Author: Mackenzie Murphy
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March 2022 breakdown of state legislative party membership: 54.34% Republicans, 44.39% Democrats
According to Ballotpedia’s March partisan count of the 7,383 state legislative seats across the United States, 54.34% of all state legislators are Republicans and 44.39% are Democrats. Ballotpedia tallies the partisan balance of state legislatures at the end of every month. Republicans control 62 chambers, while Democrats hold 36. The Alaska House of Representatives is…
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New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner retires
On Jan. 10, 2022, New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner (D) retired. Gardner is the longest-serving secretary of state, having been first elected secretary by the state legislature in 1976. Before serving as secretary, Gardner served as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1973 to 1976. Deputy Secretary of State…
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Texas State Rep. Ryan Guillen leaves Democratic Party, announces bid for re-election as a Republican
On Nov. 15, 2021, Texas State Rep. Ryan Guillen (R) announced he was leaving the Democratic Party. “After much thought and much prayer with my family, today I am announcing that I’ll proudly be running as a Republican to represent house district 31,” Guillen said in a press conference held with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott…
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Texas Gov. Abbott appoints state supreme court justice
Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott (R) appointed Evan Young to the Texas State Supreme court on Nov. 1, 2021. Young assumed office on Nov. 9. Young’s appointment fills the vacancy created by Eva Guzman, who resigned from the court in June 2021 to run for Texas attorney general. Under Texas law, the governor appoints a replacement…
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Michael DiMassa resigns from Connecticut state House
Connecticut state Rep. Michael DiMassa (D-116) resigned on Oct. 25 after he was indicted on charges of wire fraud. DiMassa submitted a letter of resignation dated Oct. 21 that the secretary of state received on Oct. 25. DiMassa was arrested on Oct. 18 after he allegedly created a fraudulent company that received more than $600,000…
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Gov. Greg Abbott (R) appoints John Scott (R) as secretary of state
On Oct. 21, 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed John Scott as secretary of state. Scott replaces Ruth Ruggero Hughs, who resigned in May of 2021 after the Senate Nominating Commission refused to take up her nomination. Texas is one of nine states where secretaries of state are appointed by the governor. Scott’s appointment will…
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Michigan state Rep. Andrea Schroeder dies
Michigan state Rep. Andrea Schroeder (R) died from stomach cancer while serving in office on Oct. 1, 2021. Schroeder was first elected to represent House District 43 in 2018. She most recently won re-election in 2020, defeating Nicole Breadon (D) 59.7% to 40.3%. When a vacancy occurs in the Michigan State Legislature, the governor must…
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Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Matthew Strickler resigns
Matthew Strickler resigned from his position as Virginia’s Secretary of Natural Resources in September 2021. The press release announcing Strickler’s departure stated he was leaving to pursue “new opportunities where he will continue his excellent work of protecting our nation’s resources.” Governor Ralph Northam (D) appointed Ann Jennings, Virginia’s deputy secretary of Natural and Historic…