Open seats in state legislative elections, 2014

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Competitiveness Report Banner.png
Last updated on November 18, 2024
2014 State Legislative Competitiveness
Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
2016 »
« 2012
Analyses
Annual Report
Open seats • Contested primaries • Incumbents in contested primaries • Major party competition • Uncontested incumbents • Incumbents defeated
Primary statistics
2014 elections
State legislative • U.S. Senate • U.S. House • State executive officials
Reports by year


There were 6,051 state legislative seats up for election on November 4, 2014, in 46 states. Of that total, there were 1,019 open seats, guaranteeing at least 17% of all seats would be won by newcomers. The total number and percentage of open seats was the lowest since Ballotpedia began gathering data in 2010.

An open seat is one where no incumbent filed to run, meaning it is guaranteed to be won by a newcomer. Learn more about the terms and methodologies used in this analysis.

Ballotpedia uses the number and percentage of open seats to help determine the overall competitiveness of an election cycle. A greater number of open seats guarantees more newcomers entering legislatures and typically results in more candidates running for office. A smaller number of open seats guarantees fewer newcomers and typically results in fewer candidates running for office.

In 2014:

  • There were 457 open Democratic seats, those most recently held by Democrats at the time of filing.
  • There were 554 open Republican seats, those most recently held by Republicans at the time of filing.
  • There were eight other open seats. This includes those most recently held by minor party or independent officeholders at the time of filing. It also includes seats where Ballotpedia could not determine partisan control due to redistricting.
  • The total number of open seats—1,019—was the lowest since Ballotpedia began gathering data in 2010 and a 22% decrease from 2012.



    • Open state legislative seats, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 4,958 367 437 6 810 16.3%
    Senate 1,093 90 117 2 209 19.1%
    Total 6,051 457 554 8 1,019 16.8%


    Click [show] on the table below to view open seat statistics by state in 2014. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Historical comparison

    The chart below shows a breakdown of open seats from 2010 to 2014. The "Other" value includes seats left open by minor party and independent officeholders. It also includes seats whose previous officeholders could not be determined due to redistricting.


    Click [show] on the table below to view overall open seat statistics by state from 2010 to 2014. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    By state

    Overview

    Alabama

    There were 140 seats up for election in Alabama. Of that total, 21 seats (15.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Alabama, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 105 4 11 1 16 15.2%
    Senate 35 2 3 0 5 14.3%
    Total 140 6 14 1 21 15.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Alabama, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 140 11 8 0 19 13.6%
    2012 Did not hold elections.
    2014 140 6 14 1 21 15.0%


    See also:

    Alaska

    There were 54 seats up for election in Alaska. Of that total, eight seats (14.8%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Alaska, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 40 3 3 0 6 15.0%
    Senate 14 0 2 0 2 14.3%
    Total 54 3 5 0 8 14.8%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Alaska, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 50 1 4 0 5 10.0%
    2012 59 4 6 1 11 18.6%
    2014 54 3 5 0 8 14.8%


    See also:

    Arizona

    There were 90 seats up for election in Arizona. Of that total, 24 seats (26.7%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Arizona, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 60 7 9 0 16 26.7%
    Senate 30 3 5 0 8 26.7%
    Total 90 10 14 0 24 26.7%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Arizona, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 90 17 22 0 39 43.3%
    2012 90 5 26 1 32 35.6%
    2014 90 10 14 0 24 26.7%


    See also:

    Arkansas

    There were 118 seats up for election in Arkansas. Of that total, 31 seats (26.3%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Arkansas, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 11 18 0 29 29.0%
    Senate 18 1 1 0 2 11.1%
    Total 118 12 19 0 31 26.3%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Arkansas, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 117 44 9 0 53 45.3%
    2012 135 32 15 0 47 34.8%
    2014 118 12 19 0 31 26.3%


    See also:

    California

    There were 100 seats up for election in California. Of that total, 33 seats (33.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in California, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 80 14 9 0 23 28.8%
    Senate 20 8 2 0 10 50.0%
    Total 100 22 11 0 33 33.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in California, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 100 20 17 1 38 38.0%
    2012 100 27 17 0 44 44.0%
    2014 100 22 11 0 33 33.0%


    See also:

    Colorado

    There were 82 seats up for election in Colorado. Of that total, 23 seats (28.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Colorado, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 65 6 11 0 17 26.2%
    Senate 17 2 4 0 6 35.3%
    Total 82 8 15 0 23 28.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Colorado, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 84 11 9 0 20 23.8%
    2012 85 15 18 0 33 38.8%
    2014 82 8 15 0 23 28.0%


    See also:

    Connecticut

    There were 187 seats up for election in Connecticut. Of that total, 24 seats (12.8%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Connecticut, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 151 10 8 0 18 11.9%
    Senate 36 4 2 0 6 16.7%
    Total 187 14 10 0 24 12.8%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Connecticut, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 187 13 6 0 19 10.2%
    2012 187 17 7 0 24 12.8%
    2014 187 14 10 0 24 12.8%


    See also:

    Delaware

    There were 51 seats up for election in Delaware. Of that total, two seats (3.9%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Delaware, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 41 2 0 0 2 4.9%
    Senate 10 0 0 0 0 0.0%
    Total 51 2 0 0 2 3.9%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Delaware, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 52 0 4 0 4 7.7%
    2012 62 5 5 0 10 16.1%
    2014 51 2 0 0 2 3.9%


    See also:

    Florida

    There were 140 seats up for election in Florida. Of that total, 18 seats (12.9%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Florida, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 120 6 12 0 18 15.0%
    Senate 20 0 0 0 0 0.0%
    Total 140 6 12 0 18 12.9%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Florida, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 143 13 33 0 46 32.2%
    2012 160 16 37 0 53 33.1%
    2014 140 6 12 0 18 12.9%


    See also:

    Georgia

    There were 236 seats up for election in Georgia. Of that total, 17 seats (7.2%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Georgia, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 180 2 8 0 10 5.6%
    Senate 56 2 5 0 7 12.5%
    Total 236 4 13 0 17 7.2%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Georgia, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 236 9 29 0 38 16.1%
    2012 236 10 18 0 28 11.9%
    2014 236 4 13 0 17 7.2%


    See also:

    Hawaii

    There were 63 seats up for election in Hawaii. Of that total, five seats (7.9%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Hawaii, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 51 2 1 0 3 5.9%
    Senate 12 2 0 0 2 16.7%
    Total 63 4 1 0 5 7.9%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Hawaii, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 66 6 2 0 8 12.1%
    2012 76 7 1 0 8 10.5%
    2014 63 4 1 0 5 7.9%


    See also:

    Idaho

    There were 105 seats up for election in Idaho. Of that total, 11 seats (10.5%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Idaho, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 70 4 5 0 9 12.9%
    Senate 35 1 1 0 2 5.7%
    Total 105 5 6 0 11 10.5%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Idaho, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 105 6 3 0 9 8.6%
    2012 105 9 27 0 36 34.3%
    2014 105 5 6 0 11 10.5%


    See also:

    Illinois

    There were 137 seats up for election in Illinois. Of that total, 12 seats (8.8%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Illinois, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 118 1 10 0 11 9.3%
    Senate 19 0 1 0 1 5.3%
    Total 137 1 11 0 12 8.8%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Illinois, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 139 8 4 0 12 8.6%
    2012 177 17 17 0 34 19.2%
    2014 137 1 11 0 12 8.8%


    See also:

    Indiana

    There were 125 seats up for election in Indiana. Of that total, eight seats (6.4%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Indiana, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 0 3 0 3 3.0%
    Senate 25 1 4 0 5 20.0%
    Total 125 1 7 0 8 6.4%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Indiana, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 125 6 6 0 12 9.6%
    2012 125 12 11 0 23 18.4%
    2014 125 1 7 0 8 6.4%


    See also:

    Iowa

    There were 125 seats up for election in Iowa. Of that total, 15 seats (12.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Iowa, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 4 6 0 10 10.0%
    Senate 25 2 3 0 5 20.0%
    Total 125 6 9 0 15 12.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Iowa, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 125 10 7 0 17 13.6%
    2012 126 10 20 0 30 23.8%
    2014 125 6 9 0 15 12.0%


    See also:

    Kansas

    There were 125 seats up for election in Kansas. Of that total, 13 seats (10.4%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Kansas, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 125 3 10 0 13 10.4%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 125 3 10 0 13 10.4%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Kansas, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 125 4 6 0 10 8.0%
    2012 165 8 44 0 52 31.5%
    2014 125 3 10 0 13 10.4%


    See also:

    Kentucky

    There were 119 seats up for election in Kentucky. Of that total, 11 seats (9.2%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Kentucky, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 2 5 0 7 7.0%
    Senate 19 1 2 1 4 21.1%
    Total 119 3 7 1 11 9.2%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Kentucky, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 119 4 3 0 7 5.9%
    2012 119 5 8 0 13 10.9%
    2014 119 3 7 1 11 9.2%


    See also:

    Maine

    There were 186 seats up for election in Maine. Of that total, 51 seats (27.4%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Maine, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 151 23 18 2 43 28.5%
    Senate 35 4 4 0 8 22.9%
    Total 186 27 22 2 51 27.4%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Maine, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 186 21 21 1 43 23.1%
    2012 186 33 30 0 63 33.9%
    2014 186 27 22 2 51 27.4%


    See also:

    Maryland

    There were 188 seats up for election in Maryland. Of that total, 52 seats (27.7%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Maryland, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 141 29 16 0 45 31.9%
    Senate 47 4 3 0 7 14.9%
    Total 188 33 19 0 52 27.7%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Maryland, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 188 16 10 0 26 13.8%
    2012 Did not hold elections.
    2014 188 33 19 0 52 27.7%


    See also:

    Massachusetts

    There were 200 seats up for election in Massachusetts. Of that total, 22 seats (11.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Massachusetts, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 160 14 3 0 17 10.6%
    Senate 40 5 0 0 5 12.5%
    Total 200 19 3 0 22 11.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Massachusetts, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 200 28 6 0 34 17.0%
    2012 200 9 1 0 10 5.0%
    2014 200 19 3 0 22 11.0%


    See also:

    Michigan

    There were 148 seats up for election in Michigan. Of that total, 51 seats (34.5%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Michigan, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 110 19 21 1 41 37.3%
    Senate 38 2 8 0 10 26.3%
    Total 148 21 29 1 51 34.5%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Michigan, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 148 43 37 0 80 54.1%
    2012 110 13 9 0 22 20.0%
    2014 148 21 29 1 51 34.5%


    See also:

    Minnesota

    There were 134 seats up for election in Minnesota. Of that total, 15 seats (11.2%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Minnesota, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 134 5 10 0 15 11.2%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 134 5 10 0 15 11.2%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Minnesota, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 201 12 12 0 24 11.9%
    2012 201 18 33 0 51 25.4%
    2014 134 5 10 0 15 11.2%


    See also:

    Missouri

    There were 180 seats up for election in Missouri. Of that total, 33 seats (18.3%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Missouri, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 163 8 19 0 27 16.6%
    Senate 17 2 4 0 6 35.3%
    Total 180 10 23 0 33 18.3%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Missouri, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 180 26 49 0 75 41.7%
    2012 180 21 40 0 61 33.9%
    2014 180 10 23 0 33 18.3%


    See also:

    Montana

    There were 125 seats up for election in Montana. Of that total, 45 seats (36.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Montana, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 13 16 0 29 29.0%
    Senate 25 6 10 0 16 64.0%
    Total 125 19 26 0 45 36.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Montana, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 126 25 26 0 51 40.5%
    2012 126 19 25 0 44 34.9%
    2014 125 19 26 0 45 36.0%


    See also:

    Nebraska

    There were 24 seats up for election in Nebraska. Of that total, 17 seats (70.8%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Nebraska, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House N/A
    Senate 24 8 8 1 17 70.8%
    Total 24 8 8 1 17 70.8%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Nebraska, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 24 1 1 1 3 12.5%
    2012 25 1 8 0 9 36.0%
    2014 24 8 8 1 17 70.8%


    See also:

    Nevada

    There were 53 seats up for election in Nevada. Of that total, 10 seats (18.9%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Nevada, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 42 6 3 0 9 21.4%
    Senate 11 0 1 0 1 9.1%
    Total 53 6 4 0 10 18.9%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Nevada, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 53 16 11 0 27 50.9%
    2012 52 8 8 0 16 30.8%
    2014 53 6 4 0 10 18.9%


    See also:

    New Hampshire

    There were 424 seats up for election in New Hampshire. Of that total, 113 seats (26.7%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in New Hampshire, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 400 61 48 0 109 27.3%
    Senate 24 1 3 0 4 16.7%
    Total 424 62 51 0 113 26.7%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in New Hampshire, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 424 61 41 0 102 24.1%
    2012 424 15 48 62 125 29.5%
    2014 424 62 51 0 113 26.7%


    See also:

    New Mexico

    There were 70 seats up for election in New Mexico. Of that total, 11 seats (15.7%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in New Mexico, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 70 6 5 0 11 15.7%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 70 6 5 0 11 15.7%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in New Mexico, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 70 1 2 0 3 4.3%
    2012 112 14 8 0 22 19.6%
    2014 70 6 5 0 11 15.7%


    See also:

    New York

    There were 213 seats up for election in New York. Of that total, 21 seats (9.9%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in New York, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 150 13 3 0 16 10.7%
    Senate 63 1 4 0 5 7.9%
    Total 213 14 7 0 21 9.9%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in New York, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 212 13 12 0 25 11.8%
    2012 213 12 12 0 24 11.3%
    2014 213 14 7 0 21 9.9%


    See also:

    North Carolina

    There were 170 seats up for election in North Carolina. Of that total, 14 seats (8.2%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in North Carolina, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 120 4 5 0 9 7.5%
    Senate 50 2 3 0 5 10.0%
    Total 170 6 8 0 14 8.2%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in North Carolina, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 170 11 7 0 18 10.6%
    2012 170 23 23 0 46 27.1%
    2014 170 6 8 0 14 8.2%


    See also:

    North Dakota

    There were 72 seats up for election in North Dakota. Of that total, 13 seats (18.1%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in North Dakota, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 48 3 7 0 10 20.8%
    Senate 24 0 3 0 3 12.5%
    Total 72 3 10 0 13 18.1%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in North Dakota, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 72 10 5 0 15 20.8%
    2012 75 7 11 0 18 24.0%
    2014 72 3 10 0 13 18.1%


    See also:

    Ohio

    There were 116 seats up for election in Ohio. Of that total, 26 seats (22.4%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Ohio, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 99 12 10 0 22 22.2%
    Senate 17 3 1 0 4 23.5%
    Total 116 15 11 0 26 22.4%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Ohio, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 116 15 14 0 29 25.0%
    2012 117 6 13 0 19 16.2%
    2014 116 15 11 0 26 22.4%


    See also:

    Oklahoma

    There were 125 seats up for election in Oklahoma. Of that total, 30 seats (24.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Oklahoma, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 101 6 15 0 21 20.8%
    Senate 24 5 4 0 9 37.5%
    Total 125 11 19 0 30 24.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Oklahoma, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 125 11 11 0 22 17.6%
    2012 125 11 12 0 23 18.4%
    2014 125 11 19 0 30 24.0%


    See also:

    Oregon

    There were 75 seats up for election in Oregon. Of that total, 15 seats (20.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Oregon, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 60 5 9 0 14 23.3%
    Senate 15 0 1 0 1 6.7%
    Total 75 5 10 0 15 20.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Oregon, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 76 4 3 0 7 9.2%
    2012 76 7 3 0 10 13.2%
    2014 75 5 10 0 15 20.0%


    See also:

    Pennsylvania

    There were 228 seats up for election in Pennsylvania. Of that total, 27 seats (11.8%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Pennsylvania, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 203 6 15 0 21 10.3%
    Senate 25 2 4 0 6 24.0%
    Total 228 8 19 0 27 11.8%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Pennsylvania, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 228 15 6 0 21 9.2%
    2012 228 13 12 0 25 11.0%
    2014 228 8 19 0 27 11.8%


    See also:

    Rhode Island

    There were 113 seats up for election in Rhode Island. Of that total, eight seats (7.1%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Rhode Island, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 75 6 0 0 6 8.0%
    Senate 38 0 2 0 2 5.3%
    Total 113 6 2 0 8 7.1%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Rhode Island, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 113 14 1 0 15 13.3%
    2012 113 10 3 0 13 11.5%
    2014 113 6 2 0 8 7.1%


    See also:

    South Carolina

    There were 124 seats up for election in South Carolina. Of that total, nine seats (7.3%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in South Carolina, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 124 4 5 0 9 7.3%
    Senate Did not hold elections
    Total 124 4 5 0 9 7.3%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in South Carolina, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 124 3 9 0 12 9.7%
    2012 170 12 12 0 24 14.1%
    2014 124 4 5 0 9 7.3%


    See also:

    South Dakota

    There were 105 seats up for election in South Dakota. Of that total, 31 seats (29.5%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in South Dakota, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 70 6 16 0 22 31.4%
    Senate 35 2 7 0 9 25.7%
    Total 105 8 23 0 31 29.5%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in South Dakota, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 105 11 23 0 34 32.4%
    2012 105 6 25 0 31 29.5%
    2014 105 8 23 0 31 29.5%


    See also:

    Tennessee

    There were 116 seats up for election in Tennessee. Of that total, 12 seats (10.3%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Tennessee, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 99 1 8 0 9 9.1%
    Senate 17 3 0 0 3 17.6%
    Total 116 4 8 0 12 10.3%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Tennessee, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 116 2 8 0 10 8.6%
    2012 115 14 7 0 21 18.3%
    2014 116 4 8 0 12 10.3%


    See also:

    Texas

    There were 165 seats up for election in Texas. Of that total, 15 seats (9.1%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Texas, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 150 1 11 0 12 8.0%
    Senate 15 1 2 0 3 20.0%
    Total 165 2 13 0 15 9.1%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Texas, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 166 3 6 0 9 5.4%
    2012 181 8 27 0 35 19.3%
    2014 165 2 13 0 15 9.1%


    See also:

    Utah

    There were 89 seats up for election in Utah. Of that total, 12 seats (13.5%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Utah, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 75 4 6 0 10 13.3%
    Senate 14 1 1 0 2 14.3%
    Total 89 5 7 0 12 13.5%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Utah, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 90 1 8 0 9 10.0%
    2012 91 2 13 0 15 16.5%
    2014 89 5 7 0 12 13.5%


    See also:

    Vermont

    There were 180 seats up for election in Vermont. Of that total, 27 seats (15.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Vermont, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 150 15 7 2 24 16.0%
    Senate 30 3 0 0 3 10.0%
    Total 180 18 7 2 27 15.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Vermont, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 180 12 8 1 21 11.7%
    2012 180 7 9 10 26 14.4%
    2014 180 18 7 2 27 15.0%


    See also:

    Washington

    There were 123 seats up for election in Washington. Of that total, 12 seats (9.8%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Washington, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 98 3 5 0 8 8.2%
    Senate 25 3 1 0 4 16.0%
    Total 123 6 6 0 12 9.8%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Washington, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 123 19 1 0 20 16.3%
    2012 124 16 10 0 26 21.0%
    2014 123 6 6 0 12 9.8%


    See also:

    West Virginia

    There were 117 seats up for election in West Virginia. Of that total, 11 seats (9.4%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in West Virginia, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 100 5 4 0 9 9.0%
    Senate 17 1 1 0 2 11.8%
    Total 117 6 5 0 11 9.4%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in West Virginia, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 117 8 6 0 14 12.0%
    2012 117 5 6 8 19 16.2%
    2014 117 6 5 0 11 9.4%


    See also:

    Wisconsin

    There were 116 seats up for election in Wisconsin. Of that total, 29 seats (25.0%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Wisconsin, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 99 7 15 0 22 22.2%
    Senate 17 2 5 0 7 41.2%
    Total 116 9 20 0 29 25.0%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Wisconsin, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 116 8 14 1 23 19.8%
    2012 115 14 8 1 23 20.0%
    2014 116 9 20 0 29 25.0%


    See also:

    Wyoming

    There were 75 seats up for election in Wyoming. Of that total, 11 seats (14.7%) were open.

    In 2014

    Statistics from 2014 are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Wyoming, 2014
    Chamber Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    House 60 1 8 0 9 15.0%
    Senate 15 0 2 0 2 13.3%
    Total 75 1 10 0 11 14.7%

    2010-2014

    Historical open seat statistics are shown below. Hover over column headings to learn more about their contents.

    Open state legislative seats in Wyoming, 2010-2014
    Year Seats
    Democratic Republican Other Total
    # %
    2010 75 5 10 0 15 20.0%
    2012 75 3 12 0 15 20.0%
    2014 75 1 10 0 11 14.7%


    See also:

    Impact of term limits

    See also: Impact of term limits on state legislative elections in 2014

    A seat can become open when an incumbent is term-limited. Fifteen state legislatures have term limits, which require incumbents to leave office after serving a certain length of time.

    In 2014, 223 state legislators—63 state senators and 160 state representatives—were term-limited. This represented 4% of the 6,051 total seats up for election, and 22% of the 1,019 open seats.[1]

    Party # of termed senators # of termed representatives Total
    Democratic 22 73 95
    Republican 24 87 113
    Nonpartisan 17 0 17

    Terms and methodologies

    Incumbent

    See also: Incumbent

    Ballotpedia defines incumbency by chamber. Under this definition, if an incumbent in House District 1 filed for re-election in House District 2, they would still be counted as an incumbent due to their remaining in the same chamber even though they ran for a different seat. If an incumbent in House District 1 filed to run in Senate District 2, they would not be counted as an incumbent in the Senate race since they are coming from a different chamber.

    Ballotpedia uses the term re-elect to refer to any incumbent who is running in an election to retain their office, including incumbents who were originally appointed to their position.

    Open seat

    An open seat is one where no incumbents filed to run, or filed but withdrew and did not appear on any ballot for the seat. Open seat figures freeze at the time of the primary unless an incumbent did not participate in the primary but later chose to seek re-election as a minor party or independent candidate, in which case the seat for which they filed would not be counted as open.

    If a seat was open at the time of the primary, but a non-incumbent candidate later assumed office (via special election or appointment), the seat would still be counted as open since the original incumbent did not file to run in the primary.

    Seat

    State legislative seats represent the total number of candidates who can be elected. These totals may differ from state legislative districts.

    In most states, every state legislative district includes a single seat. These are referred to as single-member state legislative districts.

    Certain states have multi-member state legislative districts, where a single district contains multiple seats. In these districts, open seat figures pertain to individual seats. For example, if a multi-member district contains three seats and two incumbents file for re-election but one does not, that one seat would be counted as an open seat.

    Effect of redistricting

    During redistricting, states may restructure their legislative chambers either by renaming districts, moving districts, or, in states with multi-member districts, changing the allocation of seats between districts. States may also choose to change the total number of seats in a chamber either by creating new seats or removing existing seats.

    Ballotpedia categorizes open seats by the party of the incumbent who most recently represented that seat leading up to the election. In certain circumstances, redistricting can prevent that categorization. For example, if a multi-member district with a Democratic and Republican incumbent becomes a single-member district that is open, Ballotpedia categorizes that open seat as "Other" rather than categorizing it as one of those two parties since it is unclear to which party that would apply. Or if a district that previously had a single seat is changed to have three seats, all of which are open, one seat would be categorized as the party that previously held the single seat and the remaining two seats would be categorized as "Other."

    During redistricting, incumbents may also choose to run for different seats within the same chamber. That distinction is explained below.

    Difference between open seats and retiring incumbents

    An open seat is one where no incumbents filed to run. Typically, this occurs when an incumbent leaves office. But incumbents may choose to run for some other seat within the same chamber. When this happens, that incumbent's original seat can be left open without the incumbent leaving office.

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Some of the 223 term-limited state legislators in 2014 may have resigned before their term ended. These legislators were still counted in the total number of term-limited legislators in 2014.
    v • e
    Competitiveness in State Legislative Elections
    Background
    Competitive Analysis Main Logo.JPG
    2024
    2023
    2022
    2021
    2020
    2019
    2018
    2017
    2016
    2015
    2014
    2013
    2012
    2011
    2010
    2009
    2007
    v • e
    State legislatures
    Legislatures
    Alabama (H, S) · Alaska (H, S) · Arizona (H, S) · Arkansas (H, S) · California (A, S) · Colorado (H, S) · Connecticut (H, S) · Delaware (H, S) · Florida (H, S) · Georgia (H, S) · Hawaii (H, S) · Idaho (H, S) · Illinois (H, S) · Indiana (H, S) · Iowa (H, S) · Kansas (H, S) · Kentucky (H, S) · Louisiana (H, S) · Maine (H, S) · Maryland (H, S) · Massachusetts (H, S) · Michigan (H, S) · Minnesota (H, S) · Mississippi (H, S) · Missouri (H, S) · Montana (H, S) · Nebraska · Nevada (A, S) · New Hampshire (H, S) · New Jersey (GA, S) · New Mexico (H, S) · New York (A, S) · North Carolina (H, S) · North Dakota (H, S) · Ohio (H, S) · Oklahoma (H, S) · Oregon (H, S) · Pennsylvania (H, S) · Rhode Island (H, S) · South Carolina (H, S) · South Dakota (H, S) · Tennessee (H, S) · Texas (H, S) · Utah (H, S) · Vermont (H, S) · Virginia (H, S) · Washington (H, S) · West Virginia (H, S) · Wisconsin (A, S) · Wyoming (H, S)
    SLP badge.png
    2025
    2024
    2023
    Historical elections
    2022 •  2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2003 • 2002 • 2001 • 2000
    Features of
    state legislatures
    State senates
    State houses
    Leadership positions
    v • e
    Ballotpedia
    About
    Editorial Content
    Geoff Pallay, Director of Editorial Content and Editor-in-Chief • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy • Norm Leahy, Senior Editor • Daniel Anderson, Managing Editor • Ryan Byrne, Managing Editor • Cory Eucalitto, Managing Editor • Mandy Gillip, Managing Editor • Doug Kronaizl, Local Elections Project Manager • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Joseph Brusgard • Emma Burlingame • Kelly Coyle • Thomas Ellis • Frank Festa • Nicole Fisher • Brianna Hosea • Joseph Greaney • Thomas Grobben • Jaime Healy-Plotkin • Tyler King • Glorie Martinez • Nathan Maxwell • Ellie Mikus • Jackie Mitchell • Ellen Morrissey • Mackenzie Murphy • Kaley Platek • Samantha Post • Adam Powell • Ethan Rice • Spencer Richardson • Victoria Rose • Briana Ryan • Myj Saintyl • Maddy Salucka • Maddie Sinclair Johnson • Abbey Smith • Janie Valentine • Joel Williams • Samuel Wonacott • Trenton Woodcox • Mercedes Yanora
    Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Open_seats_in_state_legislative_elections,_2014&oldid=10141916"