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Open seats in state legislative elections, 2018

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Last updated on November 18, 2024
2018 State Legislative Competitiveness
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There were 6,065 state legislative seats up for election on November 6, 2018, in 46 states. Of that total, there were 1,194 open seats, guaranteeing at least 20% of all seats would be won by newcomers. This was the second-highest number and percentage of open seats since Ballotpedia began gathering data in 2010.

An open seat is one where no incumbent filed to run, meaning it is guaranteed to be won by a newcomer. Learn more about the terms and methodologies used in this analysis.

Ballotpedia uses the number and percentage of open seats to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A greater number of open seats guarantees more newcomers entering legislatures and typically results in more candidates running for office. A smaller number of open seats guarantees fewer newcomers and typically results in fewer candidates running for office.

In 2018:

  • There were 443 open Democratic seats, those most recently held by Democrats at the time of filing.
  • There were 743 open Republican seats, those most recently held by Republicans at the time of filing.
  • There were eight other open seats. This includes those most recently held by minor party or independent officeholders at the time of filing.
  • The total number of open seats—1,194—was the second-highest since Ballotpedia began gathering data in 2010, representing a 16% increase from 2016.


  • Open state legislative seats, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 4,956 362 577 5 944 19.0%
    Senate 1,109 81 166 3 250 22.5%
    Total 6,065 443 743 8 1,194 19.7%


    Click [show] on the table below to view open seat statistics by state in 2018. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Historical comparison

    The chart below shows a breakdown of open seats from 2010 to 2018. The "Other" value includes seats left open by minor party and independent officeholders.


    Click [show] on the table below to view overall open seat statistics by state from 2010 to 2018. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    By state

    Overview

    Alabama

    There were 140 seats up for election in Alabama. Of that total, 38 seats (27.1%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Alabama, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 105 8 19 0 27 25.7%
    Senate 35 1 10 0 11 31.4%
    Total 140 9 29 0 38 27.1%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Alabama, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 140 11 8 0 19 13.6%
    2012 Did not hold elections.
    2014 140 6 14 1 21 15.0%
    2016 Did not hold elections.
    2018 140 9 29 0 38 27.1%


    See also:

    Alaska

    There were 50 seats up for election in Alaska. Of that total, 13 seats (26.0%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Alaska, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 40 5 4 0 9 22.5%
    Senate 10 2 2 0 4 40.0%
    Total 50 7 6 0 13 26.0%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Alaska, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 50 1 4 0 5 10.0%
    2012 59 4 6 1 11 18.6%
    2014 54 3 5 0 8 14.8%
    2016 50 1 8 0 9 18.0%
    2018 50 7 6 0 13 26.0%


    See also:

    Arizona

    There were 90 seats up for election in Arizona. Of that total, 33 seats (36.7%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Arizona, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 60 9 10 0 19 31.7%
    Senate 30 5 9 0 14 46.7%
    Total 90 14 19 0 33 36.7%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Arizona, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 90 17 22 0 39 43.3%
    2012 90 5 26 1 32 35.6%
    2014 90 10 14 0 24 26.7%
    2016 90 10 16 0 26 28.9%
    2018 90 14 19 0 33 36.7%


    See also:

    Arkansas

    There were 118 seats up for election in Arkansas. Of that total, 23 seats (19.5%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Arkansas, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 6 13 0 19 19.0%
    Senate 18 1 3 0 4 22.2%
    Total 118 7 16 0 23 19.5%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Arkansas, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 117 44 9 0 53 45.3%
    2012 135 32 15 0 47 34.8%
    2014 118 12 19 0 31 26.3%
    2016 117 5 9 1 15 12.8%
    2018 118 7 16 0 23 19.5%


    See also:

    California

    There were 100 seats up for election in California. Of that total, 14 seats (14.0%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in California, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 80 4 3 0 7 8.8%
    Senate 20 3 4 0 7 35.0%
    Total 100 7 7 0 14 14.0%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in California, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 100 20 17 1 38 38.0%
    2012 100 27 17 0 44 44.0%
    2014 100 22 11 0 33 33.0%
    2016 100 16 10 0 26 26.0%
    2018 100 7 7 0 14 14.0%


    See also:

    Colorado

    There were 82 seats up for election in Colorado. Of that total, 25 seats (30.5%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Colorado, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 65 11 6 0 17 26.2%
    Senate 17 4 3 1 8 47.1%
    Total 82 15 9 1 25 30.5%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Colorado, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 84 11 9 0 20 23.8%
    2012 85 15 18 0 33 38.8%
    2014 82 8 15 0 23 28.0%
    2016 83 18 6 0 24 28.9%
    2018 82 15 9 1 25 30.5%


    See also:

    Connecticut

    There were 187 seats up for election in Connecticut. Of that total, 24 seats (12.8%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Connecticut, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 151 10 7 0 17 11.3%
    Senate 36 3 4 0 7 19.4%
    Total 187 13 11 0 24 12.8%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Connecticut, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 187 13 6 0 19 10.2%
    2012 187 17 7 0 24 12.8%
    2014 187 14 10 0 24 12.8%
    2016 187 12 11 0 23 12.3%
    2018 187 13 11 0 24 12.8%


    See also:

    Delaware

    There were 51 seats up for election in Delaware. Of that total, 14 seats (27.5%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Delaware, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 41 6 4 0 10 24.4%
    Senate 10 3 1 0 4 40.0%
    Total 51 9 5 0 14 27.5%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Delaware, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 52 0 4 0 4 7.7%
    2012 62 5 5 0 10 16.1%
    2014 51 2 0 0 2 3.9%
    2016 52 1 1 0 2 3.8%
    2018 51 9 5 0 14 27.5%


    See also:

    Florida

    There were 140 seats up for election in Florida. Of that total, 38 seats (27.1%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Florida, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 120 9 26 0 35 29.2%
    Senate 20 0 3 0 3 15.0%
    Total 140 9 29 0 38 27.1%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Florida, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 143 13 33 0 46 32.2%
    2012 160 16 37 0 53 33.1%
    2014 140 6 12 0 18 12.9%
    2016 160 24 38 0 62 38.8%
    2018 140 9 29 0 38 27.1%


    See also:

    Georgia

    There were 236 seats up for election in Georgia. Of that total, 20 seats (8.5%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Georgia, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 180 1 16 0 17 9.4%
    Senate 56 0 3 0 3 5.4%
    Total 236 1 19 0 20 8.5%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Georgia, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 236 9 29 0 38 16.1%
    2012 236 10 18 0 28 11.9%
    2014 236 4 13 0 17 7.2%
    2016 236 7 13 1 21 8.9%
    2018 236 1 19 0 20 8.5%


    See also:

    Hawaii

    There were 63 seats up for election in Hawaii. Of that total, nine seats (14.3%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Hawaii, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 51 6 1 0 7 13.7%
    Senate 12 2 0 0 2 16.7%
    Total 63 8 1 0 9 14.3%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Hawaii, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 66 6 2 0 8 12.1%
    2012 76 7 1 0 8 10.5%
    2014 63 4 1 0 5 7.9%
    2016 64 3 0 0 3 4.7%
    2018 63 8 1 0 9 14.3%

    See also:

    Idaho

    There were 105 seats up for election in Idaho. Of that total, 16 seats (15.2%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Idaho, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 70 3 9 0 12 17.1%
    Senate 35 0 4 0 4 11.4%
    Total 105 3 13 0 16 15.2%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Idaho, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 105 6 3 0 9 8.6%
    2012 105 9 27 0 36 34.3%
    2014 105 5 6 0 11 10.5%
    2016 105 4 5 0 9 8.6%
    2018 105 3 13 0 16 15.2%


    See also:

    Illinois

    There were 157 seats up for election in Illinois. Of that total, 28 seats (17.8%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Illinois, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 118 8 13 0 21 17.8%
    Senate 39 3 4 0 7 17.9%
    Total 157 11 17 0 28 17.8%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Illinois, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 139 8 4 0 12 8.6%
    2012 177 17 17 0 34 19.2%
    2014 137 1 11 0 12 8.8%
    2016 158 7 7 0 14 8.9%
    2018 157 11 17 0 28 17.8%


    See also:

    Indiana

    There were 125 seats up for election in Indiana. Of that total, 14 seats (11.2%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Indiana, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 5 7 0 12 12.0%
    Senate 25 0 2 0 2 8.0%
    Total 125 5 9 0 14 11.2%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Indiana, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 125 6 6 0 12 9.6%
    2012 125 12 11 0 23 18.4%
    2014 125 1 7 0 8 6.4%
    2016 125 6 11 0 17 13.6%
    2018 125 5 9 0 14 11.2%

    See also:

    Iowa

    There were 125 seats up for election in Iowa. Of that total, 22 seats (17.6%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Iowa, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 4 12 0 16 16.0%
    Senate 25 3 2 1 6 24.0%
    Total 125 7 14 1 22 17.6%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Iowa, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 125 10 7 0 17 13.6%
    2012 126 10 20 0 30 23.8%
    2014 125 6 9 0 15 12.0%
    2016 125 5 8 0 13 10.4%
    2018 125 7 14 1 22 17.6%


    See also:

    Kansas

    There were 125 seats up for election in Kansas. Of that total, 13 seats (10.4%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Kansas, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 125 0 13 0 13 10.4%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 125 0 13 0 13 10.4%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Kansas, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 125 4 6 0 10 8.0%
    2012 165 8 44 0 52 31.5%
    2014 125 3 10 0 13 10.4%
    2016 165 2 31 0 33 20.0%
    2018 125 0 13 0 13 10.4%


    See also:

    Kentucky

    There were 119 seats up for election in Kentucky. Of that total, 21 seats (17.6%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Kentucky, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 11 9 0 20 20.0%
    Senate 19 0 1 0 1 5.3%
    Total 119 11 10 0 21 17.6%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Kentucky, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 119 4 3 0 7 5.9%
    2012 119 5 8 0 13 10.9%
    2014 119 3 7 1 11 9.2%
    2016 119 4 6 0 10 8.4%
    2018 119 11 10 0 21 17.6%


    See also:

    Maine

    There were 186 seats up for election in Maine. Of that total, 56 seats (30.1%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Maine, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 151 15 25 4 44 29.1%
    Senate 35 1 11 0 12 34.3%
    Total 186 16 36 4 56 30.1%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Maine, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 186 21 21 1 43 23.1%
    2012 186 33 30 0 63 33.9%
    2014 186 27 22 2 51 27.4%
    2016 186 24 9 4 37 19.9%
    2018 186 16 36 4 56 30.1%


    See also:

    Maryland

    There were 188 seats up for election in Maryland. Of that total, 39 seats (20.7%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Maryland, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 141 20 9 0 29 20.6%
    Senate 47 9 1 0 10 21.3%
    Total 188 29 10 0 39 20.7%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Maryland, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 188 16 10 0 26 13.8%
    2012 Did not hold elections.
    2014 188 33 19 0 52 27.7%
    2016 Did not hold elections.
    2018 188 29 10 0 39 20.7%


    See also:

    Massachusetts

    There were 200 seats up for election in Massachusetts. Of that total, 24 seats (12.0%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Massachusetts, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 160 16 4 0 20 12.5%
    Senate 40 4 0 0 4 10.0%
    Total 200 20 4 0 24 12.0%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Massachusetts, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 200 28 6 0 34 17.0%
    2012 200 9 1 0 10 5.0%
    2014 200 19 3 0 22 11.0%
    2016 200 13 0 0 13 6.5%
    2018 200 20 4 0 24 12.0%


    See also:

    Michigan

    There were 148 seats up for election in Michigan. Of that total, 70 seats (47.3%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Michigan, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 110 18 25 0 43 39.1%
    Senate 38 8 19 0 27 71.1%
    Total 148 26 44 0 70 47.3%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Michigan, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 148 43 37 0 80 54.1%
    2012 110 13 9 0 22 20.0%
    2014 148 21 29 1 51 34.5%
    2016 110 15 27 0 42 38.2%
    2018 148 26 44 0 70 47.3%


    See also:

    Minnesota

    There were 134 seats up for election in Minnesota. Of that total, 23 seats (17.2%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Minnesota, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 134 16 7 0 23 17.2%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 134 16 7 0 23 17.2%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Minnesota, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 201 12 12 0 24 11.9%
    2012 201 18 33 0 51 25.4%
    2014 134 5 10 0 15 11.2%
    2016 201 18 10 0 28 13.9%
    2018 134 16 7 0 23 17.2%


    See also:

    Missouri

    There were 180 seats up for election in Missouri. Of that total, 63 seats (35.0%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Missouri, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 163 15 40 0 55 33.7%
    Senate 17 1 7 0 8 47.1%
    Total 180 16 47 0 63 35.0%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Missouri, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 180 26 49 0 75 41.7%
    2012 180 21 40 0 61 33.9%
    2014 180 10 23 0 33 18.3%
    2016 180 16 22 0 38 21.1%
    2018 180 16 47 0 63 35.0%


    See also:

    Montana

    There were 125 seats up for election in Montana. Of that total, 36 seats (28.8%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Montana, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 13 15 0 28 28.0%
    Senate 25 3 5 0 8 32.0%
    Total 125 16 20 0 36 28.8%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Montana, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 126 25 26 0 51 40.5%
    2012 126 19 25 0 44 34.9%
    2014 125 19 26 0 45 36.0%
    2016 125 17 30 0 47 37.6%
    2018 125 16 20 0 36 28.8%


    See also:

    Nebraska

    There were 24 seats up for election in Nebraska. Of that total, eight seats (33.3%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Nebraska, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House N/A
    Senate 24 2 6 0 8 33.3%
    Total 24 2 6 0 8 33.3%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Nebraska, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 24 1 1 1 3 12.5%
    2012 25 1 8 0 9 36.0%
    2014 24 8 8 1 17 70.8%
    2016 25 4 7 0 11 44.0%
    2018 24 2 6 0 8 33.3%


    See also:

    Nevada

    There were 53 seats up for election in Nevada. Of that total, 15 seats (28.3%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Nevada, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 42 6 4 0 10 23.8%
    Senate 11 1 3 1 5 45.5%
    Total 53 7 7 1 15 28.3%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Nevada, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 53 16 11 0 27 50.9%
    2012 52 8 8 0 16 30.8%
    2014 53 6 4 0 10 18.9%
    2016 52 2 9 0 11 21.2%
    2018 53 7 7 1 15 28.3%


    See also:

    New Hampshire

    There were 424 seats up for election in New Hampshire. Of that total, 105 seats (24.8%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in New Hampshire, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 400 39 63 1 103 25.8%
    Senate 24 0 2 0 2 8.3%
    Total 424 39 65 1 105 24.8%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in New Hampshire, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 424 61 41 0 102 24.1%
    2012 424 15 48 62 125 29.5%
    2014 424 62 51 0 113 26.7%
    2016 424 46 72 0 118 27.8%
    2018 424 39 65 1 105 24.8%


    See also:

    New Mexico

    There were 70 seats up for election in New Mexico. Of that total, nine seats (12.9%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in New Mexico, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 70 3 6 0 9 12.9%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 70 3 6 0 9 12.9%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in New Mexico, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 70 1 2 0 3 4.3%
    2012 112 14 8 0 22 19.6%
    2014 70 6 5 0 11 15.7%
    2016 112 5 5 0 10 8.9%
    2018 70 3 6 0 9 12.9%


    See also:

    New York

    There were 213 seats up for election in New York. Of that total, 18 seats (8.5%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in New York, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 150 9 4 0 13 8.7%
    Senate 63 0 5 0 5 7.9%
    Total 213 9 9 0 18 8.5%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in New York, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 212 13 12 0 25 11.8%
    2012 213 12 12 0 24 11.3%
    2014 213 14 7 0 21 9.9%
    2016 213 10 9 0 19 8.9%
    2018 213 9 9 0 18 8.5%


    See also:

    North Carolina

    There were 170 seats up for election in North Carolina. Of that total, 19 seats (11.2%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in North Carolina, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 120 4 8 0 12 10.0%
    Senate 50 1 6 0 7 14.0%
    Total 170 5 14 0 19 11.2%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in North Carolina, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 170 11 7 0 18 10.6%
    2012 170 23 23 0 46 27.1%
    2014 170 6 8 0 14 8.2%
    2016 170 4 15 1 20 11.8%
    2018 170 5 14 0 19 11.2%


    See also:

    North Dakota

    There were 72 seats up for election in North Dakota. Of that total, 12 seats (16.7%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in North Dakota, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 48 2 5 0 7 14.6%
    Senate 24 1 4 0 5 20.8%
    Total 72 3 9 0 12 16.7%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in North Dakota, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 72 10 5 0 15 20.8%
    2012 75 7 11 0 18 24.0%
    2014 72 3 10 0 13 18.1%
    2016 69 3 12 0 15 21.7%
    2018 72 3 9 0 12 16.7%


    See also:

    Ohio

    There were 116 seats up for election in Ohio. Of that total, 42 seats (36.2%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Ohio, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 99 11 21 0 32 32.3%
    Senate 17 4 6 0 10 58.8%
    Total 116 15 27 0 42 36.2%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Ohio, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 116 15 14 0 29 25.0%
    2012 117 6 13 0 19 16.2%
    2014 116 15 11 0 26 22.4%
    2016 115 9 20 0 29 25.2%
    2018 116 15 27 0 42 36.2%


    See also:

    Oklahoma

    There were 125 seats up for election in Oklahoma. Of that total, 43 seats (34.4%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Oklahoma, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 101 9 23 0 32 31.7%
    Senate 24 3 8 0 11 45.8%
    Total 125 12 31 0 43 34.4%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Oklahoma, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 125 11 11 0 22 17.6%
    2012 125 11 12 0 23 18.4%
    2014 125 11 19 0 30 24.0%
    2016 125 14 27 0 41 32.8%
    2018 125 12 31 0 43 34.4%


    See also:

    Oregon

    There were 73 seats up for election in Oregon. Of that total, eight seats (11.0%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Oregon, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 58 2 5 0 7 12.1%
    Senate 15 0 1 0 1 6.7%
    Total 73 2 6 0 8 11.0%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Oregon, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 76 4 3 0 7 9.2%
    2012 76 7 3 0 10 13.2%
    2014 75 5 10 0 15 20.0%
    2016 75 12 5 0 17 22.7%
    2018 73 2 6 0 8 11.0%


    See also:

    Pennsylvania

    There were 228 seats up for election in Pennsylvania. Of that total, 32 seats (14.0%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Pennsylvania, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 203 7 21 0 28 13.8%
    Senate 25 0 4 0 4 16.0%
    Total 228 7 25 0 32 14.0%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Pennsylvania, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 228 15 6 0 21 9.2%
    2012 228 13 12 0 25 11.0%
    2014 228 8 19 0 27 11.8%
    2016 228 7 12 0 19 8.3%
    2018 228 7 25 0 32 14.0%


    See also:

    Rhode Island

    There were 113 seats up for election in Rhode Island. Of that total, 15 seats (13.3%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Rhode Island, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 75 8 2 0 10 13.3%
    Senate 38 3 2 0 5 13.2%
    Total 113 11 4 0 15 13.3%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Rhode Island, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 113 14 1 0 15 13.3%
    2012 113 10 3 0 13 11.5%
    2014 113 6 2 0 8 7.1%
    2016 113 3 4 1 8 7.1%
    2018 113 11 4 0 15 13.3%


    See also:

    South Carolina

    There were 124 seats up for election in South Carolina. Of that total, eight seats (6.5%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in South Carolina, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 124 2 6 0 8 6.5%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 124 2 6 0 8 6.5%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in South Carolina, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 124 3 9 0 12 9.7%
    2012 170 12 12 0 24 14.1%
    2014 124 4 5 0 9 7.3%
    2016 170 7 10 0 17 10.0%
    2018 124 2 6 0 8 6.5%


    See also:

    South Dakota

    There were 105 seats up for election in South Dakota. Of that total, 26 seats (24.8%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in South Dakota, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 70 4 14 0 18 25.7%
    Senate 35 3 5 0 8 22.9%
    Total 105 7 19 0 26 24.8%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in South Dakota, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 105 11 23 0 34 32.4%
    2012 105 6 25 0 31 29.5%
    2014 105 8 23 0 31 29.5%
    2016 105 10 32 0 42 40.0%
    2018 105 7 19 0 26 24.8%


    See also:

    Tennessee

    There were 116 seats up for election in Tennessee. Of that total, 27 seats (23.3%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Tennessee, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 99 7 17 0 24 24.2%
    Senate 17 2 1 0 3 17.6%
    Total 116 9 18 0 27 23.3%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Tennessee, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 116 2 8 0 10 8.6%
    2012 115 14 7 0 21 18.3%
    2014 116 4 8 0 12 10.3%
    2016 115 1 5 0 6 5.2%
    2018 116 9 18 0 27 23.3%


    See also:

    Texas

    There were 165 seats up for election in Texas. Of that total, 14 seats (8.5%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Texas, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 150 1 12 0 13 8.7%
    Senate 15 0 1 0 1 6.7%
    Total 165 1 13 0 14 8.5%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Texas, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 166 3 6 0 9 5.4%
    2012 181 8 27 0 35 19.3%
    2014 165 2 13 0 15 9.1%
    2016 166 4 12 0 16 9.6%
    2018 165 1 13 0 14 8.5%


    See also:

    Utah

    There were 89 seats up for election in Utah. Of that total, 24 seats (27.0%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Utah, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 75 2 16 0 18 24.0%
    Senate 14 1 5 0 6 42.9%
    Total 89 3 21 0 24 27.0%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Utah, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 90 1 8 0 9 10.0%
    2012 91 2 13 0 15 16.5%
    2014 89 5 7 0 12 13.5%
    2016 90 0 13 1 14 15.6%
    2018 89 3 21 0 24 27.0%


    See also:

    Vermont

    There were 180 seats up for election in Vermont. Of that total, 32 seats (17.8%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Vermont, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 150 14 14 0 28 18.7%
    Senate 30 2 2 0 4 13.3%
    Total 180 16 16 0 32 17.8%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Vermont, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 180 12 8 1 21 11.7%
    2012 180 7 9 10 26 14.4%
    2014 180 18 7 2 27 15.0%
    2016 180 24 4 0 28 15.6%
    2018 180 16 16 0 32 17.8%


    See also:

    Washington

    There were 123 seats up for election in Washington. Of that total, 17 seats (13.8%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Washington, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 98 4 10 0 14 14.3%
    Senate 25 1 2 0 3 12.0%
    Total 123 5 12 0 17 13.8%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Washington, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 123 19 1 0 20 16.3%
    2012 124 16 10 0 26 21.0%
    2014 123 6 6 0 12 9.8%
    2016 124 10 11 0 21 16.9%
    2018 123 5 12 0 17 13.8%


    See also:

    West Virginia

    There were 117 seats up for election in West Virginia. Of that total, 18 seats (15.4%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in West Virginia, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 3 15 0 18 18.0%
    Senate 17 0 0 0 0 0.0%
    Total 117 3 15 0 18 15.4%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in West Virginia, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 117 8 6 0 14 12.0%
    2012 117 5 6 8 19 16.2%
    2014 117 6 5 0 11 9.4%
    2016 117 11 14 0 25 21.4%
    2018 117 3 15 0 18 15.4%


    See also:

    Wisconsin

    There were 116 seats up for election in Wisconsin. Of that total, 16 seats (13.8%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Wisconsin, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 99 4 9 0 13 13.1%
    Senate 17 1 2 0 3 17.6%
    Total 116 5 11 0 16 13.8%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Wisconsin, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 116 8 14 1 23 19.8%
    2012 115 14 8 1 23 20.0%
    2014 116 9 20 0 29 25.0%
    2016 115 5 8 0 13 11.3%
    2018 116 5 11 0 16 13.8%


    See also:

    Wyoming

    There were 75 seats up for election in Wyoming. Of that total, 10 seats (13.3%) were open.

    In 2018

    Statistics from 2018 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Wyoming, 2018
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 60 2 5 0 7 11.7%
    Senate 15 0 3 0 3 20.0%
    Total 75 2 8 0 10 13.3%

    2010-2018

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

    Open state legislative seats in Wyoming, 2010-2018
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 75 5 10 0 15 20.0%
    2012 75 3 12 0 15 20.0%
    2014 75 1 10 0 11 14.7%
    2016 75 2 18 0 20 26.7%
    2018 75 2 8 0 10 13.3%


    See also:

    Impact of term limits

    See also: Impact of term limits on state legislative elections in 2018

    A seat can become open when an incumbent is term-limited. Fifteen state legislatures have term limits, which require incumbents to leave office after serving a certain length of time.

    In 2018, 271 state legislators—96 state senators and 175 state representatives—were term-limited. This represented 4% of the 6,065 total seats up for election, and 23% of the 1,194 open seats.[1]


    2018 term-limited incumbents
    Party # of termed senators # of termed representatives Total
    Democratic 28 58 86
    Republican 62 115 177
    Minor Party/
    Nonpartisan
    6[2] 2 8
    Total 96 175 271


    Terms and methodologies

    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.

    Open seat

    An open seat is one where no incumbents filed to run, or filed but withdrew and did not appear on any ballot for the seat. Open seat figures freeze at the time of the primary unless an incumbent did not participate in the primary but later chose to seek re-election as a minor party or independent candidate, in which case the seat for which they filed would not be counted as open.

    If a seat was open at the time of the primary, but a non-incumbent candidate later assumed office (via special election or appointment), the seat would still be counted as open since the original incumbent did not file to run in the primary.

    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. In these districts, open seat figures pertain to individual seats. For example, if a multi-member district contains three seats and two incumbents file for re-election but one does not, that one seat would be counted as an open seat.

    Difference between open seats and retiring incumbents

    An open seat is one where no incumbents filed to run. Typically, this occurs when an incumbent leaves office. But incumbents may choose to run for some other seat within the same chamber. When this happens, that incumbent's original seat can be left open without the incumbent leaving office.

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. Some of the 271 term-limited state legislators in 2018 may have resigned before their term ended. These legislators were still counted in the total number of term-limited legislators in 2018.
    2. Nebraska senators are officially nonpartisan. Five Nebraska senators term-limited in 2018 were affiliated with the Republican Party, while the other was affiliated with the Democratic Party.