2010 statewide legislative elections in the United States
Name Abbreviation Notes
Democratic Party D Major national party ; has state-level parties in each state
Republican Party R Major national party ; has state-level parties in each state
Vermont Progressive Party P State-level center-left third party operating only in Vermont
Independence Party I A minor centrist political party , mostly active in New York
Governing coalition Coal A coalition of members of the Democratic and Republican parties in power in the Alaska Senate
Independent Ind Do not identify with any political party
Vacant Vac A seat not currently occupied by a legislator
Map key
The 2010 statewide legislative elections were held on November 2, 2010, halfway through President Barack Obama's first term in office. Elections were held for 88 legislative chambers, with all states but Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia holding elections in at least one house. Kansas, New Mexico and South Carolina held elections for their lower, but not upper houses. Republicans scored record gains, gaining at least 680 total seats and taking control of 19 legislative chambers, while the Democrats lost at least 21 chambers. The winners of this election cycle will serve in their respective legislatures for either a 2- or 4-year term, depending on state election rules.