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Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2010

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Last updated on November 18, 2024
2010 State Legislative Competitiveness
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There were 6,127 state legislative seats up for election on November 2, 2010, in 46 states. Of that total, 2,142 (35%) were uncontested and had no major party competition. The remaining 3,985 (65%) were contested by both major parties.

A seat has major party competition when candidates from both major parties are on the general election ballot. When only one major party is running for a seat, it has no major party competition and is effectively guaranteed to the major party candidate on the ballot. Learn more about the terms and methodologies used in this analysis.

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

In 2010:

  • Democrats were guaranteed to win 1,006 seats (16%) that lacked Republican competition.
  • Republicans were guaranteed to win 1,136 seats (19%) that lacked Democratic competition.
  • Overall, Democrats ran for 4,991 seats (81%) and Republicans ran for 5,121 (84%).


    • Major party competition in state legislative elections, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 4,958 861 17.4% 942 19.0% 1,803 36.4% 3,155 63.6%
    Senate 1,169 145 12.4% 194 16.6% 339 29.0% 830 71.0%
    Total 6,127 1,006 16.4% 1,136 18.5% 2,142 35.0% 3,985 65.0%


    The chart below compares states by the percentage of seats contested by each of the major parties. In states located in the upper-right corner, almost all seats were contested by both major parties.


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

    By state

    Overview

    Alabama

    There were 140 seats up for election in Alabama, 63 (45%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 77 seats (55%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 100 seats (71%), 37 of which had no Republican competition, representing 26% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 103 seats (74%), 40 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 29% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Alabama, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 105 31 29.5% 32 30.5% 63 60.0% 42 40.0%
    Senate 35 6 17.1% 8 22.9% 14 40.0% 21 60.0%
    Total 140 37 26.4% 40 28.6% 77 55.0% 63 45.0%


    See also:

    Alaska

    There were 50 seats up for election in Alaska, 28 (56%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 22 seats (44%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 40 seats (80%), 12 of which had no Republican competition, representing 24% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 38 seats (76%), 10 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 20% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Alaska, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 40 10 25.0% 7 17.5% 17 42.5% 23 57.5%
    Senate 10 2 20.0% 3 30.0% 5 50.0% 5 50.0%
    Total 50 12 24.0% 10 20.0% 22 44.0% 28 56.0%


    See also:

    Arizona

    There were 90 seats up for election in Arizona, 51 (57%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 39 seats (43%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 68 seats (76%), 17 of which had no Republican competition, representing 19% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 73 seats (81%), 22 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 24% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Arizona, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 60 11 18.3% 18 30.0% 29 48.3% 31 51.7%
    Senate 30 6 20.0% 4 13.3% 10 33.3% 20 66.7%
    Total 90 17 18.9% 22 24.4% 39 43.3% 51 56.7%


    See also:

    Arkansas

    There were 117 seats up for election in Arkansas, 38 (32%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 79 seats (68%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 91 seats (78%), 53 of which had no Republican competition, representing 45% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 64 seats (55%), 26 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 22% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Arkansas, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 100 45 45.0% 24 24.0% 69 69.0% 31 31.0%
    Senate 17 8 47.1% 2 11.8% 10 58.8% 7 41.2%
    Total 117 53 45.3% 26 22.2% 79 67.5% 38 32.5%


    See also:

    California

    There were 100 seats up for election in California, 92 (92%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining eight seats (8%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 98 seats (98%), six of which had no Republican competition, representing 6% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 94 seats (94%), two of which had no Democratic competition, representing 2% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in California, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 80 4 5.0% 2 2.5% 6 7.5% 74 92.5%
    Senate 20 2 10.0% 0 0.0% 2 10.0% 18 90.0%
    Total 100 6 6.0% 2 2.0% 8 8.0% 92 92.0%


    See also:

    Colorado

    There were 84 seats up for election in Colorado, 71 (85%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 13 seats (15%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 72 seats (86%), one of which had no Republican competition, representing 1% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 83 seats (99%), 12 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 14% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Colorado, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 65 1 1.5% 11 16.9% 12 18.5% 53 81.5%
    Senate 19 0 0.0% 1 5.3% 1 5.3% 18 94.7%
    Total 84 1 1.2% 12 14.3% 13 15.5% 71 84.5%


    See also:

    Connecticut

    There were 187 seats up for election in Connecticut, 140 (75%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 47 seats (25%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 169 seats (90%), 29 of which had no Republican competition, representing 16% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 158 seats (84%), 18 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 10% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Connecticut, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 151 25 16.6% 15 9.9% 40 26.5% 111 73.5%
    Senate 36 4 11.1% 3 8.3% 7 19.4% 29 80.6%
    Total 187 29 15.5% 18 9.6% 47 25.1% 140 74.9%


    See also:

    Delaware

    There were 52 seats up for election in Delaware, 34 (65%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 18 seats (35%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 44 seats (85%), 10 of which had no Republican competition, representing 19% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 42 seats (81%), eight of which had no Democratic competition, representing 15% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Delaware, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 41 7 17.1% 6 14.6% 13 31.7% 28 68.3%
    Senate 11 3 27.3% 2 18.2% 5 45.5% 6 54.5%
    Total 52 10 19.2% 8 15.4% 18 34.6% 34 65.4%


    See also:

    Florida

    There were 143 seats up for election in Florida, 71 (50%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 72 seats (50%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 100 seats (70%), 29 of which had no Republican competition, representing 20% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 114 seats (80%), 43 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 30% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Florida, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 120 25 20.8% 33 27.5% 58 48.3% 62 51.7%
    Senate 23 4 17.4% 10 43.5% 14 60.9% 9 39.1%
    Total 143 29 20.3% 43 30.1% 72 50.3% 71 49.7%


    See also:

    Georgia

    There were 236 seats up for election in Georgia, 78 (33%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 158 seats (67%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 152 seats (64%), 74 of which had no Republican competition, representing 31% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 162 seats (69%), 84 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 36% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Georgia, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 180 61 33.9% 62 34.4% 123 68.3% 57 31.7%
    Senate 56 13 23.2% 22 39.3% 35 62.5% 21 37.5%
    Total 236 74 31.4% 84 35.6% 158 66.9% 78 33.1%


    See also:

    Hawaii

    There were 66 seats up for election in Hawaii, 60 (91%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining six seats (9%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 63 seats (95%), three of which had no Republican competition, representing 5% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 63 seats (95%), three of which had no Democratic competition, representing 5% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Hawaii, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 51 2 3.9% 3 5.9% 5 9.8% 46 90.2%
    Senate 15 1 6.7% 0 0.0% 1 6.7% 14 93.3%
    Total 66 3 4.5% 3 4.5% 6 9.1% 60 90.9%


    See also:

    Idaho

    There were 105 seats up for election in Idaho, 54 (51%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 51 seats (49%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 57 seats (54%), three of which had no Republican competition, representing 3% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 102 seats (97%), 48 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 46% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Idaho, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 70 3 4.3% 31 44.3% 34 48.6% 36 51.4%
    Senate 35 0 0.0% 17 48.6% 17 48.6% 18 51.4%
    Total 105 3 2.9% 48 45.7% 51 48.6% 54 51.4%


    See also:

    Illinois

    There were 139 seats up for election in Illinois, 80 (58%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 59 seats (42%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 124 seats (89%), 44 of which had no Republican competition, representing 32% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 95 seats (68%), 15 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 11% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Illinois, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 118 39 33.1% 14 11.9% 53 44.9% 65 55.1%
    Senate 21 5 23.8% 1 4.8% 6 28.6% 15 71.4%
    Total 139 44 31.7% 15 10.8% 59 42.4% 80 57.6%


    See also:

    Indiana

    There were 125 seats up for election in Indiana, 90 (72%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 35 seats (28%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 96 seats (77%), six of which had no Republican competition, representing 5% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 119 seats (95%), 29 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 23% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Indiana, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 100 5 5.0% 24 24.0% 29 29.0% 71 71.0%
    Senate 25 1 4.0% 5 20.0% 6 24.0% 19 76.0%
    Total 125 6 4.8% 29 23.2% 35 28.0% 90 72.0%


    See also:

    Iowa

    There were 125 seats up for election in Iowa, 84 (67%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 41 seats (33%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 97 seats (78%), 13 of which had no Republican competition, representing 10% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 112 seats (90%), 28 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 22% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Iowa, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 100 8 8.0% 25 25.0% 33 33.0% 67 67.0%
    Senate 25 5 20.0% 3 12.0% 8 32.0% 17 68.0%
    Total 125 13 10.4% 28 22.4% 41 32.8% 84 67.2%


    See also:

    Kansas

    There were 125 seats up for election in Kansas, 71 (57%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 54 seats (43%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 86 seats (69%), 15 of which had no Republican competition, representing 12% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 110 seats (88%), 39 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 31% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Kansas, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 125 15 12.0% 39 31.2% 54 43.2% 71 56.8%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 125 15 12.0% 39 31.2% 54 43.2% 71 56.8%


    See also:

    Kentucky

    There were 119 seats up for election in Kentucky, 67 (56%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 52 seats (44%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 90 seats (76%), 23 of which had no Republican competition, representing 19% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 96 seats (81%), 29 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 24% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Kentucky, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 100 22 22.0% 26 26.0% 48 48.0% 52 52.0%
    Senate 19 1 5.3% 3 15.8% 4 21.1% 15 78.9%
    Total 119 23 19.3% 29 24.4% 52 43.7% 67 56.3%


    See also:

    Maine

    There were 186 seats up for election in Maine, 175 (94%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 11 seats (6%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 180 seats (97%), five of which had no Republican competition, representing 3% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 181 seats (97%), six of which had no Democratic competition, representing 3% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Maine, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 151 5 3.3% 5 3.3% 10 6.6% 141 93.4%
    Senate 35 0 0.0% 1 2.9% 1 2.9% 34 97.1%
    Total 186 5 2.7% 6 3.2% 11 5.9% 175 94.1%


    See also:

    Maryland

    There were 188 seats up for election in Maryland, 129 (69%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 59 seats (31%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 180 seats (96%), 51 of which had no Republican competition, representing 27% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 137 seats (73%), eight of which had no Democratic competition, representing 4% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Maryland, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 141 36 25.5% 4 2.8% 40 28.4% 101 71.6%
    Senate 47 15 31.9% 4 8.5% 19 40.4% 28 59.6%
    Total 188 51 27.1% 8 4.3% 59 31.4% 129 68.6%


    See also:

    Massachusetts

    There were 200 seats up for election in Massachusetts, 96 (48%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 104 seats (52%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 188 seats (94%), 92 of which had no Republican competition, representing 46% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 108 seats (54%), 12 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 6% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Massachusetts, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 160 81 50.6% 8 5.0% 89 55.6% 71 44.4%
    Senate 40 11 27.5% 4 10.0% 15 37.5% 25 62.5%
    Total 200 92 46.0% 12 6.0% 104 52.0% 96 48.0%


    See also:

    Michigan

    There were 148 seats up for election in Michigan, 145 (98%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining three seats (2%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 145 seats (98%), all of which had Republican competition.
    • Republicans ran for 148 seats (100%), three of which had no Democratic competition, representing 2% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Michigan, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 110 0 0.0% 3 2.7% 3 2.7% 107 97.3%
    Senate 38 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 38 100.0%
    Total 148 0 0.0% 3 2.0% 3 2.0% 145 98.0%


    See also:

    Minnesota

    There were 201 seats up for election in Minnesota, 195 (97%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining six seats (3%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 195 seats (97%), all of which had Republican competition.
    • Republicans ran for 201 seats (100%), six of which had no Democratic competition, representing 3% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Minnesota, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 134 0 0.0% 4 3.0% 4 3.0% 130 97.0%
    Senate 67 0 0.0% 2 3.0% 2 3.0% 65 97.0%
    Total 201 0 0.0% 6 3.0% 6 3.0% 195 97.0%


    See also:

    Missouri

    There were 180 seats up for election in Missouri, 102 (57%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 78 seats (43%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 133 seats (74%), 31 of which had no Republican competition, representing 17% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 149 seats (83%), 47 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 26% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Missouri, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 163 28 17.2% 42 25.8% 70 42.9% 93 57.1%
    Senate 17 3 17.6% 5 29.4% 8 47.1% 9 52.9%
    Total 180 31 17.2% 47 26.1% 78 43.3% 102 56.7%


    See also:

    Montana

    There were 126 seats up for election in Montana, 91 (72%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 35 seats (28%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 102 seats (81%), 11 of which had no Republican competition, representing 9% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 115 seats (91%), 24 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 19% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Montana, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 100 10 10.0% 19 19.0% 29 29.0% 71 71.0%
    Senate 26 1 3.8% 5 19.2% 6 23.1% 20 76.9%
    Total 126 11 8.7% 24 19.0% 35 27.8% 91 72.2%


    See also:

    Nebraska

    There were 24 seats up for election in Nebraska, nine (38%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 15 seats (63%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 12 seats (50%), three of which had no Republican competition, representing 13% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 21 seats (88%), 12 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 50% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Nebraska, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House N/A
    Senate 24 3 12.5% 12 50.0% 15 62.5% 9 37.5%
    Total 24 3 12.5% 12 50.0% 15 62.5% 9 37.5%


    See also:

    Nevada

    There were 53 seats up for election in Nevada, 49 (92%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining four seats (8%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 50 seats (94%), one of which had no Republican competition, representing 2% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 52 seats (98%), three of which had no Democratic competition, representing 6% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Nevada, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 42 0 0.0% 2 4.8% 2 4.8% 40 95.2%
    Senate 11 1 9.1% 1 9.1% 2 18.2% 9 81.8%
    Total 53 1 1.9% 3 5.7% 4 7.5% 49 92.5%


    See also:

    New Hampshire

    There were 424 seats up for election in New Hampshire, 366 (86%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 58 seats (14%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 389 seats (92%), 23 of which had no Republican competition, representing 5% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 401 seats (95%), 35 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 8% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in New Hampshire, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 400 23 5.8% 35 8.8% 58 14.5% 342 85.5%
    Senate 24 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 24 100.0%
    Total 424 23 5.4% 35 8.3% 58 13.7% 366 86.3%


    See also:

    New Mexico

    There were 70 seats up for election in New Mexico, 33 (47%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 37 seats (53%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 53 seats (76%), 20 of which had no Republican competition, representing 29% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 50 seats (71%), 17 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 24% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in New Mexico, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 70 20 28.6% 17 24.3% 37 52.9% 33 47.1%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 70 20 28.6% 17 24.3% 37 52.9% 33 47.1%


    See also:

    New York

    There were 212 seats up for election in New York, 164 (77%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 48 seats (23%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 196 seats (92%), 32 of which had no Republican competition, representing 15% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 180 seats (85%), 16 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 8% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in New York, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 150 26 17.3% 13 8.7% 39 26.0% 111 74.0%
    Senate 62 6 9.7% 3 4.8% 9 14.5% 53 85.5%
    Total 212 32 15.1% 16 7.5% 48 22.6% 164 77.4%


    See also:

    North Carolina

    There were 170 seats up for election in North Carolina, 114 (67%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 56 seats (33%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 128 seats (75%), 14 of which had no Republican competition, representing 8% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 156 seats (92%), 42 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 25% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in North Carolina, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 120 13 10.8% 31 25.8% 44 36.7% 76 63.3%
    Senate 50 1 2.0% 11 22.0% 12 24.0% 38 76.0%
    Total 170 14 8.2% 42 24.7% 56 32.9% 114 67.1%


    See also:

    North Dakota

    There were 72 seats up for election in North Dakota, 52 (72%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 20 seats (28%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 55 seats (76%), three of which had no Republican competition, representing 4% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 69 seats (96%), 17 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 24% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in North Dakota, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 48 2 4.2% 10 20.8% 12 25.0% 36 75.0%
    Senate 24 1 4.2% 7 29.2% 8 33.3% 16 66.7%
    Total 72 3 4.2% 17 23.6% 20 27.8% 52 72.2%


    See also:

    Ohio

    There were 116 seats up for election in Ohio, 99 (85%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 17 seats (15%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 108 seats (93%), nine of which had no Republican competition, representing 8% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 107 seats (92%), eight of which had no Democratic competition, representing 7% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Ohio, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 99 8 8.1% 8 8.1% 16 16.2% 83 83.8%
    Senate 17 1 5.9% 0 0.0% 1 5.9% 16 94.1%
    Total 116 9 7.8% 8 6.9% 17 14.7% 99 85.3%


    See also:

    Oklahoma

    There were 125 seats up for election in Oklahoma, 54 (43%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 71 seats (57%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 76 seats (61%), 22 of which had no Republican competition, representing 18% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 103 seats (82%), 49 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 39% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Oklahoma, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 101 18 17.8% 39 38.6% 57 56.4% 44 43.6%
    Senate 24 4 16.7% 10 41.7% 14 58.3% 10 41.7%
    Total 125 22 17.6% 49 39.2% 71 56.8% 54 43.2%


    See also:

    Oregon

    There were 76 seats up for election in Oregon, 69 (91%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining seven seats (9%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 72 seats (95%), three of which had no Republican competition, representing 4% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 73 seats (96%), four of which had no Democratic competition, representing 5% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Oregon, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 60 3 5.0% 4 6.7% 7 11.7% 53 88.3%
    Senate 16 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 16 100.0%
    Total 76 3 3.9% 4 5.3% 7 9.2% 69 90.8%


    See also:

    Pennsylvania

    There were 228 seats up for election in Pennsylvania, 135 (59%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 93 seats (41%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 178 seats (78%), 43 of which had no Republican competition, representing 19% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 185 seats (81%), 50 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 22% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Pennsylvania, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 203 39 19.2% 45 22.2% 84 41.4% 119 58.6%
    Senate 25 4 16.0% 5 20.0% 9 36.0% 16 64.0%
    Total 228 43 18.9% 50 21.9% 93 40.8% 135 59.2%


    See also:

    Rhode Island

    There were 113 seats up for election in Rhode Island, 71 (63%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 42 seats (37%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 109 seats (96%), 38 of which had no Republican competition, representing 34% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 75 seats (66%), four of which had no Democratic competition, representing 4% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Rhode Island, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 75 25 33.3% 3 4.0% 28 37.3% 47 62.7%
    Senate 38 13 34.2% 1 2.6% 14 36.8% 24 63.2%
    Total 113 38 33.6% 4 3.5% 42 37.2% 71 62.8%


    See also:

    South Carolina

    There were 124 seats up for election in South Carolina, 37 (30%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 87 seats (70%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 73 seats (59%), 36 of which had no Republican competition, representing 29% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 88 seats (71%), 51 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 41% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in South Carolina, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 124 36 29.0% 51 41.1% 87 70.2% 37 29.8%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 124 36 29.0% 51 41.1% 87 70.2% 37 29.8%


    See also:

    South Dakota

    There were 105 seats up for election in South Dakota, 61 (58%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 44 seats (42%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 75 seats (71%), 14 of which had no Republican competition, representing 13% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 91 seats (87%), 30 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 29% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in South Dakota, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 70 11 15.7% 20 28.6% 31 44.3% 39 55.7%
    Senate 35 3 8.6% 10 28.6% 13 37.1% 22 62.9%
    Total 105 14 13.3% 30 28.6% 44 41.9% 61 58.1%


    See also:

    Tennessee

    There were 116 seats up for election in Tennessee, 67 (58%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 49 seats (42%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 84 seats (72%), 17 of which had no Republican competition, representing 15% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 99 seats (85%), 32 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 28% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Tennessee, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 99 15 15.2% 28 28.3% 43 43.4% 56 56.6%
    Senate 17 2 11.8% 4 23.5% 6 35.3% 11 64.7%
    Total 116 17 14.7% 32 27.6% 49 42.2% 67 57.8%


    See also:

    Texas

    There were 166 seats up for election in Texas, 65 (39%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 101 seats (61%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 103 seats (62%), 38 of which had no Republican competition, representing 23% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 128 seats (77%), 63 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 38% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Texas, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 150 38 25.3% 55 36.7% 93 62.0% 57 38.0%
    Senate 16 0 0.0% 8 50.0% 8 50.0% 8 50.0%
    Total 166 38 22.9% 63 38.0% 101 60.8% 65 39.2%


    See also:

    Utah

    There were 90 seats up for election in Utah, 71 (79%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 19 seats (21%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 72 seats (80%), one of which had no Republican competition, representing 1% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 89 seats (99%), 18 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 20% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Utah, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 75 1 1.3% 17 22.7% 18 24.0% 57 76.0%
    Senate 15 0 0.0% 1 6.7% 1 6.7% 14 93.3%
    Total 90 1 1.1% 18 20.0% 19 21.1% 71 78.9%


    See also:

    Vermont

    There were 180 seats up for election in Vermont, 100 (56%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 80 seats (44%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 154 seats (86%), 54 of which had no Republican competition, representing 30% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 126 seats (70%), 26 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 14% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Vermont, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 150 50 33.3% 24 16.0% 74 49.3% 76 50.7%
    Senate 30 4 13.3% 2 6.7% 6 20.0% 24 80.0%
    Total 180 54 30.0% 26 14.4% 80 44.4% 100 55.6%


    See also:

    Washington

    There were 123 seats up for election in Washington, 80 (65%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 43 seats (35%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 98 seats (80%), 18 of which had no Republican competition, representing 15% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 105 seats (85%), 25 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 20% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Washington, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 98 13 13.3% 21 21.4% 34 34.7% 64 65.3%
    Senate 25 5 20.0% 4 16.0% 9 36.0% 16 64.0%
    Total 123 18 14.6% 25 20.3% 43 35.0% 80 65.0%


    See also:

    West Virginia

    There were 117 seats up for election in West Virginia, 76 (65%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 41 seats (35%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 107 seats (91%), 31 of which had no Republican competition, representing 26% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 86 seats (74%), 10 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 9% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in West Virginia, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 100 27 27.0% 9 9.0% 36 36.0% 64 64.0%
    Senate 17 4 23.5% 1 5.9% 5 29.4% 12 70.6%
    Total 117 31 26.5% 10 8.5% 41 35.0% 76 65.0%


    See also:

    Wisconsin

    There were 116 seats up for election in Wisconsin, 83 (72%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 33 seats (28%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 97 seats (84%), 14 of which had no Republican competition, representing 12% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 102 seats (88%), 19 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 16% of all seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Wisconsin, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 99 14 14.1% 17 17.2% 31 31.3% 68 68.7%
    Senate 17 0 0.0% 2 11.8% 2 11.8% 15 88.2%
    Total 116 14 12.1% 19 16.4% 33 28.4% 83 71.6%


    See also:

    Wyoming

    There were 75 seats up for election in Wyoming, 25 (33%) of which were contested by both major parties. The remaining 50 seats (67%) had no major party competition.

    • Democrats ran for 32 seats (43%), seven of which had no Republican competition, representing 9% of all seats up for election.
    • Republicans ran for 68 seats (91%), 43 of which had no Democratic competition, representing 57% of all seats up for election. This guaranteed Republican control of a majority of seats up for election.

    In 2010

    Statistics from 2010 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Major party competition in state legislative elections in Wyoming, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Uncontested Contested
    Only Democrats Only Republicans Total
    # % # % # % # %
    House 60 5 8.3% 36 60.0% 41 68.3% 19 31.7%
    Senate 15 2 13.3% 7 46.7% 9 60.0% 6 40.0%
    Total 75 7 9.3% 43 57.3% 50 66.7% 25 33.3%


    See also:

    Terms and definitions

    Major party competition

    Major party competition exists when candidates from both major parties—Democratic and Republican—appear on the general election ballot for a given seat.

    A seat lacks major party competition when at least one major party does not have a candidate on the ballot, effectively guaranteeing the seat to the other major party. This includes cases where no candidates from either major party appear on the ballot, guaranteeing that seat to a minor party or independent candidate.

    Seat

    State legislative seats represent the total number of candidates who can be elected. These totals may differ from state legislative districts.

    In most states, every state legislative district includes a single seat. These are referred to as single-member state legislative districts.

    Certain states have multi-member state legislative districts, where a single district contains multiple seats.

    Methodology

    Counting major party competition

    Major party competition is counted by seat.

    In a single-member district, major party competition exists when one Democrat and one Republican appear on the general election ballot.

    In multi-member districts, major party competition might exist for some seats while not existing for others.

    For example, in a district with three seats, if three Democrats and two Republicans appear on the general election ballot, two seats have major party competition, while one does not. This is because the number of Republicans on the ballot is less than the number of seats up for election, meaning, at most, Republicans could win two of the three seats with the remaining seat effectively guaranteed to be won by a Democrat.

    Major party competition is counted at the time of the general election. In states with top-two/four primaries, where every candidate appears on the same primary ballot regardless of political affiliation, this means only those candidates who advanced to the general election are counted. For example, if two Republicans and one Democrat ran in a top-two primary, and the two Republicans advanced to the general election, that seat is considered to have no major party competition since only one major party appears on the general election ballot.

    Candidacy withdrawals

    See also: Signature requirements and deadlines for 2010 state government elections

    Candidates may choose to withdraw before the general election 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 general election ballot. If a major party candidate officially withdraws before the general election, the number of seats without major party competition increases unless another candidate replaces them.

    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 a major party candidate unofficially withdraws before the general election, major party competition figures are unchanged.

    Minor party and independent candidates

    This analysis does not account for the presence of minor party and independent candidates on the general election ballot when determining major party competition.

    For example, if a Republican candidate is on the general election ballot running against an independent candidate, that seat is not considered to have major party competition, since no Democratic candidates are present.

    This is why seats contested by only one major party are referred to as guaranteed to the major party with a candidate on the ballot. While minor party and independent candidates can win state legislative elections, it is rare.

    Major party write-in candidates

    Most states allow voters to write in the name of some other candidate when casting a ballot. Write-in candidates affiliated with a major party are not accounted for when determining major party competition unless that write-in candidate wins the general election. In these instances, major party competition figures are updated retroactively.

    Calculating the total number of seats contested by a party

    While this analysis does not focus on the total number of seats each major party contested, those totals can be calculated using the information above.

    • The total number of seats contested by Democrats is equal to the total number of seats with only Democrats on the ballot plus the number of seats contested by both major parties.
    • The total number of seats contested by Republicans is equal to the total number of seats with only Republicans on the ballot plus the number of seats contested by both major parties.

    See also

    Footnotes

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