2026 State Legislature Political Control

Following statehouse elections last week in New Jersey and Virginia, as well as special elections for open legislative seats in numerous states, the results of the 2025 state legislative elections have been finalized. Beginning next year, Democrats will have complete control of statehouses in 18 states and the District of Columbia; Republicans will have total control of 29 statehouses. Three states, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota will have split legislatures, with neither party having any outright majority in both chambers. Also, note that Nebraska’s unicameral legislature is technically nonpartisan.

In regards to political trifectas – where a single party has full control of the legislature and governor’s office – starting in 2026, Republicans will have political trifectas in 23 states; Democrats will operate trifectas in 16; and 11 states will have divided government.

NPGA will continue to work closely with the industry’s 36 state and regional associations to advance industry priority at the state level.  For more information, contact NPGA’s Senior Director of State Affairs, Jacob Peterson.