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State legislative special elections, 2023

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2023 State Legislative
Special Elections

Special Elections Information
CausesPartisan controlElections by dateHistorical data
Special elections by state

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In 2023, 53 state legislative special elections were scheduled in 21 states. Between 2011 and 2022, an average of 73 special elections took place each year. See the sections below for additional information on state legislative special elections in 2023.

  1. Causes: This section provides information on why special elections are held.
  2. Partisan control: This section provides information on the impact of special elections on the partisan composition of state legislatures.
  3. Special elections by date: This section lists all special elections held in 2023 in the order they were held.
  4. Historical data: This section contains data on special elections going back to 2010.
See also: State legislative elections, 2023 and Election results, 2023: State legislatures

Causes

In 2023, special elections for state legislative positions were held for the following reasons:

  • 10 due to appointment, election, or the seeking of election to another position
  • 32 due to resignation
  • 9 due to the death of the incumbent
  • 2 due to removal from office

Partisan control

The partisan breakdown for the special elections was as follows:

Noteworthy special elections

  • New Hampshire District Rockingham 1
    See also: New Hampshire House of Representatives District Rockingham 1 special election, 2023

    Hal Rafter (D) defeated James Guzofski (R) in the special election for New Hampshire House of Representatives District Rockingham 1 on September 19, 2023. The previous incumbent, Benjamin T. Bartlett IV (R), resigned on April 26, 2023, due to health concerns.[1]

    The partisan composition on the day of the election was 198-196. Rafter's victory on the evening of September 19 brought the partisan composition to 198-197.

    On August 13, 2023, the partisan composition of the New Hampshire House was 199 Republicans, 196 Democrats, two independents, and three vacancies. David Fracht (D) filled the first vacancy after being elected to Grafton 16 on August 22, bringing the partisan composition to 199-197 with two vacancies. Two additional House vacancies occurred when William Hatch (D) and Troy Merner (R) resigned on September 18 and 19, respectively.[2] Only one of the remaining three vacancies, Hillsborough 3, was scheduled for special election as of this writing on September 19. A Democratic victory in this district would bring the House's partisan composition to an even 198-198, while a Republican victory would result in a 199-197 split (with two independents and two vacancies).

    Rafter was a partner for Waterline, an organization that provides river flow information for boaters and anglers. He previously worked for New Hampshire Housing for more than 35 years, and had served on the Nottingham School Board for eight years and the Nottingham Board of Selectmen for three years. Rafter said, "This election is important because the outcome could result in a NH House that is divided equally between Democrats and Republicans. ... If you are concerned about Republican attacks on education, women’s rights, voting rights, and their lack of attention to climate change, this election can make a difference."[3]

    Guzofski was a Northwood selectman and a chaplain for the Northwood Fire Department. He had been in the ministry for 34 years. Guzofski said, "I have been elected twice to the office of selectman in Northwood dedicated to keep your taxes low. As selectman I have implemented plans for better communication between town officials and you. ... For years I have served our Nottingham and Northwood community, fighting for your needs in town."[4]

    In 2020, former President Donald Trump (R) carried Rockingham 1 49.1% to 48.7%.[5] In 2022, U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D) won the district 50% to 48%, while Democrats lost one of the district's three state House seats by 10 votes.[5] Heading into the election, New Hampshire had been a Republican trifecta since 2020. If Democrats won all three special elections, the state House would have split and New Hampshire's trifecta status would become divided. The state would remain a Republican trifecta if Democrats did not win all three special elections.

    General election

  • Pennsylvania House of Representatives (February 7)
    See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives special elections (February 7, 2023)

    On May 16, 2023, Republicans won a special election in House District 108, while Democrats won a special election in House District 163, and as a result, Democrats maintained a majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The results of these elections determined majority control of the chamber.

    Michael Stender (R) defeated Trevor Finn (D) and Elijah Scretching (L) in District 108 with 70% of the vote to Finn's 26% and Scretching's 4%. Heather Boyd (D) defeated Katie Ford (R) and Alfe Goodwin (L) in District 163 with 60% of the vote to Ford's 39% and Goodwin's 1%. Following the new members' swearing in, partisan control of the chamber would be 102 Democrats to 101 Republicans.

    Pennsylvania House Democrats won 102 districts to Republicans' 101 as a result of the 2022 elections. Three Democratic representatives left office after those elections, giving Republicans a functional 101-99 seat majority to start the 2023 legislative session. Democratic candidates then won special elections in all three vacant districts on February 7, 2023, giving the party a majority. Zabel's resignation reduced the majority by one. Click here to view a chart listing the key events affecting the partisan control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since October 2022.

    Stender defeated Finn and Scretching in District 108 to succeed Lynda Schlegel Culver (R), who resigned on February 28, 2023, after she won a special election in the Pennsylvania State Senate.[6] Finn was elected to the Montour County commission in 2004.[7] He said his campaign platforms were "economic development, [advancing] the cause of all citizens, and protecting our small town heritage."[8] Stender was elected as an at-large member of the Shikellamy School Board in 2021.[9] Stender's campaign website said, "he supports American energy independence, backs our workers and small businesses and works to bring fiscal responsibility to state government."[10] As of the election, Scretching was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He said, "I love my family, my state, and my country, and I’m ready to continue serving."[11]

    Boyd defeated Ford and Goodwin to succeed Michael Zabel (D) — who resigned on March 16, 2023 — in District 163.[12] Boyd worked as the district director for U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D) and said she was running "to make sure that every person and family in our district gets the resources and representation they deserve. ... [I] will fight for laws and budgets that serve the district."[13] Ford was a special needs instructor and said one of her priorities "will be to fight for the increased funding needed to properly educate our children, including those with special needs. ... Public safety, adequate funding, and training for law enforcement will also be a top priority."[14] Goodwin previously worked as a police officer, was a brigade command chaplain, and founded Follow Your Bliss LLC.[15] She said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for voters to take a second look and re-consider not only who we vote for but why we vote in the first place."[11]

    According to CNalysis, in the 2020 presidential election under current district boundaries, Donald Trump (R) would have received 65% of the vote in District 108, while Joe Biden (D) would have received 62% of the vote in District 163.[16]

    District 32

    General election

    District 34

    General election

    Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

    District 35

    General election

  • Pennsylvania House of Representatives (May 16)
    See also: Pennsylvania House of Representatives special elections (May 16, 2023)

    On May 16, 2023, Republicans won a special election in House District 108, while Democrats won a special election in House District 163, and as a result, Democrats maintained a majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The results of these elections determined majority control of the chamber.

    Michael Stender (R) defeated Trevor Finn (D) and Elijah Scretching (L) in District 108 with 70% of the vote to Finn's 26% and Scretching's 4%. Heather Boyd (D) defeated Katie Ford (R) and Alfe Goodwin (L) in District 163 with 60% of the vote to Ford's 39% and Goodwin's 1%. Following the new members' swearing in, partisan control of the chamber would be 102 Democrats to 101 Republicans.

    Pennsylvania House Democrats won 102 districts to Republicans' 101 as a result of the 2022 elections. Three Democratic representatives left office after those elections, giving Republicans a functional 101-99 seat majority to start the 2023 legislative session. Democratic candidates then won special elections in all three vacant districts on February 7, 2023, giving the party a majority. Zabel's resignation reduced the majority by one. Click here to view a chart listing the key events affecting the partisan control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since October 2022.

    Stender defeated Finn and Scretching in District 108 to succeed Lynda Schlegel Culver (R), who resigned on February 28, 2023, after she won a special election in the Pennsylvania State Senate.[17] Finn was elected to the Montour County commission in 2004.[18] He said his campaign platforms were "economic development, [advancing] the cause of all citizens, and protecting our small town heritage."[19] Stender was elected as an at-large member of the Shikellamy School Board in 2021.[20] Stender's campaign website said, "he supports American energy independence, backs our workers and small businesses and works to bring fiscal responsibility to state government."[21] As of the election, Scretching was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He said, "I love my family, my state, and my country, and I’m ready to continue serving."[11]

    Boyd defeated Ford and Goodwin to succeed Michael Zabel (D) — who resigned on March 16, 2023 — in District 163.[22] Boyd worked as the district director for U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D) and said she was running "to make sure that every person and family in our district gets the resources and representation they deserve. ... [I] will fight for laws and budgets that serve the district."[13] Ford was a special needs instructor and said one of her priorities "will be to fight for the increased funding needed to properly educate our children, including those with special needs. ... Public safety, adequate funding, and training for law enforcement will also be a top priority."[14] Goodwin previously worked as a police officer, was a brigade command chaplain, and founded Follow Your Bliss LLC.[23] She said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for voters to take a second look and re-consider not only who we vote for but why we vote in the first place."[11]

    According to CNalysis, in the 2020 presidential election under current district boundaries, Donald Trump (R) would have received 65% of the vote in District 108, while Joe Biden (D) would have received 62% of the vote in District 163.[24]

    District 108

    General election

    District 163

    General election

  • Virginia State Senate District 7
    See also: Virginia State Senate District 7 special election, 2023

    Aaron Rouse (D) defeated Kevin Adams (R) in the January 10, 2023, special general election for Virginia State Senate District 7. Rouse's victory gave Democrats a 22-18 majority in the state Senate.[25] The special election was called after the previous incumbent, Sen. Jennifer Kiggans (R), resigned on November 15, 2022, after being elected to represent Virginia's 2nd Congressional District.[26]

    Going into the election, Democrats had a 21-18 majority in the state Senate (with the District 7 vacancy). According to Daily Kos' David Nir, District 7 "has been very swingy: In 2019, Kiggans won it by less than one point, while Joe Biden carried it by 10 points the following year, only to see [Glenn] Youngkin prevail by 4 points in 2021."[27]

    At the time of the election, Rouse, a former NFL player, had been an at-large member of the Virginia Beach City Council since 2018. Rouse said, “So much is at stake in this upcoming election, from a woman’s fundamental right to choose, which I will fiercely defend, to the efforts that will set us back on voting rights, to addressing climate change, protecting the Chesapeake Bay and waterways, to criminal justice reform.”[28] Rouse listed education as his top priority, including raising teacher salaries and expanding access to preschool.[29] Rouse also listed the economy, healthcare, and public safety as priorities.[29]

    At the time of the election, Adams was a retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander who founded and operated a handyman business. Adams said he will "continue working to pass Governor Glenn Youngkin’s pro-veteran agenda, cut taxes, ease regulations, keep our communities safe, and make it easier for small business owners like me to get started and stay in business.”[30] Adams' platform included working to improve education and workforce training, supporting veterans, lowering gas, grocery, and sales taxes, and growing "school funding while shrinking the power of left-wing idealogues."[31]

    General election

  • Wisconsin State Senate District 8
    See also: Wisconsin State Senate District 8 special election, 2023

    Daniel Knodl (R) defeated Jodi Habush Sinykin (D) in the special general election for Wisconsin Senate District 8 on April 4, 2023. Republicans regained a supermajority in the state Senate after Knodl won the election. As of the election, a party with a two-thirds supermajority in the Senate could suspend Senate rules and impeach state officials.[32]

    Republicans represented the district since 1993, following Alberta Darling's (R) election in 1992. Republicans gained a supermajority in 2022. Darling's December 1, 2022, retirement reduced Senate Republicans' 22-member supermajority to a 21-member majority.[33]

    Habush Sinykin was an environmental lawyer and textile mill owner. Her campaign website said, "Jodi is running on the issues that actually matter to the people of the 8th Senate District: keeping good paying jobs here in Wisconsin, ensuring public safety, and protecting a woman's right to [choose]."[34]

    Knodl owned a lakeside resort and had served as a member of the Wisconsin Assembly since 2009. He represented District 24. Knodl's campaign website said, "My priority is to help keep our communities safe and thriving and make sure state government is working efficiently for the people."[35]

    During redistricting, the 8th District was redrawn to include portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. Before redistricting, the district leaned 54% Republican.

    General election

Special elections by date

2023 state legislative special elections
Office Former incumbent Filing deadline Primary election date General election date
Georgia House District 7 David Ralston (R) December 7, 2022 N/A January 3, 2023
Mississippi House District 23 Charles Jim Beckett (R) November 21, 2022 N/A January 10, 2023
Virginia House District 24 Ronnie Campbell (R) December 22, 2022 N/A[36] January 10, 2023
Virginia House District 35 Mark Keam (D) November 14, 2022 N/A[36] January 10, 2023
Virginia State Senate District 7 Jennifer Kiggans (R) November 21, 2022 N/A[36] January 10, 2023
Georgia State Senate District 11 Dean Burke (R) December 30, 2022 N/A January 31, 2023
Georgia House District 172 Sam Watson (R) December 30, 2022 N/A January 31, 2023
Georgia House District 119 Danny Rampey (R) January 5, 2023 N/A January 31, 2023
Pennsylvania State Senate District 27 John Gordner (R) December 12, 2022 N/A January 31, 2023
Pennsylvania House District 32 Anthony DeLuca (D) December 19, 2022 N/A February 7, 2023
Pennsylvania House District 34 Summer Lee (D) December 19, 2022 N/A February 7, 2023
Pennsylvania House District 35 Austin Davis (D) December 19, 2022 N/A February 7, 2023
Kentucky State Senate District 19 Morgan McGarvey (D) January 3, 2023 N/A February 21, 2023
New Hampshire House Strafford District 8 Donna Ellis (D) N/A[37] N/A February 21, 2023
Connecticut House of Representatives District 6 Edwin Vargas (D) January 23, 2023
February 14, 2023 (write-in)
N/A February 28, 2023
Connecticut House of Representatives District 100 Quentin Williams (D) January 23, 2023
February 14, 2023 (write-in)
N/A February 28, 2023
Connecticut House of Representatives District 148 Dan Fox (D) January 23, 2023
February 14, 2023 (write-in)
N/A February 28, 2023
Tennessee House District 86 Barbara Cooper (D) December 15, 2022 January 24, 2023 March 14, 2023
Georgia House District 75 Mike Glanton (D) February 3, 2023 N/A March 21, 2023
Louisiana House District 93 Royce Duplessis (D) January 13, 2023 February 18, 2023 March 25, 2023
Virginia State Senate District 9 Jennifer McClellan (D) February 27, 2023 N/A March 28, 2023
Wisconsin State Senate District 8 Alberta Darling (R) January 3, 2023 February 21, 2023 April 4, 2023
Florida House District 24 Joe Harding (R) January 10, 2023 March 7, 2023 May 16, 2023
Georgia House District 68 Tish Naghise (D) April 5, 2023 N/A May 16, 2023
Kentucky State Senate District 28 Ralph Alvarado (R) March 28, 2023
April 18, 2023 (write-in)
N/A May 16, 2023
New Hampshire House Hillsborough District 3 Stacie-Marie Laughton (D) January 27, 2023 March 28, 2023 May 16, 2023
Pennsylvania House District 108 Lynda Schlegel Culver (R) March 27, 2023 N/A May 16, 2023
Pennsylvania House District 163 Michael Zabel (D) March 27, 2023 N/A May 16, 2023
Massachusetts House District Suffolk 9 Jon Santiago (D) March 21, 2023 May 2, 2023 May 30, 2023
Massachusetts House District Suffolk 10 Edward Coppinger (D) March 21, 2023 May 2, 2023 May 30, 2023
Maine House District 45 Clinton Collamore, Sr. (D) February 15, 2023 N/A June 13, 2023
Wisconsin Assembly District 24 Daniel Knodl (R) May 23, 2023 June 20, 2023 July 18, 2023
Tennessee House District 52 Justin Jones (D) May 4, 2023 June 15, 2023 August 3, 2023
Tennessee House District 86 Justin Pearson (D) May 4, 2023 June 15, 2023 August 3, 2023
Tennessee House District 3 Scotty Campbell (R) May 11, 2023 June 22, 2023 August 3, 2023
New Hampshire House Grafton District 16 Joshua Adjutant (D) June 23, 2023 N/A August 22, 2023
Virginia House District 6 Jeffrey Campbell (R) August 9, 2023 N/A August 29, 2023
New York Assembly District 27 Daniel Rosenthal (D) N/A N/A September 12, 2023
Tennessee House District 51 Bill Beck (D) June 22, 2023 August 3, 2023 September 14, 2023
New Hampshire House Rockingham District 1 Benjamin T. Bartlett IV (R) September 9, 2023 August 1, 2023 September 19, 2023
Pennsylvania House District 21 Sara Innamorato (D) July 24, 2023 N/A September 19, 2023
Alabama House 55 Fred Plump (D) July 25, 2023 (major party)
September 26, 2023 (minor party and independent)
N/A September 26, 2023[38]
Kentucky House of Representatives District 93 Lamin Swann (D) September 19, 2023
October 10, 2023 (write-in)
N/A November 7, 2023
Maine House of Representatives District 50 Sean Paulhus (D) September 1, 2023
September 6, 2023 (write-in)
N/A November 7, 2023
Massachusetts State Senate Worcester & Hampshire District Anne Gobi (D) August 29, 2023 October 10, 2023 November 7, 2023
South Carolina State Senate District 42 Marlon Kimpson (D) July 15, 2023 September 5, 2023 November 7, 2023
Rhode Island State Senate District 1 Maryellen Goodwin (D) July 28, 2023 September 5, 2023 November 7, 2023
Texas House District 2 Bryan Slaton (R) September 6, 2023 N/A November 7, 2023
New Hampshire House Hillsborough District 3 David Cote (D) July 28, 2023 September 19, 2023 November 7, 2023
Florida House District 118 Juan Fernandez-Barquin (R) August 10, 2023 October 3, 2023 December 5, 2023
Minnesota House District 52B Ruth Richardson (D) September 19, 2023 November 16, 2023 December 5, 2023
Oklahoma Senate District 32 John Montgomery (R) August 2, 2023 October 10, 2023 December 12, 2023
Delaware House District 37 Ruth Briggs King (R) November 27, 2023 N/A December 21, 2023

Vacancies

Partisan breakdown of vacancies

See also: State legislative vacancies, 2023

In 2023, there were 155 state legislative vacancies in 44 states.

The process for filling vacancies varies among the state legislatures. Twenty-five states fill vacancies in the state legislature through special elections. Twenty-one states fill vacancies through appointments, and four states fill vacancies through a hybrid system that uses both appointments and special elections. The most common reasons for a state legislative vacancy include officeholders resigning, dying, leaving for a new job, being elected or appointed to a different office, or receiving a legal conviction.

The table below details the partisan breakdown for state legislative vacancies in 2023. The number on the left reflects how many vacant seats were originally held by each party, while the number on the right shows how many vacant seats each party held after the special elections and appointments took place.

Partisan breakdown of the vacancies (2023)
Party As of vacancy After vacancy
     Democratic Party 85 87
     Republican Party 68 68
     Independent 2 0
Total 155 155

Seats that changed party control

The table below details how many seats changed parties as the result of a special election in 2023. The number on the left reflects how many vacant seats were originally held by each party, while the number on the right shows how many vacant seats each party won in the special elections.

Note: This table reflects information for elections that were held and not the total number of vacant seats.

Partisan Change from Special Elections (2023)
Party As of Special Election After Special Election
     Democratic Party 33 33
     Republican Party 20 20
     Independent 0 0
Total 53 53

Flipped seats

In 2023, four seats flipped as a result of state legislative special elections.

Seats flipped from D to R

Seats flipped from R to D

Historical data

State breakdown by year

The table below details how many state legislative special elections were held in a state in a given year. From 2010 to 2024, Georgia held the most state legislative special elections with 82. Pennsylvania held the second-most special elections with 69.

Partisan breakdown by year

The average number of special elections per even year between 2011 and 2024 (2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024) was 59, while the average per odd year was 80. The most special elections in a single year during that same time frame was 99, which happened in 2018.

The table below details how many state legislative seats changed parties as the result of a special election between 2011 and 2024. The numbers on the left side of the table reflect how many vacant seats were originally held by each party, while the numbers on the right side of the table show how many vacant seats each party won in special elections.

State legislative special election vacancies and results, 2011-2024
Year Total elections held Vacancies before elections Seats held after elections Net change
Democratic Party Democrats Republican Party Republicans Minor party Democratic Party Democrats Republican Party Republicans Minor party
2024 52 26 26 0 29 23 0 +3 D, -3 R
2023 53 33 20 0 33 20 0 -
2022 54 36 18 0 36 18 0 -
2021 66 33 33 0 33 33 0 -
2020 59 21 38 0 27 32 0 +6 D, -6 R
2019 77 39 38 0 36 40 1 -3 D, +2 R, +1 I
2018 99 42 57 0 50 49 0 +8 D, -8 R
2017 98 45 53 0 56 42 0 +11 D, -11 R
2016* 65 37 28 0 39 24 2 +2 D, -4 R
2015* 89 42 46 1 38 50 1 -4 D, +4 R
2014 40 22 18 0 19 21 0 -3 D, +3 R
2013 84 51 33 0 48 36 0 -3 D, +3 R
2012 46 23 23 0 25 21 0 +2 D, -2 R
2011* 95 49 45 1 46 48 1 -3 D, +3 R
Averages 70 36 34 N/A 37 33 N/A N/A
*Please see the year-specific pages for information regarding minor-party candidates.

Seats that changed partisan control by year

See also: State legislative special election changes in party control since 2010

Current as of January 17, 2025 (updated annually)
Since 2010, 121 state legislative seats have switched partisan control, or flipped, in special elections. The chart below shows the number of special elections that resulted in partisan changes in each year:

Flipped seats in state legislative special elections
Year Total special elections Total flips Democratic flips Republican flips Other flips
2024 52 5 4 1 0
2023 53 4 2 2 0
2022 54 2 1 1 0
2021 66 6 3 3 0
2020 59 8 7 1 0
2019 77 8 2 5 1
2018 99 16 12 4 0
2017 98 17 14 3 0
2016 65 9 5 2 2
2015 89 16 5 9 2
2014 40 5 1 4 0
2013 84 7 1 6 0
2012 46 7 5 2 0
2011 95 11 4 6 1
2010 30 0 0 0 0
Total 1,007 121 66 49 6
Click here to see a list of all state legislative seats that have changed partisan control in special elections since 2010 
State legislative seats that flipped in special elections
State (abbr.) Chamber District Year Party that gained seat Party of incumbent who vacated seat Party of winner in most recent election Party of winner in second most recent election Party of winner in third most recent election
AL House Alabama House of Representatives District 10 2024 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
FL House Florida House of Representatives District 35 2024 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives District Coos 6 2024 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
ND Senate North Dakota State Senate District 9 2024 Democratic Republican
ND House North Dakota House of Representatives District 9 2024 Democratic Republican
MA Senate Massachusetts State Senate Worcester & Hampshire District 2023 Republican Democratic Democratic
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives District Rockingham 1 2023 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Democratic
ME House Maine House of Representatives District 45 2023 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
VA Senate Virginia State Senate District 7 2023 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
MT Senate Montana State Senate District 39 2022 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
MI House Michigan House of Representatives District 74 2022 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
CT Senate Connecticut State Senate District 36 2021 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Republican
IA House Iowa House of Representatives District 29 2021 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
TX House Texas House of Representatives District 118 2021 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 7 2021 Democratic Republican Republican
ME House Maine House of Representatives District 86 2021 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
MA House Massachusetts House of Representatives Fourth Essex District 2021 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
KY House Kentucky House of Representatives District 99 2020 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives Merrimack 24 District 2020 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
MA Senate Massachusetts State Senate Second Hampden & Hampshire District 2020 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
MA Senate Massachusetts State Senate Plymouth & Barnstable District 2020 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
MA House Massachusetts House of Representatives Third Bristol District 2020 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
KY Senate Kentucky State Senate District 26 2020 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
SC House South Carolina House of Representatives District 115 2020 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
OR Senate Oregon State Senate District 10 2020 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
NJ Senate New Jersey State Senate District 1 2019 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
MO House Missouri House of Representatives District 99 2019 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
PA Senate Pennsylvania State Senate District 37 2019 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Democratic
LA House Louisiana House of Representatives District 62 2019 Independent Republican Republican Republican
KY Senate Kentucky State Senate District 31 2019 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
CT House Connecticut House of Representatives District 99 2019 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
CT Senate Connecticut State Senate District 6 2019 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
MN Senate Minnesota State Senate District 11 2019 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
WI Senate Wisconsin State Senate District 10 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
MO House Missouri House of Representatives District 97 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
FL House Florida House of Representatives District 72 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
KY House Kentucky House of Representatives District 49 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Democratic Republican
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives District Belknap 3 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
CT House Connecticut House of Representatives District 120 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
NY House New York State Assembly District 10 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
PA House Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 178 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
MO Senate Missouri State Senate District 17 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
WI Senate Wisconsin State Senate District 1 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
SC Senate South Carolina State Senate District 20 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
TX House Texas House of Representatives District 52 2018 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
PA House Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 48 2018 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
TX Senate Texas State Senate District 19 2018 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
LA House Louisiana House of Representatives District 10 2018 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
LA House Louisiana House of Representatives District 33 2018 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
LA House Louisiana House of Representatives District 42 2017 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
MS Senate Mississippi State Senate District 10 2017 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
MA Senate Massachusetts State Senate Worcester & Middlesex District 2017 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives District Carroll 6 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
NY House New York State Assembly District 9 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
OK Senate Oklahoma State Senate District 44 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
OK House Oklahoma House of Representatives District 75 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives District Belknap 9 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Democratic
OK House Oklahoma House of Representatives District 46 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives District Rockingham 4 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
FL Senate Florida State Senate District 40 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives District Hillsborough 15 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
GA House Georgia House of Representatives District 117 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
GA House Georgia House of Representatives District 119 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
WA Senate Washington State Senate District 45 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
OK Senate Oklahoma State Senate District 37 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
GA Senate Georgia State Senate District 6 2017 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
OK Senate Oklahoma State Senate District 34 2016 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
MN House Minnesota House of Representatives District 50B 2016 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
MA House Massachusetts House of Representatives Twelfth Essex District 2016 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Democratic
KY House Kentucky House of Representatives District 62 2016 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives District Rockingham 21 2016 Democratic Republican Republican Democratic
NY Senate New York State Senate District 9 2016 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
TX House Texas House of Representatives District 120 2016 Independent Democratic Democratic Democratic
LA House Louisiana House of Representatives District 85 2016 Independent Republican Republican Republican
CT House Connecticut House of Representatives District 90 2016 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
VA House Virginia House of Delegates District 34 2015 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
CT Senate Connecticut State Senate District 23 2015 Working Families Democratic Democratic Democratic
KY Senate Kentucky State Senate District 27 2015 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
PA House Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 170 2015 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
MS House Mississippi House of Representatives District 45 2015 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
NY House New York State Assembly District 43 2015 Working Families Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
GA House Georgia House of Representatives District 80 2015 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
PA House Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 161 2015 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
OK House Oklahoma House of Representatives District 85 2015 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
GA Senate Georgia State Senate District 43 2015 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
ME House Maine House of Representatives District 19 2015 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
ME House Maine House of Representatives District 23 2015 Republican Democratic Democratic Republican
MO House Missouri House of Representatives District 29 2015 Democratic Republican Republican Republican Republican
TX House Texas House of Representatives District 118 2015 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
PA Senate Pennsylvania State Senate District 37 2015 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
WA House Washington House of Representatives District 30b 2015 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
AR Senate Arkansas State Senate District 21 2014 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
VA House Virginia House of Delegates District 100 2014 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
MA House Massachusetts House of Representatives Fourth Hampden District 2014 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
CT House Connecticut House of Representatives District 61 2014 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
VA Senate Virginia State Senate District 38 2014 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
MA House Massachusetts House of Representatives Twelfth Essex District 2013 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
CA Senate California State Senate District 16 2013 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives District Sullivan 4 2013 Republican Democratic Democratic Republican
CT House Connecticut House of Representatives District 53 2013 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic Democratic
FL House Florida House of Representatives District 36 2013 Democratic Republican Republican Republican
WA Senate Washington State Senate District 26 2013 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
KY House Kentucky House of Representatives District 7 2013 Republican Democratic Democratic Democratic
ME Senate Maine State Senate District 20 2012 Democratic Republican Republican
OK House Oklahoma House of Representatives District 1 2012 Democratic Republican Republican
NY House New York State Assembly District 103 2012 Democratic Republican Republican
NY House New York State Assembly District 100 2012 Democratic Republican Republican
PA House Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 169 2012 Democratic Republican Republican
KY House Kentucky House of Representatives District 2 2012 Republican Democratic Democratic
NY Senate New York State Senate District 27 2012 Republican Democratic Democratic
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 4 2011 Democratic Republican Republican
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 3 2011 Democratic Republican Republican
NH House New Hampshire House of Representatives Strafford 3 2011 Democratic Republican Republican
WI House Wisconsin State Assembly District 94 2011 Democratic Republican Republican
LA Senate Louisiana State Senate District 22 2011 Republican Independent Independent
LA Senate Louisiana State Senate District 26 2011 Republican Democratic Democratic
MA House Massachusetts House of Representatives Twelfth Bristol District 2011 Republican Democratic Democratic
CT Senate Connecticut State Senate District 13 2011 Republican Democratic Democratic
CT House Connecticut House of Representatives District 101 2011 Republican Democratic Democratic
MA House Massachusetts House of Representatives Sixth Worcester District 2011 Republican Democratic Democratic
MO House Missouri House of Representatives District 83 2011 Independent Democratic Democratic

Days between vacancies and elections by year

The following table tracks the gap between when state legislative vacancies occurred and special elections were held from 2012 through January 13, 2025:

See also

Footnotes

  1. New Hampshire Bulletin, "Citing poor health, Nottingham Republican House member steps down," April 26, 2023
  2. Daily Kos, "Democrats flip key New Hampshire seat, putting them inches from erasing GOP's majority," September 19, 2023
  3. Facebook, "Rafter for State Representative," August 4, 2023
  4. Elect James Guzofski State Representatives, "Continuing Service To Our Community," accessed August 14, 2023
  5. 5.0 5.1 Daily Kos, "How the New Hampshire House could wind up in an exact tie between Democrats and Republicans," May 31, 2023
  6. pennlive.com, "Schlegel Culver seated in Pa. Senate, leaving House with an open seat," February 28, 2023
  7. Montour County, "Office of the County Commissioners," accessed May 1, 2023
  8. Trevor Finn State Representative, "Home," accessed May 7, 2023
  9. The Daily Item, "Four elected to board at Shikellamy," November 2, 2021
  10. Michael Stender State House, "Home," accessed April 2, 2023
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, "Libertarians Enter Special Elections For 108th & 163rd," March 30, 2023
  12. Spotlight PA, "Pa. House lawmaker accused of sexual harassment says he will resign," March 8, 2023
  13. 13.0 13.1 Twitter, "PA House Dems," March 27, 2023
  14. 14.0 14.1 Politics PA, "Delco GOP Picks Ford As Candidate For HD-163," March 24, 2023
  15. LinkedIn, "Alfeia DeVaughn- Goodwin, Ph.D., MPHL, MAR.," accessed April 19, 2023
  16. CNalysis, "2020 Presidential by 2020s Legislative Districts," accessed April 2, 2023
  17. pennlive.com, "Schlegel Culver seated in Pa. Senate, leaving House with an open seat," February 28, 2023
  18. Montour County, "Office of the County Commissioners," accessed May 1, 2023
  19. Trevor Finn State Representative, "Home," accessed May 7, 2023
  20. The Daily Item, "Four elected to board at Shikellamy," November 2, 2021
  21. Michael Stender State House, "Home," accessed April 2, 2023
  22. Spotlight PA, "Pa. House lawmaker accused of sexual harassment says he will resign," March 8, 2023
  23. LinkedIn, "Alfeia DeVaughn- Goodwin, Ph.D., MPHL, MAR.," accessed April 19, 2023
  24. CNalysis, "2020 Presidential by 2020s Legislative Districts," accessed April 2, 2023
  25. Wavy.com, "Democrat Rouse defeats GOP’s Adams in 7th District Va. Senate race," January 10, 2023
  26. WRIC, "Special election to fill Kiggans’ Virginia Senate seat set for Jan. 10," November 15, 2022
  27. Daily Kos, "Want to keep on winning? We have the chance for a huge flip in Virginia next month," December 7, 2022
  28. 13 News Now, "Aaron Rouse will run for Virginia Senate seat held by Jen Kiggans," November 14, 2022
  29. 29.0 29.1 Aaron Rouse, "Priorities," accessed December 20, 2022
  30. Wavy, "Rouse, Adams running to fill Va. State Senate seat vacated by Kiggans," November 14, 2022
  31. Kevin Adams 2022 campaign website, "My Platform," accessed December 11, 2022
  32. Wisconsin Examiner, "Knodl to win tight race for Senate seat, securing Republican supermajority," April 5, 2023
  33. Urban Milwaukee, "Sen. Alberta Darling Is Retiring," November 26, 2022
  34. Jodi Habush Sinykin For State Senate, "Get Involved!" accessed February 27, 2023
  35. Knodl For State Senate, "Welcome," accessed February 27, 2023
  36. 36.0 36.1 36.2 Candidates running for special elections in Virginia are selected through firehouse primaries administered by each political party.
  37. This contest was between the candidates who tied in the general election on November 8, 2022.
  38. The special election was called for January 9, 2024, but the election was won outright in the primary runoff on October 24, 2023.

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