How Blue Tsunami in State Legislatures Could Impact National Politics
Summary
Democrats gained control of several state legislative chambers in the midterm elections, including both chambers in Wisconsin, and expanded the number of states with unified Democratic government. The article says state control could let Democrats pass policies on issues such as education, health care, transportation, taxes, voting rules and congressional maps, even as federal lawmaking may face gridlock.Key Facts
- Democrats flipped both legislative chambers in Wisconsin and retained the governorship, giving the party unified control there for the first time in 16 years.
- The article reported Democratic gains in both chambers in New Hampshire, the Pennsylvania Senate, and the state House chambers in Michigan, North Carolina, Texas and Minnesota.
- Results in Georgia and Arizona were not final when the article was written, but Democrats appeared poised to take control of each state's lower chamber.
- The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee said more than half of the U.S. population would live in a state with a Democratic legislature after the gains.
- State legislatures shape policies including abortion, school funding, taxes, voting rules and congressional district maps.
- States also decide how to spend federal funds on services such as health care and schools, and carry major responsibility for education spending and transportation.
- Political scientists quoted in the article said Democratic control in more states could enable legislation, while a presidential veto could contribute to gridlock in Washington.
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