, 2010-2016
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%
2014	119	55	6	10.9%	53	9	17.0%	108	15	13.9%
2016	119	57	7	12.3%	52	9	17.3%	109	16	14.7%

See also:

• Kentucky House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Kentucky State Senate elections, 2016

Maine

There were 186 seats up for election in Maine. A total of 149 incumbents filed for re-election: 69 Democrats and 80 Republicans. Of that total, four incumbents—two Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 2.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Maine, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	151	58	1	1.7%	64	1	1.6%	122	2	1.6%
Senate	35	11	1	9.1%	16	1	6.3%	27	2	7.4%
Total	186	69	2	2.9%	80	2	2.5%	149	4	2.7%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Maine, 2010-2016
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%
2014	186	85	2	2.4%	48	1	2.1%	137	3	2.2%
2016	186	69	2	2.9%	80	2	2.5%	149	4	2.7%

See also:

• Maine House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Maine State Senate elections, 2016

Massachusetts

There were 200 seats up for election in Massachusetts. A total of 187 incumbents filed for re-election: 147 Democrats and 40 Republicans. Of that total, 20 incumbents—19 Democrats and one Republican—faced contested primaries, representing 10.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Massachusetts, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	160	116	16	13.8%	34	0	0.0%	150	16	10.7%
Senate	40	31	3	9.7%	6	1	16.7%	37	4	10.8%
Total	200	147	19	12.9%	40	1	2.5%	187	20	10.7%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Massachusetts, 2010-2016
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%
2014	200	148	16	10.8%	30	1	3.3%	178	17	9.6%
2016	200	147	19	12.9%	40	1	2.5%	187	20	10.7%

See also:

• Massachusetts House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Massachusetts State Senate elections, 2016

Michigan

There were 110 seats up for election in Michigan. A total of 68 incumbents filed for re-election: 32 Democrats and 36 Republicans. Of that total, 23 incumbents—14 Democrats and nine Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 33.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Michigan, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	110	32	14	43.8%	36	9	25.0%	68	23	33.8%
Senate	Did not hold elections
Total	110	32	14	43.8%	36	9	25.0%	68	23	33.8%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Michigan, 2010-2016
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%
2014	148	40	9	22.5%	57	19	33.3%	97	28	28.9%
2016	110	32	14	43.8%	36	9	25.0%	68	23	33.8%

See also:

• Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2016

Minnesota

There were 201 seats up for election in Minnesota. A total of 173 incumbents filed for re-election: 82 Democrats and 91 Republicans. Of that total, 11 incumbents—seven Democrats and four Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 6.4% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Minnesota, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	134	52	4	7.7%	67	3	4.5%	119	7	5.9%
Senate	67	30	3	10.0%	24	1	4.2%	54	4	7.4%
Total	201	82	7	8.5%	91	4	4.4%	173	11	6.4%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Minnesota, 2010-2016
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%
2014	134	68	4	5.9%	51	1	2.0%	119	5	4.2%
2016	201	82	7	8.5%	91	4	4.4%	173	11	6.4%

See also:

• Minnesota House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Minnesota State Senate elections, 2016

Missouri

There were 180 seats up for election in Missouri. A total of 142 incumbents filed for re-election: 35 Democrats, 106 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 21 incumbents—seven Democrats and 14 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 14.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Missouri, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	163	30	6	20.0%	99	13	13.1%	130	19	14.6%
Senate	17	5	1	20.0%	7	1	14.3%	12	2	16.7%
Total	180	35	7	20.0%	106	14	13.2%	142	21	14.8%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Missouri, 2010-2016
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%
2014	180	47	8	17.0%	100	14	14.0%	147	22	15.0%
2016	180	35	7	20.0%	106	14	13.2%	142	21	14.8%

See also:

• Missouri House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Missouri State Senate elections, 2016

Montana

There were 125 seats up for election in Montana. A total of 80 incumbents filed for re-election: 36 Democrats and 44 Republicans. Of that total, 14 incumbents—one Democrat and 13 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 17.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Montana, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	30	1	3.3%	39	12	30.8%	69	13	18.8%
Senate	25	6	0	0.0%	5	1	20.0%	11	1	9.1%
Total	125	36	1	2.8%	44	13	29.5%	80	14	17.5%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Montana, 2010-2016
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%
2014	125	32	3	9.4%	48	15	31.3%	80	18	22.5%
2016	125	36	1	2.8%	44	13	29.5%	80	14	17.5%

See also:

• Montana House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Montana State Senate elections, 2016

Nebraska

There were 25 seats up for election in Nebraska. A total of 14 incumbents filed for re-election: four Democrats, nine Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, four incumbents—two Democrats, one Republican, and one minor party or independent incumbent—faced contested primaries, representing 28.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nebraska, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	N/A
Senate	25	4	2	50.0%	9	1	11.1%	14	4	28.6%
Total	25	4	2	50.0%	9	1	11.1%	14	4	28.6%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nebraska, 2010-2016
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%
2014	24	2	0	0.0%	5	1	20.0%	7	1	14.3%
2016	25	4	2	50.0%	9	1	11.1%	14	4	28.6%

See also:

• Nebraska State Senate elections, 2016

Nevada

There were 52 seats up for election in Nevada. A total of 41 incumbents filed for re-election: 21 Democrats, 19 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 17 incumbents—six Democrats and 11 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 41.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nevada, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	42	15	3	20.0%	17	11	64.7%	33	14	42.4%
Senate	10	6	3	50.0%	2	0	0.0%	8	3	37.5%
Total	52	21	6	28.6%	19	11	57.9%	41	17	41.5%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nevada, 2010-2016
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%
2014	53	26	5	19.2%	17	8	47.1%	43	13	30.2%
2016	52	21	6	28.6%	19	11	57.9%	41	17	41.5%

See also:

• Nevada State Assembly elections, 2016
• Nevada State Senate elections, 2016

New Hampshire

There were 424 seats up for election in New Hampshire. A total of 307 incumbents filed for re-election: 128 Democrats and 179 Republicans. Of that total, 125 incumbents—25 Democrats and 100 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 40.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Hampshire, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	400	120	25	20.8%	171	99	57.9%	291	124	42.6%
Senate	24	8	0	0.0%	8	1	12.5%	16	1	6.3%
Total	424	128	25	19.5%	179	100	55.9%	307	125	40.7%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Hampshire, 2010-2016
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%
2014	424	170	24	14.1%	143	80	55.9%	313	104	33.2%
2016	424	128	25	19.5%	179	100	55.9%	307	125	40.7%

See also:

• New Hampshire House of Representatives elections, 2016
• New Hampshire State Senate elections, 2016

New Mexico

There were 112 seats up for election in New Mexico. A total of 102 incumbents filed for re-election: 52 Democrats and 50 Republicans. Of that total, nine incumbents—nine Democrats and zero Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 8.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Mexico, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	70	28	5	17.9%	34	0	0.0%	62	5	8.1%
Senate	42	24	4	16.7%	16	0	0.0%	40	4	10.0%
Total	112	52	9	17.3%	50	0	0.0%	102	9	8.8%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Mexico, 2010-2016
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%
2014	70	31	5	16.1%	28	2	7.1%	59	7	11.9%
2016	112	52	9	17.3%	50	0	0.0%	102	9	8.8%

See also:

• New Mexico House of Representatives elections, 2016
• New Mexico State Senate elections, 2016

New York

There were 213 seats up for election in New York. A total of 194 incumbents filed for re-election: 129 Democrats and 65 Republicans. Of that total, 33 incumbents—28 Democrats and five Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 17.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New York, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	150	100	21	21.0%	37	5	13.5%	137	26	19.0%
Senate	63	29	7	24.1%	28	0	0.0%	57	7	12.3%
Total	213	129	28	21.7%	65	5	7.7%	194	33	17.0%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New York, 2010-2016
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%
2014	213	126	22	17.5%	66	5	7.6%	192	27	14.1%
2016	213	129	28	21.7%	65	5	7.7%	194	33	17.0%

See also:

• New York State Assembly elections, 2016
• New York State Senate elections, 2016

North Carolina

There were 170 seats up for election in North Carolina. A total of 150 incumbents filed for re-election: 57 Democrats and 93 Republicans. Of that total, 31 incumbents—13 Democrats and 18 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 20.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Carolina, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	120	42	9	21.4%	65	15	23.1%	107	24	22.4%
Senate	50	15	4	26.7%	28	3	10.7%	43	7	16.3%
Total	170	57	13	22.8%	93	18	19.4%	150	31	20.7%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Carolina, 2010-2016
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%
2014	170	54	9	16.7%	102	20	19.6%	156	29	18.6%
2016	170	57	13	22.8%	93	18	19.4%	150	31	20.7%

See also:

• North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2016
• North Carolina State Senate elections, 2016

North Dakota

There were 69 seats up for election in North Dakota. A total of 54 incumbents filed for re-election: 21 Democrats and 33 Republicans. Of that total, seven incumbents—zero Democrats and seven Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 13.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Dakota, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	46	12	0	0.0%	22	6	27.3%	34	6	17.6%
Senate	23	9	0	0.0%	11	1	9.1%	20	1	5.0%
Total	69	21	0	0.0%	33	7	21.2%	54	7	13.0%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Dakota, 2010-2016
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%
2014	72	10	0	0.0%	49	4	8.2%	59	4	6.8%
2016	69	21	0	0.0%	33	7	21.2%	54	7	13.0%

See also:

• North Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2016
• North Dakota State Senate elections, 2016

Ohio

There were 115 seats up for election in Ohio. A total of 86 incumbents filed for re-election: 28 Democrats and 58 Republicans. Of that total, 14 incumbents—four Democrats and 10 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 16.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Ohio, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	99	27	4	14.8%	49	6	12.2%	76	10	13.2%
Senate	16	1	0	0.0%	9	4	44.4%	10	4	40.0%
Total	115	28	4	14.3%	58	10	17.2%	86	14	16.3%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Ohio, 2010-2016
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%
2014	116	31	4	12.9%	59	19	32.2%	90	23	25.6%
2016	115	28	4	14.3%	58	10	17.2%	86	14	16.3%

See also:

• Ohio House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Ohio State Senate elections, 2016

Oklahoma

There were 125 seats up for election in Oklahoma. A total of 84 incumbents filed for re-election: 20 Democrats and 64 Republicans. Of that total, 28 incumbents—four Democrats and 24 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 33.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oklahoma, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	101	19	3	15.8%	52	16	30.8%	71	19	26.8%
Senate	24	1	1	100.0%	12	8	66.7%	13	9	69.2%
Total	125	20	4	20.0%	64	24	37.5%	84	28	33.3%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oklahoma, 2010-2016
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%
2014	125	25	1	4.0%	70	12	17.1%	95	13	13.7%
2016	125	20	4	20.0%	64	24	37.5%	84	28	33.3%

See also:

• Oklahoma House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Oklahoma State Senate elections, 2016

Oregon

There were 75 seats up for election in Oregon. A total of 58 incumbents filed for re-election: 30 Democrats and 28 Republicans. Of that total, four incumbents—two Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 6.9% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oregon, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	60	25	2	8.0%	21	1	4.8%	46	3	6.5%
Senate	15	5	0	0.0%	7	1	14.3%	12	1	8.3%
Total	75	30	2	6.7%	28	2	7.1%	58	4	6.9%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oregon, 2010-2016
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%
2014	75	38	3	7.9%	22	3	13.6%	60	6	10.0%
2016	75	30	2	6.7%	28	2	7.1%	58	4	6.9%

See also:

• Oregon House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Oregon State Senate elections, 2016

Pennsylvania

There were 228 seats up for election in Pennsylvania. A total of 209 incumbents filed for re-election: 89 Democrats and 120 Republicans. Of that total, 28 incumbents—19 Democrats and nine Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 13.4% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Pennsylvania, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	203	78	15	19.2%	110	9	8.2%	188	24	12.8%
Senate	25	11	4	36.4%	10	0	0.0%	21	4	19.0%
Total	228	89	19	21.3%	120	9	7.5%	209	28	13.4%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Pennsylvania, 2010-2016
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%
2014	228	95	30	31.6%	108	12	11.1%	203	42	20.7%
2016	228	89	19	21.3%	120	9	7.5%	209	28	13.4%

See also:

• Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2016

Rhode Island

There were 113 seats up for election in Rhode Island. A total of 105 incumbents filed for re-election: 91 Democrats, 13 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 18 incumbents—18 Democrats and zero Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 17.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Rhode Island, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	75	59	12	20.3%	8	0	0.0%	68	12	17.6%
Senate	38	32	6	18.8%	5	0	0.0%	37	6	16.2%
Total	113	91	18	19.8%	13	0	0.0%	105	18	17.1%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Rhode Island, 2010-2016
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%
2014	113	95	18	18.9%	9	0	0.0%	105	18	17.1%
2016	113	91	18	19.8%	13	0	0.0%	105	18	17.1%

See also:

• Rhode Island House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Rhode Island State Senate elections, 2016

South Carolina

There were 170 seats up for election in South Carolina. A total of 153 incumbents filed for re-election: 57 Democrats and 96 Republicans. Of that total, 42 incumbents—14 Democrats and 28 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 27.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Carolina, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	124	40	8	20.0%	70	14	20.0%	110	22	20.0%
Senate	46	17	6	35.3%	26	14	53.8%	43	20	46.5%
Total	170	57	14	24.6%	96	28	29.2%	153	42	27.5%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Carolina, 2010-2016
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%
2014	124	42	5	11.9%	73	15	20.5%	115	20	17.4%
2016	170	57	14	24.6%	96	28	29.2%	153	42	27.5%

See also:

• South Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2016
• South Carolina State Senate elections, 2016

South Dakota

There were 105 seats up for election in South Dakota. A total of 63 incumbents filed for re-election: 10 Democrats and 53 Republicans. Of that total, 18 incumbents—zero Democrats and 18 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 28.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Dakota, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	70	6	0	0.0%	37	12	32.4%	43	12	27.9%
Senate	35	4	0	0.0%	16	6	37.5%	20	6	30.0%
Total	105	10	0	0.0%	53	18	34.0%	63	18	28.6%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Dakota, 2010-2016
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%
2014	105	16	2	12.5%	58	15	25.9%	74	17	23.0%
2016	105	10	0	0.0%	53	18	34.0%	63	18	28.6%

See also:

• South Dakota House of Representatives elections, 2016
• South Dakota State Senate elections, 2016

Tennessee

There were 115 seats up for election in Tennessee. A total of 109 incumbents filed for re-election: 26 Democrats and 83 Republicans. Of that total, 34 incumbents—eight Democrats and 26 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 31.2% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Tennessee, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	99	25	7	28.0%	69	20	29.0%	94	27	28.7%
Senate	16	1	1	100.0%	14	6	42.9%	15	7	46.7%
Total	115	26	8	30.8%	83	26	31.3%	109	34	31.2%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Tennessee, 2010-2016
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%
2014	116	29	5	17.2%	75	20	26.7%	104	25	24.0%
2016	115	26	8	30.8%	83	26	31.3%	109	34	31.2%

See also:

• Tennessee House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Tennessee State Senate elections, 2016

Texas

There were 166 seats up for election in Texas. A total of 150 incumbents filed for re-election: 54 Democrats, 95 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 46 incumbents—13 Democrats and 33 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 30.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Texas, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	150	46	10	21.7%	89	33	37.1%	136	43	31.6%
Senate	16	8	3	37.5%	6	0	0.0%	14	3	21.4%
Total	166	54	13	24.1%	95	33	34.7%	150	46	30.7%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Texas, 2010-2016
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%
2014	165	57	11	19.3%	93	28	30.1%	150	39	26.0%
2016	166	54	13	24.1%	95	33	34.7%	150	46	30.7%

See also:

• Texas House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Texas State Senate elections, 2016

Utah

There were 90 seats up for election in Utah. A total of 76 incumbents filed for re-election: 13 Democrats and 63 Republicans. Of that total, six incumbents—zero Democrats and six Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 7.9% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Utah, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	75	12	0	0.0%	53	4	7.5%	65	4	6.2%
Senate	15	1	0	0.0%	10	2	20.0%	11	2	18.2%
Total	90	13	0	0.0%	63	6	9.5%	76	6	7.9%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Utah, 2010-2016
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%
2014	89	13	0	0.0%	64	4	6.3%	77	4	5.2%
2016	90	13	0	0.0%	63	6	9.5%	76	6	7.9%

See also:

• Utah House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Utah State Senate elections, 2016

Vermont

There were 180 seats up for election in Vermont. A total of 152 incumbents filed for re-election: 88 Democrats, 58 Republicans, and six minor party or independent incumbents. Of that total, 27 incumbents—23 Democrats and four Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 17.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Vermont, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	150	69	13	18.8%	50	2	4.0%	125	15	12.0%
Senate	30	19	10	52.6%	8	2	25.0%	27	12	44.4%
Total	180	88	23	26.1%	58	4	6.9%	152	27	17.8%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Vermont, 2010-2016
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%
2014	180	105	5	4.8%	45	3	6.7%	153	8	5.2%
2016	180	88	23	26.1%	58	4	6.9%	152	27	17.8%

See also:

• Vermont House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Vermont State Senate elections, 2016

Washington

There were 124 seats up for election in Washington. A total of 103 incumbents filed for re-election: 52 Democrats and 51 Republicans. Of that total, 32 incumbents—16 Democrats and 16 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 31.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Washington, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	98	43	14	32.6%	41	13	31.7%	84	27	32.1%
Senate	26	9	2	22.2%	10	3	30.0%	19	5	26.3%
Total	124	52	16	30.8%	51	16	31.4%	103	32	31.1%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Washington, 2010-2016
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%
2014	123	63	15	23.8%	48	8	16.7%	111	23	20.7%
2016	124	52	16	30.8%	51	16	31.4%	103	32	31.1%

See also:

• Washington House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Washington State Senate elections, 2016

West Virginia

There were 117 seats up for election in West Virginia. A total of 93 incumbents filed for re-election: 35 Democrats and 58 Republicans. Of that total, 38 incumbents—20 Democrats and 18 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 40.9% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in West Virginia, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	100	28	18	64.3%	51	14	27.5%	79	32	40.5%
Senate	17	7	2	28.6%	7	4	57.1%	14	6	42.9%
Total	117	35	20	57.1%	58	18	31.0%	93	38	40.9%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in West Virginia, 2010-2016
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%
2014	117	60	19	31.7%	46	15	32.6%	106	34	32.1%
2016	117	35	20	57.1%	58	18	31.0%	93	38	40.9%

See also:

• West Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2016
• West Virginia State Senate elections, 2016

Wisconsin

There were 115 seats up for election in Wisconsin. A total of 102 incumbents filed for re-election: 39 Democrats and 63 Republicans. Of that total, eight incumbents—eight Democrats and zero Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 7.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wisconsin, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	99	32	6	18.8%	57	0	0.0%	89	6	6.7%
Senate	16	7	2	28.6%	6	0	0.0%	13	2	15.4%
Total	115	39	8	20.5%	63	0	0.0%	102	8	7.8%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wisconsin, 2010-2016
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%
2014	116	36	2	5.6%	51	1	2.0%	87	3	3.4%
2016	115	39	8	20.5%	63	0	0.0%	102	8	7.8%

See also:

• Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2016
• Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2016

Wyoming

There were 75 seats up for election in Wyoming. A total of 55 incumbents filed for re-election: nine Democrats and 46 Republicans. Of that total, 20 incumbents—zero Democrats and 20 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 36.4% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

In 2016

Statistics from 2016 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wyoming, 2016
Chamber	Seats
		Democratic			Republican			Total
		Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%	Filed	Cont.	%
House	60	8	0	0.0%	38	18	47.4%	46	18	39.1%
Senate	15	1	0	0.0%	8	2	25.0%	9	2	22.2%
Total	75	9	0	0.0%	46	20	43.5%	55	20	36.4%

2010-2016

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

State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wyoming, 2010-2016
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%
2014	75	9	0	0.0%	55	26	47.3%	64	26	40.6%
2016	75	9	0	0.0%	46	20	43.5%	55	20	36.4%

See also:

• Wyoming House of Representatives elections, 2016
• Wyoming State Senate elections, 2016

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 2016 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

• Election results, 2016: State legislatures
• State legislative elections, 2016
  • Impact of term limits on state legislative elections in 2016
  • Open seats in state legislative elections, 2016
  • Contested state legislative primaries, 2016
  • Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2016
  • State legislative incumbents without general election challengers, 2016
  • Incumbents defeated in state legislative elections, 2016
• Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2016

Footnotes

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