PIERRE, South Dakota: Nationwide, Republicans showed strong gains in state legislatures. The number of Republican state senators grew 15.1%, and the number of Republican state representatives grew 24.0%. This growth translated into gains in 85.2% of state chambers, resulting in 20 new Republican majorities. The following charts illustrate the changes to state majorities before and after the election:
Before
| Partisan breakdown before the November 2010 Election
|
| Legislative chamber
|
|
|
|
|
| State senates
|
23
|
18
|
1
|
1
|
| State houses
|
29
|
15
|
1
|
-
|
| Totals:
|
52
|
33
|
2
|
1
|
After
| Partisan breakdown after the November 2010 Election
|
| Legislative chamber
|
|
|
|
|
| State senates
|
16
|
25
|
1
|
1
|
| State houses
|
16
|
28
|
1
|
0
|
| Totals:
|
32
|
53
|
2
|
1
|
Despite these strong national figures, Republicans faired significantly better in South Dakota's state senate elections. In the South Dakota State Senate, GOP representation increased 45.0%. Republicans faired weaker in the 2010 state house elections. In the South Dakota House of Representatives, GOP representation only increased 8.7%. Nevertheless, these gains allowed Republicans to retain their hold on both houses and the governorship. Republicans hold 20 such trifectas nationwide. Ultimately, these trifectas will give the GOP a strong influence on the 2011 redistricting process and shape elections for years to come.
Changes in the South Dakota State Senate
- See also: South Dakota 2010 legislative election results
Changes in the South Dakota State House
- See also: South Dakota 2010 legislative election results
| South Dakota House of Representatives
|
| Party
|
As of November 1, 2010
|
After the 2010 Election
|
|
|
Democratic Party
|
24
|
19
|
|
|
Republican Party
|
46
|
50
|
|
|
Independent
|
0
|
1
|
| Total
|
70
|
70
|
See also
