2002 United States state legislative elections – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**2002 United States State Legislative Elections**

The 2002 United States state legislative elections were held on November 5, 2002, to elect legislators in 88 of the 99 state legislative chambers across 46 states. These elections determined the partisan control of state legislatures for the subsequent two years, influencing state policy and the redistricting process following the 2000 Census.

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## Overview

The 2002 state legislative elections were a significant political event occurring in the midterm of President George W. Bush’s first term. Voters across the country elected representatives to state senates and houses, with many states holding elections for both chambers. These elections were particularly important as they were the first legislative contests following the 2000 Census, which led to redistricting in many states. Control of state legislatures was crucial for shaping electoral maps for congressional and state legislative districts.

In total, 6,015 legislative seats were up for election in 88 chambers across 46 states. Nebraska’s unicameral legislature, which is nonpartisan, was also up for election. Four states—Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Virginia—did not hold state legislative elections in 2002. Additionally, some states have staggered terms for their upper chambers, so not all seats were contested.

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## Political Context

The 2002 elections took place in a politically charged environment. The country was still responding to the events of September 11, 2001, and the ongoing War on Terror influenced voter sentiment. The Republican Party, led by President Bush, sought to capitalize on post-9/11 patriotism and national security concerns. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party aimed to regain ground lost in the 2000 elections.

State legislative elections often reflect local issues and candidate quality, but national trends can influence outcomes. The 2002 midterms were notable for the Republican Party’s gains at the federal level, including control of the U.S. Senate. This momentum also translated into state legislative races.

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## Election Results Summary

### Party Control Changes

The 2002 elections resulted in the Republican Party expanding its control over state legislatures. Republicans gained several chambers, increasing their influence in state policymaking and redistricting. Democrats experienced losses in some key states but maintained control in others.

– **Republican Gains:** Republicans flipped control of several legislative chambers, including the Colorado House of Representatives and the Missouri House of Representatives.
– **Democratic Losses:** Democrats lost control of some chambers but retained majorities in states such as California and New York.
– **Coalition and Split Control:** Some states continued to have split control between parties or coalition arrangements.

### Notable State Outcomes

– **Colorado:** Republicans gained control of the House of Representatives, marking a significant shift in state politics.
– **Missouri:** The Republican Party took control of the House, contributing to a Republican trifecta in the state government.
– **New Hampshire:** Democrats maintained control of both chambers, despite Republican efforts.
– **Texas:** Republicans solidified their control of the House, continuing a trend of Republican dominance in the state.

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## Impact on Redistricting

The 2002 elections were the first held after the 2000 Census, making control of state legislatures critical for redistricting. State legislatures are responsible for drawing congressional and state legislative district boundaries, which can influence electoral outcomes for the next decade.

Republican gains in state legislatures allowed the party to influence redistricting in several states, potentially shaping the political landscape in their favor. In some states, divided government or independent commissions played a role in the redistricting process, limiting partisan influence.

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## State-by-State Breakdown

### Northeast

– **New York:** Democrats retained control of both chambers.
– **New Jersey:** No elections held in 2002.
– **Pennsylvania:** Republicans maintained control of the House; the Senate remained under Republican control.
– **Massachusetts:** Democrats held majorities in both chambers.

### South

– **Virginia:** No elections held in 2002.
– **North Carolina:** Republicans made gains but Democrats retained control of the House.
– **Florida:** Republicans maintained control of the House and Senate.
– **Texas:** Republicans strengthened their hold on the House.

### Midwest

– **Illinois:** Democrats retained control of both chambers.
– **Ohio:** Republicans maintained control of the House; the Senate remained under Republican control.
– **Missouri:** Republicans gained control of the House.

### West

– **California:** Democrats held majorities in both chambers.
– **Colorado:** Republicans gained control of the House.
– **Washington:** Democrats maintained control of both chambers.

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## Voter Turnout and Participation

Voter turnout in state legislative elections typically varies by state and is influenced by concurrent elections, such as gubernatorial or federal contests. In 2002, turnout was moderate, reflecting the midterm nature of the elections. States with high-profile gubernatorial races or ballot initiatives generally saw higher participation.

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## Significance and Legacy

The 2002 state legislative elections reinforced Republican strength at the state level during the early 2000s. Control of legislatures allowed Republicans to influence policy on taxation, education, and social issues. Moreover, the elections shaped redistricting efforts that affected congressional representation for the following decade.

The results also highlighted the importance of state legislatures in the American political system, demonstrating how state-level elections can have national implications. The 2002 elections set the stage for future political battles over redistricting and state governance.

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## Summary Table of Party Control Changes

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## Conclusion

The 2002 United States state legislative elections were a pivotal moment in early 21st-century American politics. The Republican Party’s gains at the state level complemented their federal successes, enabling them to influence policy and redistricting. These elections underscored the critical role of state legislatures in shaping the political landscape and demonstrated the interconnectedness of state and national politics.

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**Meta Description:**
The 2002 United States state legislative elections determined control of 88 legislative chambers across 46 states, with Republicans making significant gains that influenced policy and redistricting. These elections played a key role in shaping state and national political dynamics in the early 2000s.