While much of the post-election attention has centered on President-elect Donald Trump’s historic victory and Republican successes in the U.S. House and Senate, the GOP also achieved significant gains in state legislatures nationwide. In battleground Michigan, for instance, Republicans successfully regained full control from Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer by taking over the State House. To secure a majority in the chamber, Republicans needed to win 56 seats. As of 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, the GOP is projected to exceed that threshold with 59 seats.
The outcome was significantly impacted by a key shift in the 109th House District, where former meteorologist Karl Bohnak successfully defeated Democrat incumbent Rep. Jenn Hill, leaving Governor Whitmer in a “lame duck” position. “With a Republican majority, Michigan will have a stronger voice fighting for the values of hardworking families and addressing the issues that matter most — safe schools and neighborhoods, an affordable economy, and a government that provides value for dollars,” current Minority Leader Matt Hall wrote in a caucus email on Wednesday morning.
In other parts of the “blue wall,” Republican nominee Dave Sunday, who serves as the District Attorney in York County, Pennsylvania, defeated Democratic challenger Eugene DePasquale in the race for attorney general. This seat is currently held by Michelle Henry, who took over from current Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro after he was elected in 2022. Republicans also succeeded in retaining control of the Pennsylvania Senate, while the fate of the State House remains uncertain. And in Wisconsin, Republicans made several significant gains and retained control of the state assembly.
The new balance of power in the Wisconsin State Legislature after the first election under new maps. pic.twitter.com/aKdAYonmKt
— Dan Shafer (@DanRShafer) November 6, 2024
BREAKING: MI Republicans gain back control of the MI House with a 58-52 seat majority. We should now have a firewall in place to prevent @GovWhitmer and @misenatedems from destroying our state anymore…or at least slow down their destruction.
Pray that they elect a House…— Patrick Colbeck?? (@pjcolbeck) November 6, 2024
GOP success extended beyond swing states. In Vermont, the party successfully flipped the Lieutenant Governor’s office, secured five additional seats in the State Senate, and made a remarkable gain of 18 seats in the State House. Republican Governor Phil Scott, a moderate who voted for Vice President Harris, also won reelection. With these flips, Republicans will hold their highest number of seats in the state legislature since 2002. Meanwhile, Democrats lost their trifecta in Minnesota despite Governor Tim Walz campaigning at the top of the national ballot as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate. The State House is now evenly divided after several Republican flips, marking a significant setback for the governor.