Republicans running on the ballot underneath President-elect Donald Trump made gains in numerous state legislative chambers, though Democrats also notched a few victories in an expensive battle for state power. The most notable change from Tuesday's elections came in Michigan, where Republicans won back the House just two years after Democrats claimed full control of both legislative chambers and the governor's office for the first time in 40 years. Republicans also appeared on track to force a tie with Democrats in the Minnesota House , which would break a Democratic trifecta won two years ago.
Democrats had flexed their powers in the upper Midwestern states to enact a sweeping agenda supporting abortion rights, gun control, union bargaining powers and more. That will likely end under a new era of split partisan control. Votes were still being counted Thursday in some states, including Arizona, where Republicans were trying to defend slim majorities in both legislative chambers against an aggressive campaign by Democratic-aligned groups.
In Pennsylvania, Democrats were trying to hold on to a one-seat majority in the House while Republicans retained control of the Senate. Nationally, Republicans will continue to hold a majority of state legislative chambers and governor's offices. None of the 11 governorships up for election flipped control.
Overall, it appears there will be only modest change in the composition of state legislatures, according to the National Conference of S.
