Here's a state by state rundown and update on the legislative races to date (for ballot measure results, see Prop*50 as usual):
Virginia. The Senate remains as we reported it last night: an apparent 20-20 tie pending the outcome of provisional ballots and a possible recount in one race in which Republican Bryce Reeves leads incumbent Democrat Ed Houck by 86 votes. If that margin holds, it would mean a two seat gain for the Republicans and functional control of the Senate because of the Republican lieutenant governor's tie-breaking vote. In the Virginia House of Delegates, Republicans picked up eight seats and hold a two-thirds majority, 66R-32D. Democratic House minority leader Ward Armstrong was defeated in his bid for re-election.
New Jersey. Democrats gained one seat in the Assembly to consolidate their 48-32 margin over Republicans. The Senate remained the same, 24D-16R. The Senate especially showed no evidence of anti-incumbent voting: 37 of 40 incumbent members ran for re-election, and all of them won! This in a redistricting year in which new district lines normally discourage some veteran members from running again and the defeat of at least a few of them.
Mississippi. In an update to "Republican Gains in Mississippi," the margin in the House is now down to two undecided races. Republicans have narrow margins in both of them, but not all ballots have yet been counted. The Democrats' best hope is for a 61-61 tie; the Republicans' a 63-59 majority. Check back later for more definitive results.
Special elections. NCSL's State Vote page has a nice rundown on 14 special elections in seven states. In all but one of the races that have been decided the party that previously held the seat prevailed. The exception was Oklahoma, where a Democrat won a previously Republican seat. [Update 10:30 a.m., MST] [Update 11/16]: The Oklahoma special election was a primary for both parties. The general election to fill House district 1 is not until February 14. The most noteworthy special election was in Iowa, where a Democratic victory maintained the current 26D-24R balance.
Recalls. Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce and Michigan Sen. Paul Scott were both recalled. Pearce was replaced by a fellow Republican. Under Michigan election law, Scott was defeated by a Democrat recalled, but his seat will not be filled until a February special election. [Correction, 11:45 a.m. MST]
Comments