While most voters are focused on the race for the White House, we want to call everyone’s attention to what will happen in the states today, too. State-level elections—while not as sexy as a presidential race—will have implications for our country well past the next four years.
Gubernatorial Races: The 2018 midterms brought more Democratic governors, which resulted in greater parity between Democrats (24 Governors) and Republicans (26 Governors). Today, there are 11 gubernatorial elections. We expect both parties to hold on to their current Governors’ mansions, but all eyes will be on Montana—where Republican candidate Greg Gianforte could win the seat being vacated by current Democratic Governor Steve Bullock.
State Legislatures: There are a number of key state legislatures that could flip party control, with Democrats making gains in states that were unthinkable in 2016, including:
- Arizona, where Democrats have the potential to take control of the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives.
- Minnesota Senate, putting all branches of government there under Democratic control.
- We will also be watching Michigan closely as the Democrats may take the House in what was a once a solidly Republican chamber.
- In New Hampshire, we expect Republican Governor Chris Sununu to remain in office, but the Democrat-controlled legislature may see Republican gains.
- Finally, the once-unthinkable event: the Texas House of Representatives could flip to Democratic control for the first time since 2002. I think Republicans will ultimately maintain control, but Democrats will have a noticeable gain.
These races may not garner the national headlines or money like the presidential race—but they are critically important due to the impact they will have on redistricting, which has long-term implications for future congressional elections.
I wish the BIO community a safe Election Day. If you have not done so, please vote. It’s not only a right—it’s your obligation to defend our democracy. – Patrick Plues, BIO’s VP of State Government Affairs
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