More than 6,100 state legislative seats are up for election this fall. The races determine who controls laws governing education, taxes, reproductive rights, crime and social media access.
Republicans currently control both chambers in 28 state legislatures. Democrats hold control in 18, while others, including Pennsylvania, operate under divided control.
State lawmakers and governors often have a greater effect on everyday lives than federal actors, according to John Kennedy, a political science professor at Westchester University.
Republicans' domination of state legislatures began with the 2010 midterm cycle, Kennedy said. That election allowed Republicans to solidify their positions through subsequent redistricting efforts.
Pennsylvania is a key target. Democrats have not held control of the state legislature for over 30 years.
Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, has pledged to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour, increase affordable housing construction and confront utility companies over rising rates—but only if Democrats gain control and he wins reelection.
Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Shapiro's challenger, dismissed those plans. She said Shapiro has used the divided legislature as an excuse for not achieving his goals and that effective leadership requires negotiating with opposing leaders regardless of legislative composition.
