Your monthly support provides voters the knowledge they need to make confident decisions at the polls. Donate today.

State Legislative Tracker: Virginia state senator reports threat by gun-control advocate

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search

BP-Initials-UPDATED.png This article may not adhere to Ballotpedia’s current neutrality policies.

SLP badge.png

Donate.png

November 2, 2015

Edited by Jackie Beran

This week’s tracker includes a look at a special session in Arizona and online threats to a state senator in Virginia.

Weekly highlight

Arizona State Legislature

ARIZONA: Last week, the Arizona State Legislature ended a three-day special session by approving $3.5 billion in K-12 education funding over the next 10 years.[1] About $1.4 billion would come from the general fund, with the remainder coming from the state land trust fund.[2] The special session was called by Gov. Doug Ducey (R) to end a five-year lawsuit over the funding of K-12 education. Ducey signed the three-bill package over education funding on October 30.[1] The plan would settle a 2010 lawsuit that was filed by school districts after the state stopped providing voter-required annual inflation adjustments to education during the recession.[3] The legislature has set May 17 for a special election for voters to approve the constitutional changes.[3] If voters reject the proposal, the lawsuit will continue.[3] Before signing the funding proposal, Ducey said, "Together we’re sending a strong message about the value of public education in our state. To our teachers — we know your worth. ... With this plan you’ll have the resources you’ve been asking for."[1] If approved by voters, the state will raise the payout to schools by $173.26 per student, from $3,426.74 per student to $3,600.[1][4] Timothy Ogle, executive director of the Arizona School Boards Association, said on the funding plan's passing, "This is just the beginning of trying to correct the educational challenges of our schools caused by the lack of state financial support."[1]

Virginia state Sen. Bill Stanley (R)

VIRGINIA: The father of a slain journalist has apologized after a pro-gun state senator accused him of online threats last week. On August 26, Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward of WDBJ television were shot to death by a former station employee while delivering a live report. Since his daughter's death, Andy Parker has appeared as a public representative of the gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, which is backed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Parker is said to have sent a private Facebook message to District 20 incumbent Bill Stanley (R) last Tuesday, stating, "I'm going to be your worst nightmare you little bastard." Parker confirmed that he sent the message but said that it was meant solely on political grounds.[5] However, Parker had also posted a message suggesting the possible use of physical violence to Stanley's public Facebook page.[6]

Stanley made a report to Capitol Police last Wednesday and subsequently lowered his public profile. He said that he was even considering obtaining a concealed-carry gun permit. After The Washington Post inquired into the matter, Parker sent another private message, saying, "Thank you again for providing me another opportunity to call you out in the press because I ‘frightened’ you. You’re the only person I know that would try to turn me into a threatening bad guy. I love it."[5] Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) entered the fray during a radio appearance last Thursday, telling the senator to "man up" and calling his response a "political stunt."[6]

Last Thursday, Parker apologized in a statement released by Everytown. He said, "In my grief over the murder of my daughter and my anger over a political system that allows incidents like that to continue, I spoke regrettably. I apologize for my words, but make no mistake, I will continue to seek justice and change as a father in memory of my daughter."[7][6]

The controversy came at the tail end of a high-profile election season. Stanley faces Democrat Kim Adkins in tomorrow's general election; all of the state's 140 legislative seats are up for election. Republicans hold a two-seat majority in the 40-member Senate, and a net gain of even one seat by Democrats would result in a shift of power due to Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) serving as the tie-breaking president of the State Senate. Across two Senate races, Everytown has spent $2.2 million on television advertising featuring Parker; Stanley's district was not directly targeted.[8]

Partisan breakdown

As of March 20th, 2026, Republicans controlled 55.13% of all state legislative seats nationally, while Democrats held 43.89%. Republicans held a majority in 57 chambers, and Democrats held the majority in 39 chambers. Two chambers (Alaska House and Alaska Senate) were organized under multipartisan, power-sharing coalitions. One chamber (Minnesota House of Representatives) was split evenly between both parties.

Partisan balance of all 7,386 state legislative seats
Legislative chamber Democratic Party Republican Party Grey.png Other Vacant
State senates 839 1,122 6 6
State houses 2,403 2,950 20 40
Total: 3,242

4,072

26

46

State Senates

The partisan composition of state senates refers to which political party holds the majority of seats in the state senate. Altogether, in the 50 state senates, there are 1,972 state senators.

The current breakdown of chamber control by party is as follows:

  • Democratic Party 14 chambers
  • Republican Party 35 chambers
  • Grey.png 1 chamber (Nebraska)
See also: Partisan composition of state senates

State Houses

The partisan composition of state houses refers to which party holds the majority of seats in the state house or the lower level of each state legislature. Altogether, in the 49 state houses, there are 5,413 state representatives.

The current breakdown of chamber control by party is as follows:

  • Democratic Party 16 chambers
  • Republican Party 33 chambers
See also: Partisan composition of state houses

Sessions

Current sessions capture for the week of November 2, 2015
See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions
Click here to see a chart of each state's 2015 session information.

Regular sessions

Currently four out of 50 state legislatures are meeting in regular session. Three states are in recess, 41 states have adjourned their 2015 legislative sessions and two states are in special session.

The following states are in regular session:[9]

In recess

As of today, November 2, there are three state legislatures currently in recess.[10]


Adjourned

The following states have adjourned their 2015 regular sessions:[11]

Special sessions

As of today, November 2, there are two state legislatures currently in special session.

  • October 19, 2015: Florida; 1st special session was from 6/1 to 6/19; 2nd special session was from 8/10 to 8/21; 3rd special session will be from 10/19 to 11/6 (projected)
  • October 24, 2015: Alaska; 1st special session was from 4/28 to 5/21; 2nd special session was from 5/21 to 6/11; 3rd special session will be from 10/24 to 11/23 (projected)

2015 Legislative Elections

See also: State legislative elections, 2015

In the 50 states, there are 99 state legislative chambers, of which seven chambers will hold state legislative elections in November 2015.[13]

There are seven chambers in four states with elections in 2015:

A total of 131 of the country's 1,972 state senate seats and 407 of the country's 5,411 state house seats will be up for a vote. This accounts for 6.6 percent of the country's state senate seats and 7.5 percent of the country's state house seats. Altogether, 538 (7.3%) of the country's 7,383 state legislative seats are up for election. Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia hold elections in odd-numbered years. The New Jersey State Senate is the only chamber in those four states without scheduled elections in 2015.

Primary Information

The state legislative filing deadlines and primary dates are as follows:

Filing Deadlines

Primary Dates

Special Elections

SLP badge.png
See also: State legislative special elections, 2015

There are 21 special elections and three primary special elections scheduled for this week.

November 3, 2015

Georgia State Senate District 43

See also: Georgia state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Georgia State Senate District 43 was called for November 3.[18] A runoff election took place on December 1.[19] The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 16.[18]

The seat was vacant following Ronald Ramsey's (D) resignation in July 2015 to become a judge on the DeKalb County traffic court.[20]

Tonya Anderson (D), Stan Williams (D), Sharon Griffin Sawyer (D), Rodney Upton (D), Marcus Jordan (D), Janice Frey Van Ness (R), Diane Adoma (R) and William "Bill" Kennedy (R) faced off in the special election. Angela Moore (I) was disqualified from the race, but remained on the ballot.[21][22] Since no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters, Anderson and Frey Van Ness, met in a runoff election, which Frey Van Ness won.[23][24]

Georgia State Senate, District 43, Special Election Runoff, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJanice Frey Van Ness 50.5% 3,865
     Democratic Tonya Anderson 49.5% 3,781
Total Votes 7,646
Georgia State Senate, District 43, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJanice Frey Van Ness (advanced to runoff) 37.1% 2,995
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngTonya Anderson (advanced to runoff) 26.1% 2,110
     Democratic Stan Williams 14.5% 1,170
     Democratic Sharon Griffin Sawyer 9.4% 763
     Democratic Marcus Jordan 5.5% 446
     Republican Diane D. Adoma 3.4% 278
     Republican William "Bill" Kennedy 3.1% 254
     Democratic Rodney Upton 0.7% 59
Total Votes 8,075
November 3 Special election candidates:
Note: Angela Moore (I) was disqualified from the race, but her name remained on the ballot because there was not enough time to reprint ballots.[25]
Democratic Party Tonya Anderson
Democratic Party Stan Williams
Democratic Party Sharon Griffin Sawyer
Democratic Party Rodney Upton
Democratic Party Marcus Jordan
Republican Party Janice Frey Van Ness
Republican Party Diane Adoma
Republican Party William "Bill" Kennedy

Georgia House of Representatives District 92

See also: Georgia state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Georgia House of Representatives District 92 was called for November 3. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 30.[26]

The seat was vacant following Tonya Anderson's (D) resignation in September 2015.[26]

Doreen Carter (D) defeated Sherri Washington (D) in the special election.[27][28]

Georgia House of Representatives, District 92, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngDoreen Carter 52.7% 808
     Democratic Sherri Washington 47.3% 726
Total Votes 1,534
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Doreen Carter
Democratic Party Sherri Washington

Georgia House of Representatives District 122

See also: Georgia state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Georgia House of Representatives District 122 was called for November 3.[29] A runoff election took place on December 1.[30] The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 16.[31]

The seat was vacant following Ben Harbin's (R) resignation on July 7, 2015, to become a lobbyist for Southern Strategy Group.[32]

Republicans Jodi Lott, Joe Mullins, Mack Taylor and Pat Goodwin faced off in the special election.[33] Since no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters, Lott and Taylor, met in a runoff election, which Lott won.[34][35]

Georgia House of Representatives, District 122, Special Election Runoff, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJodi Lott 76.1% 4,102
     Republican Mack Taylor 23.9% 1,290
Total Votes 5,392
Georgia House of Representatives, District 122, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJodi Lott (advanced to runoff) 41% 3,000
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngMack Taylor (advanced to runoff) 29.7% 2,174
     Republican Joe Mullins 15.3% 1,123
     Republican Pat Goodwin 13.9% 1,020
Total Votes 7,317
November 3 Special election candidates:
Republican Party Jodi Lott
Republican Party Joe Mullins
Republican Party Mack Taylor
Republican Party Pat Goodwin

Iowa House of Representatives District 5

See also: Iowa state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Iowa House of Representatives District 5 was called for November 3.[36] The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was October 9.[37]

The seat was vacant following Chuck Soderberg's (R) resignation on September 14, 2015. He resigned to become the executive vice president of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.[36]

Charles Holz (R) was unchallenged in the general election.[38]

November 3 Special election candidates:
Republican Party Charles Holz

Maine House of Representatives District 19

See also: Maine state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Maine House of Representatives District 19 was called for November 3. Candidates were nominated by parties rather than chosen in primaries and had until August 28 to nominate their candidates.[39]

The seat was vacant following William Noon's (D) death on July 15, 2015.[40]

Matthew Harrington (R) defeated Jean Noon (D) and Victor DiGregorio (I) in the special election.[41][42]

Maine House of Representatives, District 19, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngMatthew Harrington 46.7% 767
     Democratic Jean Noon 45.9% 754
     Independent Victor DiGregorio 6.8% 111
     Other Blank 0.7% 11
Total Votes 1,643
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Jean Noon
Republican Party Matthew Harrington
Grey.png Victor DiGregorio

Maine House of Representatives District 23

See also: Maine state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Maine House of Representatives District 23 was called for November 3. Candidates were nominated by political parties rather than chosen in primaries and had until September 14 to nominate their candidates.[43]

The seat was vacant following Michael Shaw's (D) resignation on August 21, 2015.[44]

Lester Ordway (R) defeated Lynn Olson (D), Philip Pomerleau (I), Michael Wakefield (Green-Independent) and Christopher N. Finley (write-in) in the special election.[45][46]]]

Maine House of Representatives, District 23, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngLester Ordway 40.3% 629
     Democratic Lynn Olson 31.8% 496
     Independent Philip Pomerleau 22.1% 344
     Green Independent Michael Wakefield 4.6% 71
     Other Others 0.7% 11
     Other Blank 0.6% 9
Total Votes 1,560
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Lynn Olson
Republican Party Lester Ordway
Grey.png Philip Pomerleau
Green PartyGrey.png Michael Wakefield

Massachusetts State Senate Second Plymouth & Bristol District

See also: Massachusetts state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Massachusetts State Senate Second Plymouth & Bristol District was called for November 3. A primary election was held on October 6. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 1.[47]

The seat was vacant following Thomas Kennedy's (D) death on June 28, 2015.[48]

Michael Brady defeated Joseph Lynch in the Democratic primary, while Geoff Diehl was unopposed in the Republican primary.[49] Brady defeated Diehl and independent candidate Anna Raduc in the special election.[50][51]

Massachusetts State Senate, Second Plymouth & Bristol District, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngMichael Brady 56.9% 14,397
     Republican Geoff Diehl 40.5% 10,245
     Independent Anna Raduc 2.6% 649
Total Votes 25,291
Massachusetts State Senate, Second Plymouth & Bristol District Democratic Primary, 2015
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngMichael Brady 87.6% 3,259
Joseph Lynch 12.4% 461
Total Votes 3,720
Democratic Party October 6 Democratic primary candidates:
Republican Party October 6 Republican primary candidates:
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Michael Brady
Republican Party Geoff Diehl

Michigan House of Representatives District 75

See also: Michigan state legislative special elections, 2016

A special election for the position of Michigan House of Representatives District 75 was called for March 8, 2016. A primary election took place on November 3, 2015. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was August 21, 2015. Candidates without political party affiliation had until December 9, 2015.[52]

The seat was vacant following Brandon Dillon's (D) resignation on August 3, 2015.[53]

David LaGrand defeated Michael Scruggs in the Democratic primary, while Blake Edmonds was unopposed in the Republican primary.[54] LaGrand defeated Edmonds in the special election.[55][56]

Michigan House of Representatives, District 75, Special Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngDavid LaGrand 77.4% 13,601
     Republican Blake Edmonds 22.6% 3,964
Total Votes 17,565
Democratic Party November 3 Democratic primary candidates:
Republican Party November 3 Republican primary candidates:

Michigan House of Representatives District 80

See also: Michigan state legislative special elections, 2016

A special election for the position of Michigan House of Representatives District 80 was called for March 8, 2016. A primary election took place on November 3, 2015. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 18, 2015.[57]

The seat was vacant following Cindy Gamrat's (R) historic expulsion on September 11, 2015. She was expelled for misconduct related to an extramarital affair with Rep. Todd Courser (R-Lapeer).[58]

David Gernant was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Mary Whiteford defeated Eric De Witt, Cindy Gamrat, Bill Sage, James Siver, Jim Storey, Shannon Szukala and Kevin Travis in the Republican primary.[59] Arnie Davidsons ran as an Libertarian candidate. Whiteford defeated Gernant and Davidsons in the special election.[60][61]

Michigan House of Representatives, District 80, Special Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngMary Whiteford 64% 14,860
     Democratic David Gernant 29.9% 6,945
     Libertarian Arnie Davidsons 6.1% 1,424
Total Votes 23,229
Democratic Party November 3 Democratic primary candidates:
Republican Party November 3 Republican primary candidates:

Michigan House of Representatives District 82

See also: Michigan state legislative special elections, 2016

A special election for the position of Michigan House of Representatives District 82 was called for March 8, 2016. A primary election took place on November 3, 2015. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 18, 2015.[62]

The seat was vacant following Todd Courser's (R) resignation on September 11, 2015. He resigned when it became clear that Republicans had secured enough support from Democrats to expel him from office for misconduct related to his extramarital affair with Rep. Cindy Gamrat (R-Plainville).[63]

Margaret Guerrero DeLuca defeated R. D. Bohm and Eric Johnson in the Democratic primary. Gary Howell defeated Russell Adams, Todd Courser, Sharna Cramer Smith, Jake Davison, James Dewilde, Rick Guerrero, Ian Kempf, Allan Landosky, Jan Peabody and Chris Tuski in the Republican primary.[64] Tracy Spilker ran as a Libertarian candidate. Howell defeated Guerrero DeLuca and Spilker in the special election.[65][66]

Michigan House of Representatives, District 82, Special Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngGary Howell 58.6% 13,907
     Democratic Margaret Guerrero DeLuca 36.6% 8,680
     Libertarian Tracy Spilker 4.9% 1,154
Total Votes 23,741
Democratic Party November 3 Democratic primary candidates:
Republican Party November 3 Republican primary candidates:

Minnesota House of Representatives District 46A

See also: Minnesota state legislative special elections, 2015

Peggy Flanagan was unopposed in the special election on November 3.[67]

The seat was vacant following Ryan Winkler's (D) resignation on July 1.[68]

A special election for the position of Minnesota House of Representatives District 46A was called for November 3. A primary election was scheduled for August 11, but since only one candidate filed for election, the primary election was canceled. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 22.[69]

November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Peggy Flanagan

Missouri House of Representatives District 29

See also: Missouri state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Missouri House of Representatives District 29 was called for November 3.[70] The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 15.[71]

The seat was vacant following Noel Torpey's (R) resignation in December 2014 to become executive director of the Fair Energy Rate Action Fund.[72]

Rory Rowland (D) defeated Brian DeMoss (R) and Richard McKie (Constitution) in the special election.[71][73]

Missouri House of Representatives, District 29, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRory Rowland 58.3% 2,144
     Republican Brian DeMoss 36.4% 1,340
     Constitution Richard McKie 5.3% 196
Total Votes 3,680
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Rory Rowland
Republican Party Brian DeMoss
Constitution Party Richard McKie

Missouri House of Representatives District 36

See also: Missouri state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Missouri House of Representatives District 36 was called for November 3.[70] The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 15.[71]

The seat was vacant following Kevin McManus' (D) resignation after he was elected to the Kansas City Council.[74]

Daron McGee (D) defeated Nola Wood (R), Timothy Peterman (L) and Mary Ann Drape (I) in the special election.[71][75]

Missouri House of Representatives, District 36, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngDaron McGee 56.8% 1,486
     Republican Nola Wood 25.5% 668
     Independent Mary Ann Drape 17% 445
     Libertarian Timothy Peterman 0.6% 16
Total Votes 2,615
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Daron McGee
Republican Party Nola Wood
Libertarian Party Timothy Peterman
Grey.png Mary Ann Drape

Missouri House of Representatives District 89

See also: Missouri state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Missouri House of Representatives District 89 was called for November 3.[70] The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 15.[71]

The seat was vacant following John Diehl's (R) resignation on May 14, 2015. He resigned after he admitted to exchanging text messages with an intern that were of a sexual nature.[76]

Al Gerber (D) was defeated by Dean Plocher (R) in the special election.[71][77]

Missouri House of Representatives, District 89, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngDean Plocher 60.2% 3,462
     Democratic Al Gerber 39.8% 2,289
Total Votes 5,751
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Al Gerber
Republican Party Dean Plocher

New Jersey State Senate District 5

See also: New Jersey state legislative special elections, 2015

Incumbent Nilsa Cruz-Perez was unopposed in the Democratic primary and was unchallenged in the general election. Keith Walker (R) was not listed on the official candidate list for the June 2 primary.[78][79]

Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D) was appointed to the seat on December 15, 2014, to replace Donald Norcross (D), who resigned after he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. A special election was held to determine who would complete the final two years of Norcross' term.[80]

A special election for the position of New Jersey State Senate District 5 was called for November 3. A primary election took place on June 2. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 30, 2015.[78]

Democratic PartyJune 2 Democratic primary candidates:
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Nilsa Cruz-Perez

New York State Senate District 19

See also: New York state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of New York State Senate District 19 was called for November 3.[81]

The seat was vacant following John L. Sampson's (D) removal from office on July 24, 2015.[82]

Roxanne Persaud (D) defeated Jeffrey J. Ferretti (R) and Elias J. Weir (C) in the special election. Persaud also ran on the Women's Equality and Independence tickets.[81][83][84]

New York State Senate, District 19, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRoxanne Persaud 87.7% 7,546
     Republican Jeffrey J. Ferretti 9.1% 779
     Conservative Elias J. Weir 3.2% 278
Total Votes 8,603
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Roxanne Persaud
Republican Party Jeffrey J. Ferretti
Darkred.png Elias J. Weir

New York State Senate District 52

See also: New York state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of New York State Senate District 52 was called for November 3.[85]

The seat was vacant following Thomas Libous' (R) removal from office on July 22, 2015.[86]

Barbara Fiala (D, WE, WF) was defeated by Fred Akshar (R, C, I) in the special election.[87][88]

New York State Senate, District 52, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngFred Akshar 78.5% 45,157
     Democratic Barbara Fiala 21.5% 12,343
Total Votes 57,500
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Barbara Fiala
Republican Party Fred Akshar

New York State Assembly District 29

See also: New York state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of New York State Assembly District 29 was called for November 3.

The seat was vacant following William Scarborough's (D) resignation on May 7, 2015, as part of a plea agreement on federal corruption charges.[89]

Alicia Hyndman (D) defeated Scherie Murray (R) in the special election.[90] Murray also ran on the Reform Party ticket.[91][92]

New York State Assembly, District 29, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngAlicia Hyndman 92.8% 4,045
     Republican Scherie Murray 7.2% 312
Total Votes 4,357
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Alicia Hyndman
Republican Party Scherie Murray

New York State Assembly District 46

See also: New York state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of New York State Assembly District 46 was called for November 3.

The seat was vacant following Alec Brook-Krasny's (D) resignation on July 7, 2015.[93]

Pamela Harris (D, WF) defeated Lucretia Regina-Potter (R, C, I, PCP) in the special election.[94][95][96]

New York State Assembly, District 46, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngPamela Harris 62.9% 4,595
     Republican Lucretia Regina-Potter 37.1% 2,707
Total Votes 7,302
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Pamela Harris
Republican Party Lucretia Regina-Potter

New York State Assembly District 128

See also: New York state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of New York State Assembly District 128 was called for November 3. A Democratic primary election took place on September 10, 2015.[97]

The seat was vacant following Sam Roberts' (D) resignation on June 25, 2015, to become commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.[98]

Pamela Hunter defeated David Stott and Jean Kessner in the Democratic primary. Stott also ran on the Conservative Party ticket. Hunter defeated Stott (C) and John W. Sharon (R,I) in the special election.[99][100]

New York State Assembly, District 128, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngPamela Hunter 53.7% 10,730
     Republican John W. Sharon 35.7% 7,130
     Conservative David Stott 10.6% 2,111
Total Votes 19,971
Democratic Party September 10 Democratic primary candidates:
Republican Party Republican candidates:
Darkred.png Conservative candidates:
Independence Party of America Independence candidates:
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Pamela Hunter
Republican Party John W. Sharon
Darkred.png David Stott

Pennsylvania State Senate District 37

See also: Pennsylvania state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Pennsylvania State Senate District 37 was called for November 3. Candidates were nominated by parties rather than chosen in primaries.[101]

The seat was vacant following Matthew Smith's (D) resignation on June 21, 2015, to become president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce.[102]

Guy Reschenthaler (R) defeated Heather Arnet (D) in the special election.[103][104]

Pennsylvania State Senate, District 37, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngGuy Reschenthaler 55.1% 30,565
     Democratic Heather Arnet 44.9% 24,888
Total Votes 55,453
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Heather Arnet
Republican Party Guy Reschenthaler

Texas House of Representatives District 118

See also: Texas state legislative special elections, 2015

A special election for the position of Texas House of Representatives District 118 was called for November 3, 2015. A special runoff election was held on January 26, 2016.[105][106] The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was September 2.[107]

The seat was vacant following Joe Farias' (D) resignation on August 10, 2015.[108]

Anthony Alcoser (D), Robert A. Casias (R), Gabe Farias (D), Michael Holdman (R), John Lujan (R) and Tomas Uresti (D) faced off in a special election.[109] Since no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters, Lujan and Uresti, met in a runoff election, which Lujan won.[106][110]

Texas House of Representatives, District 118, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Lujan (advanced to the runoff) 29.2% 1,904
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngTomas Uresti (advanced to the runoff) 21.7% 1,415
     Democratic Gabe Farias 18% 1,170
     Republican Michael Holdman 14.4% 938
     Democratic Anthony Alcoser 11.4% 741
     Republican Robert A. Casias 5.3% 346
Total Votes 6,514
Texas House of Representatives, District 118, Special Election Runoff, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngJohn Lujan 52.4% 1,880
     Democratic Tomas Uresti 47.6% 1,709
Total Votes 3,589
November 3 Special election candidates:
Democratic Party Anthony Alcoser
Democratic Party Gabe Farias
Democratic Party Tomas Uresti
Republican Party Robert A. Casias
Republican Party Michael Holdman
Republican Party John Lujan

Washington House of Representatives District 9a

See also: Washington state legislative special elections, 2015

Kenneth Caylor (D), incumbent Mary Dye (R) and Richard Lathim (R) faced off in the primary on August 4. Under the state's top-two primary system, the top two vote-getters advanced to the general election.[111] Lathim was defeated by Dye in the general election on November 3.[112][113]

Mary Dye (R) was appointed to the seat on May 8, 2015, to replace Susan Fagan (R), who resigned on May 1. A special election was held to determine who would complete the final year of Fagan's term.[114]

A special election for the position of Washington House of Representatives District 9-Position 1 was called for November 3. A primary election took place on August 4. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 15.[111]

Washington House of Representatives, District 9-Position 1, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngMary Dye Incumbent 63.3% 16,019
     Republican Richard Lathim 36.7% 9,282
Total Votes 25,301
August 4 primary candidates:
Democratic Party Kenneth Caylor Approveda
Republican Party Mary Dye Approveda
Republican Party Richard Lathim
November 3 general election candidates:
Democratic Party Kenneth Caylor
Republican Party Mary Dye

Washington House of Representatives District 30b

See also: Washington state legislative special elections, 2015

Incumbent Carol Gregory (D) and Teri Hickel (R) faced off in the primary on August 4.[111] Under the state's top-two primary system, the top two vote-getters advanced to the general election. Gregory was defeated by Hickel in the general election on November 3.[115][116]

Carol Gregory (D) was appointed to the seat in January 2015 to replace Roger Freeman (D), who died on October 29, 2014. He was re-elected posthumously. A special election was held to determine who would complete the final year of Freeman's term.[117]

A special election for the position of Washington House of Representatives District 30-Position 2 was called for November 3. A primary election took place on August 4. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 15.[111]

Washington House of Representatives, District 30-Position 2, Special Election, 2015
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngTeri Hickel 54.8% 12,652
     Democratic Carol Gregory Incumbent 45.2% 10,431
Total Votes 23,083
August 4 primary candidates:
Democratic Party Carol Gregory Approveda
Republican Party Teri Hickel Approveda
November 3 general election candidates:
Democratic Party Carol Gregory
Republican Party Teri Hickel

Looking ahead

Upcoming special elections include:

  • November 3:
  • November 10:
  • December 1:
  • December 8:

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Reuters, "Arizona governor signs $3.5 billion education plan to end lawsuit," accessed November 2, 2015
  2. ↑ Casa Grande Dispatch, "Ducey signs $3.5B bills," accessed November 2, 2015
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Financial Spots, "Governor calls legislature into special session Financial Spots," accessed November 2, 2015
  4. ↑ AZ Central, "Proposed Agreement," accessed November 2, 2015
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Washington Post, "Va. state senator reports alleged threat by father of slain TV reporter," October 28, 2015
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 WSLS, "Andy Parker accused of making threats to Virginia Senator," October 29, 2015
  7. ↑ WDBJ, "Andy Parker apologizes after senator claims he sent ‘threatening’ messages," October 30, 2015
  8. ↑ Reuters, "Bloomberg's gun control group targets Virginia state races," November 2, 2015
  9. ↑ Stateside Associates, "Session Calendar 2015," accessed November 2, 2015
  10. ↑ StateNet, "Daily Session Summary," accessed November 2, 2015
  11. ↑ StateNet, "Daily Session Summary," accessed November 2, 2015
  12. ↑ Special session abruptly adjourned on August 17 with no agreement in place over redistricting congressional districts. The deadline to create new congressional maps was September 1. The courts determined that the state's 3rd Congressional District must be re-drawn. The courts are expected to rule on a new congressional map in November.
  13. ↑ Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia will hold general elections on November 3, 2015. Louisiana's general elections will be held on November 21.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Mississippi Secretary of State, "2015 Elections," accessed January 2, 2015
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Mississippi Secretary of State, "2015 Election Calendar," accessed January 2, 2015
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 New Jersey Department of Elections, "2015 Primary Election Timeline," accessed February 2, 2015
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Virginia State Board of Elections, "2015 November Election Calendar," accessed January 2, 2015
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Rockdale News, "Governor calls for District 43 Special Election," accessed September 8, 2015
  19. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Call for Special Election in State Senate District 43," accessed September 17, 2015
  20. ↑ Rockdale News, "Special election for District 43 to be called," August 1, 2015
  21. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Georgia Secretary of State Brian P. Kemp Releases Final Decision on Candidate Challenge," accessed October 20, 2015
  22. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Qualifying Candidate Information," accessed September 17, 2015
  23. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Special Election Results for November 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  24. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Special Election - December 1, 2015," accessed December 2, 2015
  25. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Georgia Secretary of State Brian P. Kemp Releases Final Decision on Candidate Challenge," accessed October 20, 2015
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Georgia Secretary of State, "Call for Special Election in State House District 92," accessed October 20, 2015
  27. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Secretary Kemp Announces the Close of Qualifying for the Special Election in State House District 92," accessed October 20, 2015
  28. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Special Election Results for November 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  29. ↑ WRDW-TV, "UPDATE | Date of special election set for Ben Harbin's seat," accessed August 12, 2015
  30. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Call for Special Election in State House District 122," accessed September 17, 2015
  31. ↑ The Augusta Chronicle, "District 122 special election set for Nov. 3," accessed September 16, 2015
  32. ↑ The Augusta Chronicle, "Ben Harbin will leave Legislature to become lobbyist," accessed June 30, 2015
  33. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Qualifying Candidate Information," accessed September 17, 2015
  34. ↑ NBC 26, "House District 122 race will go to runoff between Taylor and Lott," accessed November 3, 2015
  35. ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Special Election - December 1, 2015," accessed December 2, 2015
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 siouxlandmatters.com, "A special election to fill the open seat has been set for November," accessed September 14, 2015
  37. ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "November 3, 2015 - Special Election Calendar," accessed October 16, 2015
  38. ↑ Iowa Secretary of State, "Candidate list," accessed October 16, 2015
  39. ↑ Maine Legislature, "Vacancy in House District 19," accessed August 21, 2015
  40. ↑ fosters.com, "State Rep. William Noon, 66, dies after battle with cancer," July 15, 2015
  41. ↑ Maine Department of the Secretary of State, "November 3, 2015 Special Election for State Representative District 19," accessed August 31, 2015
  42. ↑ WMTW, "Get Latest Maine Election Results," accessed November 3, 2015
  43. ↑ Maine Legislature, "Vacancy in House District 23," accessed August 31, 2015
  44. ↑ keepmecurrent.com, "Moving away, Shaw resigns House seat," accessed August 21, 2015
  45. ↑ Maine Secretary of State, "November 3, 2015 Special Election for State Representative District 23," accessed September 15, 2015
  46. ↑ WMTW, "Get Latest Maine Election Results," accessed November 3, 2015
  47. ↑ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Special State Election 2nd Plymouth and Bristol Senatorial District," accessed July 14, 2015
  48. ↑ MassLive, "State Sen. Tom Kennedy dies at 63 after more than 30 years in Legislature," accessed June 30, 2015
  49. ↑ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Special State Primary Candidates," accessed September 10, 2015
  50. ↑ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "2015 State Senate Special General Election," accessed November 20, 2015
  51. ↑ Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "2015 State Senate Special Democratic Primary," accessed November 20, 2015
  52. ↑ mlive.com, "Special election scheduled for Grand Rapids seat in Michigan House," accessed August 7, 2015
  53. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Dillon will leave his state House seat effective Aug. 3," accessed July 14, 2015
  54. ↑ Michigan Department of State, "2015 Unofficial Michigan Special Primary Candidate Listing," accessed August 24, 2015
  55. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Election Results: General election," accessed March 28, 2016
  56. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Election Results: Primary election," accessed March 28, 2016
  57. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Calley announces elections for Courser, Gamrat seats," accessed September 14, 2015
  58. ↑ The Detroit News, "House expels Gamrat; Courser resigns before vote," September 11, 2015
  59. ↑ Michigan Department of State, "2016 Unofficial Michigan Special Primary Candidate Listing," accessed September 21, 2015
  60. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Election Results: General election," accessed March 28, 2016
  61. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Election Results: Primary election," accessed March 28, 2016
  62. ↑ Detroit Free Press, "Calley announces elections for Courser, Gamrat seats," accessed September 14, 2015
  63. ↑ Holland Sentinel, "UPDATE: Cindy Gamrat expelled from Michigan House, Todd Courser resigns after affair cover-up," accessed September 11, 2015
  64. ↑ Michigan Department of State, "2015 Unofficial Michigan Special Primary Candidate Listing," accessed September 21, 2015
  65. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Election Results: General election," accessed March 28, 2016
  66. ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Election Results: Primary election," accessed March 28, 2016
  67. ↑ Minnesota Public Radio, "Flanagan running unopposed for Winkler’s seat," accessed June 23, 2015
  68. ↑ winonadailynews.com, "Winkler's resignation from Legislature effective July 1," accessed June 15, 2015
  69. ↑ State of Minnesota, "Writ of Special election," accessed June 17, 2015
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 70.2 Office of the Missouri Governor, "Gov. Nixon sets Nov. 3 as date for special elections to fill House seats for 29th District, 36th District and 89th District," accessed July 29, 2015
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 71.3 71.4 71.5 Missouri Secretary of State, "Candidate Filing Special Elections November 3, 2015," accessed August 24, 2015
  72. ↑ The Missouri Times, "Torpey to head FERAF," December 4, 2014
  73. ↑ Missouri Secretary of State, "State of Missouri - Special - Legislative District 29 (ENR) - November 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  74. ↑ ktrs.com, "Gov. Nixon sets special election to fill Missouri House vacancies," accessed July 28, 2015
  75. ↑ Missouri Secretary of State, "State of Missouri - Special - Legislative District 36 (ENR) - November 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  76. ↑ kmov.com, "Missouri a House Speaker Resigns after intern text messages," accessed May 14, 2015
  77. ↑ Missouri Secretary of State, "State of Missouri - Special - Legislative District 89 - November 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 State of New Jersey Department of State, "Official candidate list for State Senate," accessed April 16, 2015
  79. ↑ State of New Jersey Department of State, "Unofficial primary election results," accessed June 3, 2015
  80. ↑ Philly.com, "Cruz-Perez sworn in to New Jersey state Senate seat," December 15, 2014
  81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 capitalnewyork.com, "Brooklyn Democrats fall in behind Persaud," accessed September 14, 2015
  82. ↑ NY Times, "John Sampson, New York State Senator, Is Guilty on Some Federal Charges," July 24, 2015
  83. ↑ New York State Board of Elections, "Candidate Petition List," accessed September 28, 2015
  84. ↑ New York Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections State Senator Election Returns Nov. 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  85. ↑ Times Union, "It’s official: GOP nominates Fred Akshar in 52nd Senate District race," accessed September 14, 2015
  86. ↑ NY Times, "Thomas Libous, New York State Senator, Is Convicted of Lying to F.B.I.," July 22, 2015
  87. ↑ NY Board of Elections, "Candidate Petition List," accessed September 14, 2015
  88. ↑ New York Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections State Senator Election Returns Nov. 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  89. ↑ Reuters, "N.Y. lawmaker pleads guilty to corruption," accessed May 7, 2015
  90. ↑ qchron.com, "Candidates debate in 29th AD," accessed September 16, 2015
  91. ↑ New York State Board of Election, "Candidate Petition List," accessed September 28, 2015
  92. ↑ New York Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections Member of Assembly Election Returns Nov. 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  93. ↑ brooklyneagle.com, "Brook-Krasny to resign from State Assembly on July 7," accessed June 15, 2015
  94. ↑ New York State Board of Elections, "Candidate Petition List," accessed September 28, 2015
  95. ↑ observer.com, "Brooklyn Democrats Nominate Black Candidate for Majority White Assembly Seat," accessed September 16, 2015
  96. ↑ New York Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections Member of Assembly Election Returns Nov. 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  97. ↑ syracuse.com, "Pam Hunter wins NY Assembly primary, defeats two challengers," accessed September 14, 2015
  98. ↑ syracuse.com, "State Senate confirms Assemblyman Sam Roberts as NY's welfare commissioner," accessed June 19, 2015
  99. ↑ NY Board of Elections, "Candidate Petition List," accessed September 14, 2015
  100. ↑ New York Board of Elections, "NYS Board of Elections Member of Assembly Election Returns Nov. 3, 2015," accessed November 3, 2015
  101. ↑ post-gazette.com, "State Senate vacancy attracts candidates," accessed June 25, 2015
  102. ↑ Politics PA, "BREAKING: State Sen. Matt Smith Resigning," accessed May 28, 2015
  103. ↑ politicspa.com, "SD-37: Heather Arnet Wins Democratic Nomination," accessed August 5, 2015
  104. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "37th Senatorial Special Election," accessed November 25, 2015
  105. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Candidates for State Representative, District 118 Special Runoff Election," accessed December 2, 2015
  106. ↑ 106.0 106.1 Belleville News-Democrat, "The Latest: San Antonio state House race heads to runoff," accessed November 3, 2015
  107. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Proclamation by the Governor of the State of Texas," accessed August 27, 2015
  108. ↑ trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com, "Rep. Joe Farias resigns Texas House seat, prompting another special election in San Antonio," August 10, 2015
  109. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "Candidates for State Representative, District 118 Special Election," accessed September 4, 2015
  110. ↑ Texas Secretary of State, "2016 Special Runoff Election, House District 118," accessed January 27, 2016
  111. ↑ 111.0 111.1 111.2 111.3 Washington Secretary of State, "Candidates Who Have Filed," accessed May 19, 2015 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "Wacandlist1" defined multiple times with different content
  112. ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "August 4, 2015 Primary Results," accessed August 5, 2015
  113. ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Legislative District 9 - State Representative Pos. 1," accessed November 3, 2015
  114. ↑ spokesman.com, "Mary Dye named to fill 9th District House seat," accessed May 18, 2015
  115. ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "August 4, 2015 Primary Results," accessed August 5, 2015
  116. ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Legislative District 30 - State Representative Pos. 2," accessed November 3, 2015
  117. ↑ theolympian.com, "Carol Gregory raises quick cash in state House race against Teri Hickel," accessed May 19, 2015
Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=State_Legislative_Tracker:_Virginia_state_senator_reports_threat_by_gun-control_advocate&oldid=9475407"