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Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

Is 2022 the first time since 1934 that the US president’s party retained its control of all state legislative chambers in a midterm election?

Todd Butterworth, The Nevada Independent
yes

In the 2022 election, Democrats defended all of their state legislative majorities. This is the first time the U.S. president’s party has accomplished this in a midterm election since at least 1934.

Democrats also gained control in four state chambers: the Minnesota Senate, both chambers in Michigan and the Pennsylvania House.

Additionally, Democrats saw a net increase in state legislative seats. Since 1900, only twice had the incumbent president’s party accomplished this during a midterm election: in 1934, during the Great Depression, and in 2002, after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Despite these Democratic gains, Republicans continue to control more state legislative bodies and total state legislative seats. 

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The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.

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