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State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2010

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Last updated on November 18, 2024
2010 State Legislative Competitiveness
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There were 6,127 state legislative seats up for election on November 2, 2010, in 46 states. Overall, 4,984 incumbents filed for re-election and were running at the time of their respective primaries. Of that total, 995 incumbents faced contested primaries, representing 20% of all incumbents who filed for re-election.

A primary is contested when there are more candidates running than nominations available. When this occurs, and an incumbent is present, it means the incumbent could possibly lose the primary. Learn more about the terms and methodologies used in this analysis.

Ballotpedia uses the number and percentage of incumbents in contested primaries to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A larger number of contested primaries indicates more opportunities for voters to elect a non-incumbent to office. A smaller number indicates fewer of those opportunities.

In 2010:

  • There were 558 Democratic incumbents in contested primaries, representing 19% of all Democratic incumbents who filed for re-election.
  • There were 436 Republican incumbents in contested primaries, representing 21% of all Republican incumbents who filed for re-election.
  • There was one minor party or independent incumbent in a contested primary, representing 8% of all minor party or independent incumbents who filed for re-election.



    • State legislative incumbents in contested primaries, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 4,958 2,350 454 19.3% 1,730 362 20.9% 4,089 816 20.0%
    Senate 1,169 520 104 20.0% 371 74 19.9% 895 179 20.0%
    Total 6,127 2,870 558 19.4% 2,101 436 20.8% 4,984 995 20.0%


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

    By state

    Overview

    Alabama

    There were 140 seats up for election in Alabama. A total of 121 incumbents filed for re-election: 69 Democrats, 51 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 34 incumbents—21 Democrats and 13 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 28.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Alabama, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 105 53 17 32.1% 41 11 26.8% 94 28 29.8%
    Senate 35 16 4 25.0% 10 2 20.0% 27 6 22.2%
    Total 140 69 21 30.4% 51 13 25.5% 121 34 28.1%


    See also:

    Alaska

    There were 50 seats up for election in Alaska. A total of 45 incumbents filed for re-election: 22 Democrats and 23 Republicans. Of that total, six incumbents—one Democrat and five Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 13.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Alaska, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 40 17 1 5.9% 19 5 26.3% 36 6 16.7%
    Senate 10 5 0 0.0% 4 0 0.0% 9 0 0.0%
    Total 50 22 1 4.5% 23 5 21.7% 45 6 13.3%


    See also:

    Arizona

    There were 90 seats up for election in Arizona. A total of 51 incumbents filed for re-election: 20 Democrats and 31 Republicans. Of that total, 26 incumbents—seven Democrats and 19 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 51.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arizona, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 60 14 6 42.9% 22 15 68.2% 36 21 58.3%
    Senate 30 6 1 16.7% 9 4 44.4% 15 5 33.3%
    Total 90 20 7 35.0% 31 19 61.3% 51 26 51.0%


    See also:

    Arkansas

    There were 117 seats up for election in Arkansas. A total of 64 incumbents filed for re-election: 42 Democrats and 22 Republicans. Of that total, four incumbents—three Democrats and one Republican—faced contested primaries, representing 6.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Arkansas, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 100 39 2 5.1% 21 1 4.8% 60 3 5.0%
    Senate 17 3 1 33.3% 1 0 0.0% 4 1 25.0%
    Total 117 42 3 7.1% 22 1 4.5% 64 4 6.3%


    See also:

    California

    There were 100 seats up for election in California. A total of 62 incumbents filed for re-election: 44 Democrats and 18 Republicans. Of that total, six incumbents—three Democrats and three Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 9.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in California, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 80 35 3 8.6% 17 3 17.6% 52 6 11.5%
    Senate 20 9 0 0.0% 1 0 0.0% 10 0 0.0%
    Total 100 44 3 6.8% 18 3 16.7% 62 6 9.7%


    See also:

    Colorado

    There were 84 seats up for election in Colorado. A total of 64 incumbents filed for re-election: 37 Democrats, 26 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, one Democratic incumbent faced a contested primary, representing 1.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Colorado, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 65 29 0 0.0% 21 0 0.0% 51 0 0.0%
    Senate 19 8 1 12.5% 5 0 0.0% 13 1 7.7%
    Total 84 37 1 2.7% 26 0 0.0% 64 1 1.6%


    See also:

    Connecticut

    There were 187 seats up for election in Connecticut. A total of 168 incumbents filed for re-election: 124 Democrats and 44 Republicans. Of that total, 10 incumbents—10 Democrats and no Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 6.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Connecticut, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 151 102 9 8.8% 34 0 0.0% 136 9 6.6%
    Senate 36 22 1 4.5% 10 0 0.0% 32 1 3.1%
    Total 187 124 10 8.1% 44 0 0.0% 168 10 6.0%


    See also:

    Delaware

    There were 52 seats up for election in Delaware. A total of 48 incumbents filed for re-election: 32 Democrats and 16 Republicans. Of that total, seven incumbents—six Democrats and one Republican—faced contested primaries, representing 14.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Delaware, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 41 24 5 20.8% 13 0 0.0% 37 5 13.5%
    Senate 11 8 1 12.5% 3 1 33.3% 11 2 18.2%
    Total 52 32 6 18.8% 16 1 6.3% 48 7 14.6%


    See also:

    Florida

    There were 143 seats up for election in Florida. A total of 97 incumbents filed for re-election: 40 Democrats and 57 Republicans. Of that total, 18 incumbents—six Democrats and 12 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 18.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Florida, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 120 36 6 16.7% 50 10 20.0% 86 16 18.6%
    Senate 23 4 0 0.0% 7 2 28.6% 11 2 18.2%
    Total 143 40 6 15.0% 57 12 21.1% 97 18 18.6%


    See also:

    Georgia

    There were 236 seats up for election in Georgia. A total of 198 incumbents filed for re-election: 86 Democrats, 111 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 41 incumbents—19 Democrats and 22 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 20.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Georgia, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 180 66 15 22.7% 86 15 17.4% 153 30 19.6%
    Senate 56 20 4 20.0% 25 7 28.0% 45 11 24.4%
    Total 236 86 19 22.1% 111 22 19.8% 198 41 20.7%


    See also:

    Hawaii

    There were 66 seats up for election in Hawaii. A total of 58 incumbents filed for re-election: 52 Democrats and six Republicans. Of that total, 24 incumbents—24 Democrats and no Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 41.4% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Hawaii, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 51 41 18 43.9% 5 0 0.0% 46 18 39.1%
    Senate 15 11 6 54.5% 1 0 0.0% 12 6 50.0%
    Total 66 52 24 46.2% 6 0 0.0% 58 24 41.4%


    See also:

    Idaho

    There were 105 seats up for election in Idaho. A total of 96 incumbents filed for re-election: 19 Democrats and 77 Republicans. Of that total, 26 incumbents—one Democrat and 25 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 27.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Idaho, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 70 13 0 0.0% 49 13 26.5% 62 13 21.0%
    Senate 35 6 1 16.7% 28 12 42.9% 34 13 38.2%
    Total 105 19 1 5.3% 77 25 32.5% 96 26 27.1%


    See also:

    Illinois

    There were 139 seats up for election in Illinois. A total of 127 incumbents filed for re-election: 76 Democrats and 51 Republicans. Of that total, 21 incumbents—14 Democrats and seven Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 16.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Illinois, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 118 63 12 19.0% 44 6 13.6% 107 18 16.8%
    Senate 21 13 2 15.4% 7 1 14.3% 20 3 15.0%
    Total 139 76 14 18.4% 51 7 13.7% 127 21 16.5%


    See also:

    Indiana

    There were 125 seats up for election in Indiana. A total of 113 incumbents filed for re-election: 56 Democrats and 57 Republicans. Of that total, 21 incumbents—six Democrats and 15 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 18.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Indiana, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 100 48 5 10.4% 43 13 30.2% 91 18 19.8%
    Senate 25 8 1 12.5% 14 2 14.3% 22 3 13.6%
    Total 125 56 6 10.7% 57 15 26.3% 113 21 18.6%


    See also:

    Iowa

    There were 125 seats up for election in Iowa. A total of 108 incumbents filed for re-election: 65 Democrats and 43 Republicans. Of that total, eight incumbents—five Democrats and three Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 7.4% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Iowa, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 100 48 5 10.4% 38 2 5.3% 86 7 8.1%
    Senate 25 17 0 0.0% 5 1 20.0% 22 1 4.5%
    Total 125 65 5 7.7% 43 3 7.0% 108 8 7.4%


    See also:

    Kansas

    There were 125 seats up for election in Kansas. A total of 115 incumbents filed for re-election: 45 Democrats and 70 Republicans. Of that total, 23 incumbents—three Democrats and 20 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 20.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kansas, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 125 45 3 6.7% 70 20 28.6% 115 23 20.0%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 125 45 3 6.7% 70 20 28.6% 115 23 20.0%


    See also:

    Kentucky

    There were 119 seats up for election in Kentucky. A total of 112 incumbents filed for re-election: 68 Democrats, 43 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 21 incumbents—11 Democrats and 10 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 18.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Kentucky, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 100 62 10 16.1% 33 5 15.2% 95 15 15.8%
    Senate 19 6 1 16.7% 10 5 50.0% 17 6 35.3%
    Total 119 68 11 16.2% 43 10 23.3% 112 21 18.8%


    See also:

    Maine

    There were 186 seats up for election in Maine. A total of 143 incumbents filed for re-election: 94 Democrats and 49 Republicans. Of that total, four incumbents—three Democrats and one Republican—faced contested primaries, representing 2.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Maine, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 151 78 3 3.8% 39 1 2.6% 117 4 3.4%
    Senate 35 16 0 0.0% 10 0 0.0% 26 0 0.0%
    Total 186 94 3 3.2% 49 1 2.0% 143 4 2.8%


    See also:

    Maryland

    There were 188 seats up for election in Maryland. A total of 162 incumbents filed for re-election: 121 Democrats and 41 Republicans. Of that total, 105 incumbents—78 Democrats and 27 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 64.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Maryland, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 141 88 65 73.9% 30 21 70.0% 118 86 72.9%
    Senate 47 33 13 39.4% 11 6 54.5% 44 19 43.2%
    Total 188 121 78 64.5% 41 27 65.9% 162 105 64.8%


    See also:

    Massachusetts

    There were 200 seats up for election in Massachusetts. A total of 166 incumbents filed for re-election: 151 Democrats and 15 Republicans. Of that total, 14 incumbents—14 Democrats and no Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 8.4% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Massachusetts, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 160 123 10 8.1% 11 0 0.0% 134 10 7.5%
    Senate 40 28 4 14.3% 4 0 0.0% 32 4 12.5%
    Total 200 151 14 9.3% 15 0 0.0% 166 14 8.4%


    See also:

    Michigan

    There were 148 seats up for election in Michigan. A total of 68 incumbents filed for re-election: 40 Democrats and 28 Republicans. Of that total, 17 incumbents—10 Democrats and seven Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 25.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Michigan, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 110 36 10 27.8% 23 4 17.4% 59 14 23.7%
    Senate 38 4 0 0.0% 5 3 60.0% 9 3 33.3%
    Total 148 40 10 25.0% 28 7 25.0% 68 17 25.0%


    See also:

    Minnesota

    There were 201 seats up for election in Minnesota. A total of 177 incumbents filed for re-election: 121 Democrats and 56 Republicans. Of that total, eight incumbents—five Democrats and three Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 4.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Minnesota, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 134 80 2 2.5% 39 1 2.6% 119 3 2.5%
    Senate 67 41 3 7.3% 17 2 11.8% 58 5 8.6%
    Total 201 121 5 4.1% 56 3 5.4% 177 8 4.5%


    See also:

    Missouri

    There were 180 seats up for election in Missouri. A total of 105 incumbents filed for re-election: 55 Democrats and 50 Republicans. Of that total, 15 incumbents—eight Democrats and seven Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 14.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Missouri, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 163 50 6 12.0% 48 6 12.5% 98 12 12.2%
    Senate 17 5 2 40.0% 2 1 50.0% 7 3 42.9%
    Total 180 55 8 14.5% 50 7 14.0% 105 15 14.3%


    See also:

    Montana

    There were 126 seats up for election in Montana. A total of 75 incumbents filed for re-election: 34 Democrats and 41 Republicans. Of that total, 11 incumbents—thre Democrats and eight Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 14.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Montana, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 100 31 3 9.7% 35 8 22.9% 66 11 16.7%
    Senate 26 3 0 0.0% 6 0 0.0% 9 0 0.0%
    Total 126 34 3 8.8% 41 8 19.5% 75 11 14.7%


    See also:

    Nebraska

    There were 24 seats up for election in Nebraska. A total of 21 incumbents filed for re-election: 10 Democrats, 10 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, six incumbents—4 Democrats, one Republican, and one minor party or independent incumbent—faced contested primaries, representing 28.6% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nebraska, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House N/A
    Senate 24 10 4 40.0% 10 1 10.0% 21 6 28.6%
    Total 24 10 4 40.0% 10 1 10.0% 21 6 28.6%


    See also:

    Nevada

    There were 53 seats up for election in Nevada. A total of 26 incumbents filed for re-election: 17 Democrats and 9 Republicans. Of that total, 5 incumbents—one Democrat and four Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 19.2% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Nevada, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 42 16 1 6.3% 7 3 42.9% 23 4 17.4%
    Senate 11 1 0 0.0% 2 1 50.0% 3 1 33.3%
    Total 53 17 1 5.9% 9 4 44.4% 26 5 19.2%


    See also:

    New Hampshire

    There were 424 seats up for election in New Hampshire. A total of 322 incumbents filed for re-election: 178 Democrats and 144 Republicans. Of that total, 124 incumbents—45 Democrats and 79 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 38.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Hampshire, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 400 166 44 26.5% 137 79 57.7% 303 123 40.6%
    Senate 24 12 1 8.3% 7 0 0.0% 19 1 5.3%
    Total 424 178 45 25.3% 144 79 54.9% 322 124 38.5%


    See also:

    New Mexico

    There were 70 seats up for election in New Mexico. A total of 67 incumbents filed for re-election: 44 Democrats and 23 Republicans. Of that total, 14 incumbents—10 Democrats and four Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 20.9% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New Mexico, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 70 44 10 22.7% 23 4 17.4% 67 14 20.9%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 70 44 10 22.7% 23 4 17.4% 67 14 20.9%


    See also:

    New York

    There were 212 seats up for election in New York. A total of 187 incumbents filed for re-election: 128 Democrats and 59 Republicans. Of that total, 37 incumbents—35 Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 19.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in New York, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 150 98 22 22.4% 33 2 6.1% 131 24 18.3%
    Senate 62 30 13 43.3% 26 0 0.0% 56 13 23.2%
    Total 212 128 35 27.3% 59 2 3.4% 187 37 19.8%


    See also:

    North Carolina

    There were 170 seats up for election in North Carolina. A total of 152 incumbents filed for re-election: 88 Democrats and 64 Republicans. Of that total, 39 incumbents—24 Democrats and 15 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 25.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Carolina, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 120 64 17 26.6% 46 11 23.9% 110 28 25.5%
    Senate 50 24 7 29.2% 18 4 22.2% 42 11 26.2%
    Total 170 88 24 27.3% 64 15 23.4% 152 39 25.7%


    See also:

    North Dakota

    There were 72 seats up for election in North Dakota. A total of 57 incumbents filed for re-election: 24 Democrats and 33 Republicans. Of that total, two incumbents—2 Democrats and no Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 3.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in North Dakota, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 48 14 2 14.3% 23 0 0.0% 37 2 5.4%
    Senate 24 10 0 0.0% 10 0 0.0% 20 0 0.0%
    Total 72 24 2 8.3% 33 0 0.0% 57 2 3.5%


    See also:

    Ohio

    There were 116 seats up for election in Ohio. A total of 87 incumbents filed for re-election: 47 Democrats and 40 Republicans. Of that total, 14 incumbents—six Democrats and eight Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 16.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Ohio, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 99 41 5 12.2% 37 7 18.9% 78 12 15.4%
    Senate 17 6 1 16.7% 3 1 33.3% 9 2 22.2%
    Total 116 47 6 12.8% 40 8 20.0% 87 14 16.1%


    See also:

    Oklahoma

    There were 125 seats up for election in Oklahoma. A total of 103 incumbents filed for re-election: 41 Democrats and 62 Republicans. Of that total, 12 incumbents—five Democrats and seven Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 11.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oklahoma, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 101 33 4 12.1% 54 4 7.4% 87 8 9.2%
    Senate 24 8 1 12.5% 8 3 37.5% 16 4 25.0%
    Total 125 41 5 12.2% 62 7 11.3% 103 12 11.7%


    See also:

    Oregon

    There were 76 seats up for election in Oregon. A total of 69 incumbents filed for re-election: 44 Democrats and 25 Republicans. Of that total, nine incumbents—two Democrats and seven Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 13.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Oregon, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 60 34 1 2.9% 21 6 28.6% 55 7 12.7%
    Senate 16 10 1 10.0% 4 1 25.0% 14 2 14.3%
    Total 76 44 2 4.5% 25 7 28.0% 69 9 13.0%


    See also:

    Pennsylvania

    There were 228 seats up for election in Pennsylvania. A total of 207 incumbents filed for re-election: 100 Democrats and 107 Republicans. Of that total, 29 incumbents—20 Democrats and nine Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 14.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Pennsylvania, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 203 93 18 19.4% 92 9 9.8% 185 27 14.6%
    Senate 25 7 2 28.6% 15 0 0.0% 22 2 9.1%
    Total 228 100 20 20.0% 107 9 8.4% 207 29 14.0%


    See also:

    Rhode Island

    There were 113 seats up for election in Rhode Island. A total of 98 incumbents filed for re-election: 88 Democrats, nine Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 34 incumbents—32 Democrats and two Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 34.7% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Rhode Island, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 75 60 24 40.0% 5 1 20.0% 65 25 38.5%
    Senate 38 28 8 28.6% 4 1 25.0% 33 9 27.3%
    Total 113 88 32 36.4% 9 2 22.2% 98 34 34.7%


    See also:

    South Carolina

    There were 124 seats up for election in South Carolina. A total of 112 incumbents filed for re-election: 48 Democrats and 64 Republicans. Of that total, 26 incumbents—11 Democrats and 15 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 23.2% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Carolina, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 124 48 11 22.9% 64 15 23.4% 112 26 23.2%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 124 48 11 22.9% 64 15 23.4% 112 26 23.2%


    See also:

    South Dakota

    There were 105 seats up for election in South Dakota. A total of 71 incumbents filed for re-election: 26 Democrats and 45 Republicans. Of that total, seven incumbents—three Democrats and four Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 9.9% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in South Dakota, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 70 20 2 10.0% 29 4 13.8% 49 6 12.2%
    Senate 35 6 1 16.7% 16 0 0.0% 22 1 4.5%
    Total 105 26 3 11.5% 45 4 8.9% 71 7 9.9%


    See also:

    Tennessee

    There were 116 seats up for election in Tennessee. A total of 106 incumbents filed for re-election: 54 Democrats, 51 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 12 incumbents—six Democrats and six Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 11.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Tennessee, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 99 47 5 10.6% 43 5 11.6% 91 10 11.0%
    Senate 17 7 1 14.3% 8 1 12.5% 15 2 13.3%
    Total 116 54 6 11.1% 51 6 11.8% 106 12 11.3%


    See also:

    Texas

    There were 166 seats up for election in Texas. A total of 157 incumbents filed for re-election: 75 Democrats and 82 Republicans. Of that total, 28 incumbents—eight Democrats and 20 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 17.8% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Texas, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 150 71 7 9.9% 71 17 23.9% 142 24 16.9%
    Senate 16 4 1 25.0% 11 3 27.3% 15 4 26.7%
    Total 166 75 8 10.7% 82 20 24.4% 157 28 17.8%


    See also:

    Utah

    There were 90 seats up for election in Utah. A total of 81 incumbents filed for re-election: 27 Democrats and 54 Republicans. Of that total, nine incumbents—one Democrat and eight Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 11.1% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Utah, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 75 21 1 4.8% 46 5 10.9% 67 6 9.0%
    Senate 15 6 0 0.0% 8 3 37.5% 14 3 21.4%
    Total 90 27 1 3.7% 54 8 14.8% 81 9 11.1%


    See also:

    Vermont

    There were 180 seats up for election in Vermont. A total of 159 incumbents filed for re-election: 107 Democrats, 47 Republicans, and five minor party or independent incumbents. Of that total, 13 incumbents—eight Democrats and five Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 8.2% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Vermont, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 150 88 3 3.4% 41 3 7.3% 134 6 4.5%
    Senate 30 19 5 26.3% 6 2 33.3% 25 7 28.0%
    Total 180 107 8 7.5% 47 5 10.6% 159 13 8.2%


    See also:

    Washington

    There were 123 seats up for election in Washington. A total of 103 incumbents filed for re-election: 65 Democrats and 38 Republicans. Of that total, 24 incumbents—21 Democrats and three Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 23.3% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Washington, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 98 49 17 34.7% 33 2 6.1% 82 19 23.2%
    Senate 25 16 4 25.0% 5 1 20.0% 21 5 23.8%
    Total 123 65 21 32.3% 38 3 7.9% 103 24 23.3%


    See also:

    West Virginia

    There were 117 seats up for election in West Virginia. A total of 103 incumbents filed for re-election: 76 Democrats and 27 Republicans. Of that total, 52 incumbents—46 Democrats and six Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 50.5% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in West Virginia, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 100 65 39 60.0% 24 5 20.8% 89 44 49.4%
    Senate 17 11 7 63.6% 3 1 33.3% 14 8 57.1%
    Total 117 76 46 60.5% 27 6 22.2% 103 52 50.5%


    See also:

    Wisconsin

    There were 116 seats up for election in Wisconsin. A total of 93 incumbents filed for re-election: 52 Democrats, 40 Republicans, and one minor party or independent incumbent. Of that total, 13 incumbents—six Democrats and seven Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 14.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wisconsin, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 99 43 5 11.6% 35 7 20.0% 79 12 15.2%
    Senate 17 9 1 11.1% 5 0 0.0% 14 1 7.1%
    Total 116 52 6 11.5% 40 7 17.5% 93 13 14.0%


    See also:

    Wyoming

    There were 75 seats up for election in Wyoming. A total of 60 incumbents filed for re-election: 18 Democrats and 42 Republicans. Of that total, 15 incumbents—no Democrats and 15 Republicans—faced contested primaries, representing 25.0% of incumbents who filed for re-election.

    In 2010

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

    State legislative incumbents in contested primaries in Wyoming, 2010
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Total[1]
    Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. % Filed Cont. %
    House 60 14 0 0.0% 35 13 37.1% 49 13 26.5%
    Senate 15 4 0 0.0% 7 2 28.6% 11 2 18.2%
    Total 75 18 0 0.0% 42 15 35.7% 60 15 25.0%


    See also:

    Terms and definitions

    Incumbent

    See also: Incumbent

    Ballotpedia defines incumbency by chamber. Under this definition, if an incumbent in House District 1 filed for re-election in House District 2, they would still be counted as an incumbent due to their remaining in the same chamber even though they ran for a different seat. If an incumbent in House District 1 filed to run in Senate District 2, they would not be counted as an incumbent in the Senate race since they are coming from a different chamber.

    Ballotpedia uses the term re-elect to refer to any incumbent who is running in an election to retain their office, including incumbents who were originally appointed to their position.

    Contested primary

    See also: Primary election

    A contested primary is one where there are more candidates running than nominations available, meaning at least one candidate on the primary ballot must lose.

    The number of candidates needed to create a contested primary depends on the primary system in place and the number of seats up for election in a state legislative district.

    In states with partisan primaries, a primary is typically contested when two or more candidates from the same political party file to run since only one candidate can receive their party's nomination. In states with multi-member state legislative districts, the number of candidates a party can nominate to the general election ballot depends on the number of seats in the district. In these cases, a primary is contested when at least one more candidate files to run than there are seats in the district. In states with top-two/four primaries, a primary is contested when more than two (in states with a top-two system) or more than four (in states with a top-four system) candidates file to run.

    Methodology

    Counting incumbents in contested primaries

    An incumbent is counted as facing a contested primary when there is a chance that incumbent could lose to a primary challenger. Each incumbent is counted individually.

    Typically, in a single-member district, this means the incumbent filed for re-election and faced one or more primary challengers.

    But in states with multi-member districts, several incumbents might be seeking re-election. If such a primary becomes contested, every incumbent running for re-election is counted as facing a contested primary even if it is not possible for every incumbent to lose.

    For example, in a district with two seats where two Democratic incumbents file for re-election, if a third Democrat joins the primary, both of the Democratic incumbents are counted as facing a contested primary even though the third primary challenger can only potentially defeat one.

    In the event of an incumbent v. incumbent primary, where there are more incumbents running in the primary than nominations available, every incumbent present is counted as facing a contested primary.

    Candidacy withdrawals

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

    In order to have their names printed on election ballots, candidates must submit information prior to a filing deadline. Filing deadlines are the dates by which candidates must submit required paperwork to state election administrators.

    For major party candidates, filing deadlines always precede primaries. However, candidates may choose to withdraw before the primary takes place. Withdrawals include decisions to leave the race, disqualifications, and deaths. These withdrawals are either official or unofficial.

    An official withdrawal means the candidate withdrew before a specific date set in state law and their name was removed from the primary ballot. If an incumbent officially withdrew before the primary, they are not included in any of the totals of this analysis, unless they later re-entered the race as a minor party or independent candidate.

    An unofficial withdrawal means the candidate withdrew after a specific date set in state law, typically after ballots have been printed, meaning their name remains on the ballot even though they are not actively campaigning. If an incumbent unofficially withdrew, they are included in the totals of this analysis.

    Minor party and independent incumbents

    Minor party and independent incumbents typically do not participate in primaries in the same way major party incumbents might.

    For minor party incumbents, nominations are normally carried out via conventions, which are limited to a smaller number of voting delegates. Ballotpedia does not count conventions as primaries.

    Independent incumbents normally do not participate in primaries, qualifying instead for the general election ballot directly.

    If a minor party or independent incumbent participates in a contested primary (partisan or top-two/four), they are included in the total number of incumbents in contested primaries.

    All minor party or independent incumbents who have filed for re-election are included in the total number of incumbents running at the time of the primary even if the filing deadline was later than the primary date.

    Convention defeats

    If an incumbent is defeated in a convention and did not appear in any later elections, that incumbent is still included in the total number of incumbents who filed for re-election even though they were not running at the time of the primary.

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.34 1.35 1.36 1.37 1.38 1.39 1.40 1.41 1.42 1.43 1.44 1.45 1.46 1.47 Totals may include minor party or independent officeholders.
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