Republicans gain control of the Alabama state legislature for the first time in 136 years

November 8, 2010

By Justin Haas

MONTGOMERY, Alabama: On Tuesday Republicans regained control of both the Alabama State Senate and Alabama House of Representatives. Alabama was one of six states that saw both chambers switch from Democratic to Republican hands, the others being Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

The last time Republicans controlled the Alabama legislature was in 1874 during the Reconstruction Era. [1] Republican candidate Robert J. Bentley won election to the position of governor as well, yielding a state government “trifecta”, or joint control of a state’s gubernatorial position, state senate and state house.

Ballotpedia ranked the Alabama legislative elections as 22nd in overall electoral competitiveness, and regarded both chambers as “Toss ups” in a projection of probable electoral outcomes. The Republican win could have far reaching consequences on future GOP control of the legislature, as the legislature will redraw voting districts for the next 10 years in 2011. [2]

Senate

All of Alabama’s 35 senate districts were up in 2010. Republicans had a net gain of 7 seats, including seven from incumbent Democrats.

Alabama State Senate
Party As of November 1, 2010 After the 2010 Election
Democratic Party 20 12
Republican Party 15 22
Independent 0 1
Total 35 35

The following incumbent Democrats were defeated by Republicans:

House

All of Alabama’a 105 House districts were up for election in 2010. Republicans gained 19 seats, including 14 from incumbent Democrats.

Alabama House of Representatives
Party As of November 1, 2010 After the 2010 Election
Democratic Party 60 43
Republican Party 43 62
Vacancy 2 -
Total 105 105

The following incumbent Democrats were defeated by Republicans:

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