Heading into December, we look back at the November midterm elections. Here are some numbers from the recent elections with a comparison to the results in previous elections.
In 2012, Republicans held control of the House of Representatives by a 233-199 (3 vacancy) margin. After the 2014 elections, Republicans held 244 seats, Democrats held 188, and three are undecided.
In 2012, Democrats had a majority in the United States Senate. There were 53 Democrats, 45 Republicans, and 2 Independents in the upper chamber. After the 2014 midterms, Republicans held 53 seats, Democrats held 45, and Independents held 2. There is one undecided seat, but that seat will probably switch from Democrat to Republican with the expected loss of Senator Mary Landrieu in Louisiana.
Republicans gained 2 seats for Governor in November. They now hold 31 seats. Democrats have 27 state executive seats. There is 1 Independent Governor (Alaska). One seat is still undecided (Vermont).
What do you think the reasons were for the Republican wave in 2014? Why did Republicans gain so many seats? Conversely, why did the Democrats lose so many?
Politics Matters 