Association Assesses Balances of Power in Wake of State Elections

For over a decade, our Association has monitored state legislation that had the potential of affecting our members, and when needed, we have worked for changes on members’ behalf.

That process begins for us each fall as bills are pre-filed for the upcoming session, but the period following elections requires additional effort as we look for changes in the make-up of the various state legislative and executive bodies.

While we never take partisan positions, it is important to note when parties in control change. In this issue of Shortliner, we take a first look at the November 8 results.

Republicans across the country expanded the map, and as of this reporting, there are four additional Republican trifectas—states where one party controls both legislative chambers and the governor’s office: Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, and New Hampshire.

The Kentucky House flipped to Republican control for the first time since 1921. Republicans gained 17 seats and will hold a 64-36 seat majority in the House. Additionally, the Iowa Senate flipped to Republican control, creating the aforementioned Republican trifecta.

Republicans also made gains in the Delaware Senate. Pre-election, the balance of power was 12-9 in favor of Democrats, but the chamber is now 10-10 with one impending vacant seat after current state Senator Hall-Long (D) was elected lieutenant governor. Her seat will be filled in a special election in early 2017.

In another typically blue state, the Connecticut Senate is now tied 18-18. The presiding officer of the Senate is Connecticut’s Democratic lieutenant governor, who only votes to break a tie. Republicans also made gains in the Connecticut House, picking up several seats, though the Democrats still hold a majority.

Republicans also fared well in Minnesota. Currently, they hold a slim post-election 34-33 majority in the state Senate, although at least three recounts are expected in close races, so the majority is subject to change. Republicans expanded their majority in the Minnesota House.

Democrats gained a strong majority in the Nevada House, and will have a slim one-vote majority in the Senate, turfing out Republicans in both chambers.

Democrats also regained control of the House in New Mexico.

The Republican majority in the Washington Senate appears to have narrowed, but the party should continue to control the chamber with the help of a reliably conservative Democratic senator.

In New York, Republicans appear to have retained control of the state Senate, winning 31 seats, and with a Brooklyn Independent Democrat conferencing with them, that makes 32 in the 63-member chamber.  But Senate Democrats plan a legal challenge in two Long Island contests; they will attempt to force a paper-ballot count.

In coming weeks, we will update members regarding upcoming legislative sessions in your states and the need to contact your new or returning elected representatives, letting them know you are glad they are getting to work, and that you expect them to keep you informed regarding issues that affect your business.