Democrats net 13 state legislative special-election gains under Trump
Since January 2025, Democrats have won a net of 13 state legislative seats in special elections, all converting Republican-held districts, while Republicans have not flipped any Democratic seats. Across 62 districts where both parties competed in the special and prior general elections, the average margin moved 5.1 percentage points toward Democrats. Republicans still held 55.02% of state legislative seats and majorities in 57 chambers as of Sept. 25, 2026.
Since Trump returned to office in January 2025, Democrats have converted 13 Republican-held state legislative districts in special elections, with no GOP pickups in Democratic seats. The party’s net gain is similar to its 2017 and 2018 special-election results, when it added 11 and eight seats, respectively.
In 62 districts where both parties fielded candidates in the special and preceding general elections, the average result moved 5.1 points toward Democrats; 47 shifted Democratic and 15 Republican. The flips were spread across Mississippi, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Texas. Republicans still controlled 55.02% of 7,386 seats and 57 chambers as of Sept. 25, 2026.
These special-election results could influence how both parties direct money, volunteers, and attention toward state races before the midterms. Voters in the flipped districts may gain new representation and see different legislative priorities, while national observers may treat the margins as a possible sign of changing enthusiasm. Because Republicans still hold most seats and chambers, immediate policy control in many states may remain largely unchanged, though close races could still affect specific bills and local governance.