Author: Douglas Kronaizl

  • Odd-year open seat rate currently at a decade-high with further increases likely

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    The percentage of open seats in state executive and legislative elections is at a decade-high 22% compared to all odd-year election cycles since 2011.  And it’s almost definitely going to get even higher. The 2023 rate is around one percentage point higher than the recent peak in 2019 (21%) and about six percentage points higher…

  • 945 state legislative special elections since 2010

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, July 19, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: There have been 945 state legislative special elections since 2010 Harris ties Calhoun for most vice presidential tie-breaking votes in U.S. history Ballotpedia’s Volunteer Fellows Program applications are open! There have been 945 state legislative special elections…

  • Despite increase among Republicans, contested primaries in Mississippi House reach decade-low

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    There are 44 contested state legislative primaries coming up on Aug. 8 in the Mississippi House, a decade-low for the chamber, down one from the previous low in 2019. While the total number of contested primaries is down, the number of contested Republican primaries is at a decade-high. This year, 30 state legislative races have…

  • Previewing Nashville’s upcoming mayoral election

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, July 12, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Twelve candidates running in Nashville’s Aug. 3 mayoral general election Here’s what noteworthy presidential candidates are saying about K-12 education Maine voters to decide right-to-repair initiative in November Twelve candidates running in Nashville’s Aug. 3 mayoral general…

  • All 10 states with the largest percentages of open seats since 2010 have term limits

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    Since 2010, Ballotpedia has covered state legislative elections to 44,639 seats across all 50 states over 13 election cycles. During that time, 8,404 of those seats have been open, those where no incumbents ran for re-election. That represents 18.8% of all seats up for election between 2010 and 2022. The key determinant of the magnitude…

  • Voters decided 10 affirmative action-related ballot measures since 1996

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, July 5, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Voters decided 10 affirmative action-related ballot measures since 1996, opposing the practice eight times, and supporting it twice President Joe Biden issued two executive orders in June, bringing his total to 117 Percentage of term-limited legislators in…

  • Special congressional elections have become more common in recent decades

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, June 28, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Special congressional elections have become more common in recent decades Democrats and Republicans contesting 51% of state legislative elections this year, down from 93% in 2021 Louisianans to decide amendment on religious gatherings in response to COVID-19…

  • Six legislatively-referred ballot measures received unanimous support from both parties, more than previous years

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, June 21, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Six legislatively-referred ballot measures received unanimous support from both parties, up from recent years Alabama enacts law prohibiting ESG investing among companies receiving state contracts Arkansas Attorney General certifies ballot language for veto referendum of omnibus education…

  • Oregon’s longest state legislative walkout enters sixth week

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, June 14, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Oregon’s longest state legislative walkout enters sixth week SCOTUS decision in Alabama redistricting case was 486 days in the making, the longest span in more than two decades Senate has confirmed 130 Biden judicial nominees, the most…

  • One incumbent defeated in New Jersey’s state legislative primaries

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    New Jersey held state legislative primaries on June 6, the first in the 2023 election cycle. One Democratic incumbent—Nia Gill—lost, representing 1.1% of the 93 incumbents running for re-election. Overall, 17 incumbents ran in contested primaries, meaning 82% were guaranteed to advance to the general election. It is uncommon for state legislative incumbents to lose…