Fight for control of state capitals heats up

By Kathy Kiely
USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — For the first time since 1994, Democrats are poised to surpass Republicans in the number of state capitals where one party enjoys complete political control — holding the governor's mansion and both chambers of the state legislature.

Having the political upper hand in state capitals has enabled Republicans to draw congressional districts that are more favorable to their party's candidates, notably in Texas and Georgia.

It has also helped the party develop strong candidates for higher office. According to the non-partisan National Conference of State Legislatures, 57% of members of Congress started out as state legislators.

Republicans hold the governorships and both chambers of the state legislatures in 12 states; Democrats, in eight. Republicans' control is in jeopardy in three of those states: Ohio, Alaska and Indiana.

Democrats face the possibility of losing dominance in only one state: Maine. Meanwhile, the party has a chance for control in eight other states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana and Tennessee.

In Arkansas, Maryland and Massachusetts, Democrats hold majorities in the state legislature and are hoping to take the governor's mansion. In other states, races for the state legislature will decide whether the one party can take control.

That has turned usually little-noticed races into heated contests.

Read more on the battle for Congress at USA Today.