State Legislature Special Election Megathread v2

[MAINEiac4434]

Two of the candidates for Maine Attorney General are current legislators, meaning there could well be a special election very early in 2019.

The candidates are Aaron Frey, Mike Carpenter, Mark Dion, Tim Shannon and Maeghan Maloney — Frey is a State Representative from Bangor and Carpenter is a State Senator from Aroostook. A special election for Carpenter’s seat will be much more interesting than one for Frey’s seat, as Carpenter only narrowly won while Bangor is a Safe D city.

[smoltchanov]

Based on retirements alone, how many seats can Republicans expect to gain in the Louisiana legislature in 2019?  

Here are the current numbers:

Louisiana House (105 total members)

Republicans: 60
Democrats: 39
independents: 3
vacancies: 3

Louisiana Senate (39 total members)

Republicans: 25
Democrats: 14

IMHO - relatively few in state Senate. Out of 5 districts, represented by white Democrats (districts represented by Blacks are safe) only 2 look really vulnerable: 28th of LaFleur in Acadiana (very likely) and 38th of Milkovich (with his "nonstandard" voting record - more or less centrist on economy and extremely conservative on social issues). 2 of 3 others are majority-Black, and Gary Smith is strong enough to win.

Much worse in state House. This fall Democrats already lost 10th and 33rd. and next year they are likely to lose heavily in Acadiana and vicinity, where legislators elected in pre-Obama period will be term-limited. By my count - 28th, 30th, 32th, 38th and 54th are, most likely, gone (despite old Democratic tradition), and 18th (not in Acadiana) and 50th - are possible (but both are about 38% Black, so - less likely).

P.S. Louisiana and Mississippi (first - more quickly, as there are term limits) slowly go the way of Alabama (where only 1 centrist white Democrat in state Senate, and 1 white progressive in House (both from majority-Black districts) remain).  Everything else is polarized...

[Virginiá]

So apparently Democrats have a chance to eat into the PAGOP's Senate majority a little bit further before 2020:

http://www.wesa.fm/post/special-election-looms-37th-district-attracting-bipartisan-interest

51 - 45% Trump

[windjammer]

So apparently Democrats have a chance to eat into the PAGOP's Senate majority a little bit further before 2020:

http://www.wesa.fm/post/special-election-looms-37th-district-attracting-bipartisan-interest

51 - 45% Trump

I suppose the PA Supreme Court is going to overturn the state legislative maps.

[ON Progressive]

A special election has been called for Tennessee's 32nd State Senate District. This seems to be mostly Memphis exurbs. The primary is on January 24 (anyone know why TN likes Thursday primaries?), and the general election will be on March 12.

https://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/special-election-set-for-tn-state-senate-district-32-seat/1611354953

2012 President: 71-28 Romney
2016 President: 68-28 Trump

I would put this at Safe R, of course.

[Mr.Phips]

Based on retirements alone, how many seats can Republicans expect to gain in the Louisiana legislature in 2019?  

Here are the current numbers:

Louisiana House (105 total members)

Republicans: 60
Democrats: 39
independents: 3
vacancies: 3

Louisiana Senate (39 total members)

Republicans: 25
Democrats: 14

IMHO - relatively few in state Senate. Out of 5 districts, represented by white Democrats (districts represented by Blacks are safe) only 2 look really vulnerable: 28th of LaFleur in Acadiana (very likely) and 38th of Milkovich (with his "nonstandard" voting record - more or less centrist on economy and extremely conservative on social issues). 2 of 3 others are majority-Black, and Gary Smith is strong enough to win.

Much worse in state House. This fall Democrats already lost 10th and 33rd. and next year they are likely to lose heavily in Acadiana and vicinity, where legislators elected in pre-Obama period will be term-limited. By my count - 28th, 30th, 32th, 38th and 54th are, most likely, gone (despite old Democratic tradition), and 18th (not in Acadiana) and 50th - are possible (but both are about 38% Black, so - less likely).

P.S. Louisiana and Mississippi (first - more quickly, as there are term limits) slowly go the way of Alabama (where only 1 centrist white Democrat in state Senate, and 1 white progressive in House (both from majority-Black districts) remain).  Everything else is polarized...

Isn't there a Republican seat that will be open in the Senate (Alario) in the NOLA area that even Hillary almost carried?  I'd think Dems would have a good shot at picking that up.

[ON Progressive]

Since nobody posted about these, I may as well post about them. 3 state legislative specials, one in Dec. 2018 and two in 2019. I put in candidates where I am aware of any.

Virginia State House District 24 (Dec 18, 2018)

Candidates: Ronnie Campbell (R) vs. Christian Worth (D)
Location: All of Rockbridge/Bath counties, most of Amherst County, SW Augusta County, independent cities of Lexington/Buena Vista

2017 Governor: 65-34 Gillespie
2016 POTUS: 66-30 Trump

Virginia State Senate District 33 (Jan 8, 2019/incumbent Jennifer Wexton resigned after election to Congress)

Candidates: Jennifer Boysko (D) vs. Joe May (R)
Location: NoVa, 73% Loudoun County/26% Fairfax County (Sterling/Herndon/Reston/Leesburg/etc)

2017 Governor: 67-32 Northam
2016 POTUS: 62-32 Clinton

South Carolina State Senate District 6 (March 26, 2019/incumbent William Timmons resigned after election to Congress)
Candidates: TBD (Primary Jan 22/Runoff Primary Feb 5)
Location: Greenville and suburbs
2016 POTUS: 61.8-31.4 Trump
2012 POTUS: 67.4-30.6 Romney

VA HD-24 is Safe R, VA SD-33 is Safe D, SC SD-06 is Safe R.

[smoltchanov]

Based on retirements alone, how many seats can Republicans expect to gain in the Louisiana legislature in 2019?  

Here are the current numbers:

Louisiana House (105 total members)

Republicans: 60
Democrats: 39
independents: 3
vacancies: 3

Louisiana Senate (39 total members)

Republicans: 25
Democrats: 14

IMHO - relatively few in state Senate. Out of 5 districts, represented by white Democrats (districts represented by Blacks are safe) only 2 look really vulnerable: 28th of LaFleur in Acadiana (very likely) and 38th of Milkovich (with his "nonstandard" voting record - more or less centrist on economy and extremely conservative on social issues). 2 of 3 others are majority-Black, and Gary Smith is strong enough to win.

Much worse in state House. This fall Democrats already lost 10th and 33rd. and next year they are likely to lose heavily in Acadiana and vicinity, where legislators elected in pre-Obama period will be term-limited. By my count - 28th, 30th, 32th, 38th and 54th are, most likely, gone (despite old Democratic tradition), and 18th (not in Acadiana) and 50th - are possible (but both are about 38% Black, so - less likely).

P.S. Louisiana and Mississippi (first - more quickly, as there are term limits) slowly go the way of Alabama (where only 1 centrist white Democrat in state Senate, and 1 white progressive in House (both from majority-Black districts) remain).  Everything else is polarized...

Isn't there a Republican seat that will be open in the Senate (Alario) in the NOLA area that even Hillary almost carried?  I'd think Dems would have a good shot at picking that up.

There is. And Alario is a party-switcher himself (more or less centrist Democrat in the past, moderate-conservative Republican now). But, barring something unpredictable, that's, probably, the only state Senate seat Democrats may gain. Though it's too early to say with confidence..

[Frodo]

Based on retirements alone, how many seats can Republicans expect to gain in the Louisiana legislature in 2019?  

Here are the current numbers:

Louisiana House (105 total members)

Republicans: 60
Democrats: 39
independents: 3
vacancies: 3

Louisiana Senate (39 total members)

Republicans: 25
Democrats: 14

IMHO - relatively few in state Senate. Out of 5 districts, represented by white Democrats (districts represented by Blacks are safe) only 2 look really vulnerable: 28th of LaFleur in Acadiana (very likely) and 38th of Milkovich (with his "nonstandard" voting record - more or less centrist on economy and extremely conservative on social issues). 2 of 3 others are majority-Black, and Gary Smith is strong enough to win.

Much worse in state House. This fall Democrats already lost 10th and 33rd. and next year they are likely to lose heavily in Acadiana and vicinity, where legislators elected in pre-Obama period will be term-limited. By my count - 28th, 30th, 32th, 38th and 54th are, most likely, gone (despite old Democratic tradition), and 18th (not in Acadiana) and 50th - are possible (but both are about 38% Black, so - less likely).

P.S. Louisiana and Mississippi (first - more quickly, as there are term limits) slowly go the way of Alabama (where only 1 centrist white Democrat in state Senate, and 1 white progressive in House (both from majority-Black districts) remain).  Everything else is polarized...

Isn't there a Republican seat that will be open in the Senate (Alario) in the NOLA area that even Hillary almost carried?  I'd think Dems would have a good shot at picking that up.

There is. And Alario is a party-switcher himself (more or less centrist Democrat in the past, moderate-conservative Republican now). But, barring something unpredictable, that's, probably, the only state Senate seat Democrats may gain. Though it's too early to say with confidence..

What do we know about the three independents and the three current vacancies in the House?  Next year, would they likely go Republican?  Because if so, that would mean Republicans could win up to (if we include the 9 or 10 you already mentioned) 75 seats at the end of the 2019 elections once all the votes are counted.  

[smoltchanov]

Based on retirements alone, how many seats can Republicans expect to gain in the Louisiana legislature in 2019?  

Here are the current numbers:

Louisiana House (105 total members)

Republicans: 60
Democrats: 39
independents: 3
vacancies: 3

Louisiana Senate (39 total members)

Republicans: 25
Democrats: 14

IMHO - relatively few in state Senate. Out of 5 districts, represented by white Democrats (districts represented by Blacks are safe) only 2 look really vulnerable: 28th of LaFleur in Acadiana (very likely) and 38th of Milkovich (with his "nonstandard" voting record - more or less centrist on economy and extremely conservative on social issues). 2 of 3 others are majority-Black, and Gary Smith is strong enough to win.

Much worse in state House. This fall Democrats already lost 10th and 33rd. and next year they are likely to lose heavily in Acadiana and vicinity, where legislators elected in pre-Obama period will be term-limited. By my count - 28th, 30th, 32th, 38th and 54th are, most likely, gone (despite old Democratic tradition), and 18th (not in Acadiana) and 50th - are possible (but both are about 38% Black, so - less likely).

P.S. Louisiana and Mississippi (first - more quickly, as there are term limits) slowly go the way of Alabama (where only 1 centrist white Democrat in state Senate, and 1 white progressive in House (both from majority-Black districts) remain).  Everything else is polarized...

Isn't there a Republican seat that will be open in the Senate (Alario) in the NOLA area that even Hillary almost carried?  I'd think Dems would have a good shot at picking that up.

There is. And Alario is a party-switcher himself (more or less centrist Democrat in the past, moderate-conservative Republican now). But, barring something unpredictable, that's, probably, the only state Senate seat Democrats may gain. Though it's too early to say with confidence..

What do we know about the three independents and the three current vacancies in the House?  Next year, would they likely go Republican?  Because if so, that would mean Republicans could win up to 75 seats at the end of the 2019 elections once all the votes are counted.  

Terry Brown is a "conservative Independent", who, nevertheless, twice beat Republican candidates. Looking at his voting record - he seems to be more of "conservative populist" type: again, more conservative on social issues, then on economy. Jerome Richard is not so far from "normal Republican", but prefers to stay Indie. He is term-limited though. Both districts (84 and 70% Trump accordingly) seem very unlikely to go Democratic. Joseph Marino - another matter. Elected unopposed from suburban (and - narrow Clinton) district, he seems to be genuine moderate, so IF he would choose - my guess is he would choose Democratic label over Republican one.

Vacansies? One - 18th, i already mentioned. Major Thibaut was among more conservative Democrats, but district is about 38% Black and had rather strong Democratic tradition in the past, so, theoretically it can elect almost anyone: from liberal Democrat to conservative Democrat to (somewhat less likely) conservative Republican (still - 59% Trump). Kenny Havard's 62th leans Republican, but not especially overwhelmingly (58.5% Trump). Jeff Hall's 26th is solidly Democratic and majority Black.

[Frodo]

Based on retirements alone, how many seats can Republicans expect to gain in the Louisiana legislature in 2019?  

Here are the current numbers:

Louisiana House (105 total members)

Republicans: 60
Democrats: 39
independents: 3
vacancies: 3

Louisiana Senate (39 total members)

Republicans: 25
Democrats: 14

IMHO - relatively few in state Senate. Out of 5 districts, represented by white Democrats (districts represented by Blacks are safe) only 2 look really vulnerable: 28th of LaFleur in Acadiana (very likely) and 38th of Milkovich (with his "nonstandard" voting record - more or less centrist on economy and extremely conservative on social issues). 2 of 3 others are majority-Black, and Gary Smith is strong enough to win.

Much worse in state House. This fall Democrats already lost 10th and 33rd. and next year they are likely to lose heavily in Acadiana and vicinity, where legislators elected in pre-Obama period will be term-limited. By my count - 28th, 30th, 32th, 38th and 54th are, most likely, gone (despite old Democratic tradition), and 18th (not in Acadiana) and 50th - are possible (but both are about 38% Black, so - less likely).

P.S. Louisiana and Mississippi (first - more quickly, as there are term limits) slowly go the way of Alabama (where only 1 centrist white Democrat in state Senate, and 1 white progressive in House (both from majority-Black districts) remain).  Everything else is polarized...

Isn't there a Republican seat that will be open in the Senate (Alario) in the NOLA area that even Hillary almost carried?  I'd think Dems would have a good shot at picking that up.

There is. And Alario is a party-switcher himself (more or less centrist Democrat in the past, moderate-conservative Republican now). But, barring something unpredictable, that's, probably, the only state Senate seat Democrats may gain. Though it's too early to say with confidence..

What do we know about the three independents and the three current vacancies in the House?  Next year, would they likely go Republican?  Because if so, that would mean Republicans could win up to 75 seats at the end of the 2019 elections once all the votes are counted.  

Terry Brown is a "conservative Independent", who, nevertheless, twice beat Republican candidates. Looking at his voting record - he seems to be more of "conservative populist" type: again, more conservative on social issues, then on economy. Jerome Richard is not so far from "normal Republican", but prefers to stay Indie. He is term-limited though. Both districts (84 and 70% Trump accordingly) seem very unlikely to go Democratic. Joseph Marino - another matter. Elected unopposed from suburban (and - narrow Clinton) district, he seems to be genuine moderate, so IF he would choose - my guess is he would choose Democratic label over Republican one.

That's two districts also likely to go Republican, then.  

With the independents accounted for, how about the three vacant seats?  

[smoltchanov]

Based on retirements alone, how many seats can Republicans expect to gain in the Louisiana legislature in 2019?  

Here are the current numbers:

Louisiana House (105 total members)

Republicans: 60
Democrats: 39
independents: 3
vacancies: 3

Louisiana Senate (39 total members)

Republicans: 25
Democrats: 14

IMHO - relatively few in state Senate. Out of 5 districts, represented by white Democrats (districts represented by Blacks are safe) only 2 look really vulnerable: 28th of LaFleur in Acadiana (very likely) and 38th of Milkovich (with his "nonstandard" voting record - more or less centrist on economy and extremely conservative on social issues). 2 of 3 others are majority-Black, and Gary Smith is strong enough to win.

Much worse in state House. This fall Democrats already lost 10th and 33rd. and next year they are likely to lose heavily in Acadiana and vicinity, where legislators elected in pre-Obama period will be term-limited. By my count - 28th, 30th, 32th, 38th and 54th are, most likely, gone (despite old Democratic tradition), and 18th (not in Acadiana) and 50th - are possible (but both are about 38% Black, so - less likely).

P.S. Louisiana and Mississippi (first - more quickly, as there are term limits) slowly go the way of Alabama (where only 1 centrist white Democrat in state Senate, and 1 white progressive in House (both from majority-Black districts) remain).  Everything else is polarized...

Isn't there a Republican seat that will be open in the Senate (Alario) in the NOLA area that even Hillary almost carried?  I'd think Dems would have a good shot at picking that up.

There is. And Alario is a party-switcher himself (more or less centrist Democrat in the past, moderate-conservative Republican now). But, barring something unpredictable, that's, probably, the only state Senate seat Democrats may gain. Though it's too early to say with confidence..

What do we know about the three independents and the three current vacancies in the House?  Next year, would they likely go Republican?  Because if so, that would mean Republicans could win up to 75 seats at the end of the 2019 elections once all the votes are counted.  

Terry Brown is a "conservative Independent", who, nevertheless, twice beat Republican candidates. Looking at his voting record - he seems to be more of "conservative populist" type: again, more conservative on social issues, then on economy. Jerome Richard is not so far from "normal Republican", but prefers to stay Indie. He is term-limited though. Both districts (84 and 70% Trump accordingly) seem very unlikely to go Democratic. Joseph Marino - another matter. Elected unopposed from suburban (and - narrow Clinton) district, he seems to be genuine moderate, so IF he would choose - my guess is he would choose Democratic label over Republican one.

That's two districts also likely to go Republican, then.  

With the independents accounted for, how about the three vacant seats?  They seem to have been represented mainly by Democrats.    

Look up. I added info to my previous post.

[Frodo]

So in January 2020 once the legislators have been sworn in, do you think this is likely going to be the partisan makeup of the Louisiana legislature, with Republicans having a 2 to 1 majority ratio in both chambers?


Louisiana House

Republicans: 70
Democrats: 35


Louisiana Senate

Republicans: 26
Democrats: 13

[Mr.Phips]

Based on retirements alone, how many seats can Republicans expect to gain in the Louisiana legislature in 2019?  

Here are the current numbers:

Louisiana House (105 total members)

Republicans: 60
Democrats: 39
independents: 3
vacancies: 3

Louisiana Senate (39 total members)

Republicans: 25
Democrats: 14

IMHO - relatively few in state Senate. Out of 5 districts, represented by white Democrats (districts represented by Blacks are safe) only 2 look really vulnerable: 28th of LaFleur in Acadiana (very likely) and 38th of Milkovich (with his "nonstandard" voting record - more or less centrist on economy and extremely conservative on social issues). 2 of 3 others are majority-Black, and Gary Smith is strong enough to win.

Much worse in state House. This fall Democrats already lost 10th and 33rd. and next year they are likely to lose heavily in Acadiana and vicinity, where legislators elected in pre-Obama period will be term-limited. By my count - 28th, 30th, 32th, 38th and 54th are, most likely, gone (despite old Democratic tradition), and 18th (not in Acadiana) and 50th - are possible (but both are about 38% Black, so - less likely).

P.S. Louisiana and Mississippi (first - more quickly, as there are term limits) slowly go the way of Alabama (where only 1 centrist white Democrat in state Senate, and 1 white progressive in House (both from majority-Black districts) remain).  Everything else is polarized...

Isn't there a Republican seat that will be open in the Senate (Alario) in the NOLA area that even Hillary almost carried?  I'd think Dems would have a good shot at picking that up.

There is. And Alario is a party-switcher himself (more or less centrist Democrat in the past, moderate-conservative Republican now). But, barring something unpredictable, that's, probably, the only state Senate seat Democrats may gain. Though it's too early to say with confidence..

What do we know about the three independents and the three current vacancies in the House?  Next year, would they likely go Republican?  Because if so, that would mean Republicans could win up to 75 seats at the end of the 2019 elections once all the votes are counted.  

Terry Brown is a "conservative Independent", who, nevertheless, twice beat Republican candidates. Looking at his voting record - he seems to be more of "conservative populist" type: again, more conservative on social issues, then on economy. Jerome Richard is not so far from "normal Republican", but prefers to stay Indie. He is term-limited though. Both districts (84 and 70% Trump accordingly) seem very unlikely to go Democratic. Joseph Marino - another matter. Elected unopposed from suburban (and - narrow Clinton) district, he seems to be genuine moderate, so IF he would choose - my guess is he would choose Democratic label over Republican one.

Vacansies? One - 18th, i already mentioned. Major Thibaut was among more conservative Democrats, but district is about 38% Black and had rather strong Democratic tradition in the past, so, theoretically it can elect almost anyone: from liberal Democrat to conservative Democrat to (somewhat less likely) conservative Republican (still - 59% Trump). Kenny Havard's 62th leans Republican, but not especially overwhelmingly (58.5% Trump). Jeff Hall's 26th is solidly Democratic and majority Black.

Looking at the 18th, that one even went for Mary Landrieu in 2014.  Dems should be able hold that one.

Also, there are a couple Republican seats in the Baton Rouge area that Trump only won by single digits (or low double digits) that Dems could take.

[smoltchanov]

So in January 2020 once the legislators have been sworn in, do you think this is likely going to be the partisan makeup of the Louisiana legislature, with Republicans having a 2 to 1 majority ratio in both chambers?


Louisiana House

Republicans: 70
Democrats: 35


Louisiana Senate

Republicans: 26
Democrats: 13

I would expect House being about 68-37 or 67-38 Republican (numbers may be smaller if Indies are present), and Senate - either 26-13 or 25-14  (27-12 in absolutely worst case) in their favor. Yeah, 18th has rather strong Democratic tradition, but with conservative slant. It will not elect a "bold progressive"... Before Thibaut it elected Donald Cazayoux, who was slightly more liberal, but - no more then centrist in general.

P.S. And yes - there are some districts, held now by Republicans, where Democrats may have rather good chances in 2019. In NOLA area - it's almost surely 92th, probably - 105th, and may be - 103rd and 94th. In BR area - may be 68th and 70th, but Republicans will still be likely favored there. As usual - nothing in rural areas, where Democrats are almost annihilated.

[smoltchanov]

After looking at state legislative results i have a sort of observation and question simultaneously. Generally, it seems, state legislative elections followed House pattern: Democrats held cities, gained (sometimes - massively) in suburbs, and lost in rural areas. Overall results vary from state to state: if in Pennsylvania, Washington, Michigan, and even Georgia, Texas and North Carolina (and some other states) suburban gains were very impressive, and were main part of "Democratic improvement", in some other - situation is more mixed. I already mentioned Kansas: quantitatively elections to it's House were almost a"wash" (IIRC - Democrats lost 1 seat), but it became tangibly more conservative, as almost all Democratic gains were in suburbs at the expense of very moderate Republicans (Gallagher and Rooker were, probably, more liberal, then some Democrats), while losses - almost exclusively in rural areas to very conservative Republicans. In Oklahoma and Arkansas some gains in suburbs only compensated rural losses, but - no more. And  the worst state (from Democratic point of view) was, probably, Alabama - no change in state Senate and loss of 4-5 rural seats without any compensation in suburbs (it's, probably, the first time in Alabama's history, when whole Democratic caucus consists of centrists and liberals, without single conservative, and, as i said in another thread - it's almost completely Black, substantially more so, then even in Mississippi and Louisiana). Thoughts, explanations?

P.S. Strictly speaking - this post is not about SPECIAL elections, though it's about state legislative elections. If moderators want, and know more suitable thread for it - move it, please..

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Schedule for the rest of the year:

November 27 - Mississippi Runoffs (House 31 & 85)
December 4 - GA HD 28 (R v. R) and SOS
December 8 - LA HD 90 (R v. R) and SOS
December 11 - TX SD 6
December 18 - VA HD 24

[ON Progressive]

Schedule for the rest of the year:

November 27 - Mississippi Runoffs (House 31 & 85)
December 4 - GA HD 28 (R v. R) and SOS
December 8 - LA HD 90 (R v. R) and SOS
December 11 - TX SD 6
December 18 - VA HD 24

The MS house races tomorrow should be Safe D. District 31 is 73% black, and District 85 is 67% black.

[smoltchanov]

Schedule for the rest of the year:

November 27 - Mississippi Runoffs (House 31 & 85)
December 4 - GA HD 28 (R v. R) and SOS
December 8 - LA HD 90 (R v. R) and SOS
December 11 - TX SD 6
December 18 - VA HD 24

The MS house races tomorrow should be Safe D. District 31 is 73% black, and District 85 is 67% black.

Given that TX SD 6 was almost 74% Clinton, and VA HD 24 - almost 68% Trump in 2016 - nothing interesting, except GA SOS race (LA's will easily go Republican)

[An American Tail: Fubart Goes West]

Brian Dahle announces run for California’s 1st Senate District.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Sen Ted Gaines (R-CA-1) will be resigning to take a seat on the Board of Equalization that he won earlier this month. I don’t have a date for the election yet, but it will be happening.

[GeorgiaModerate]

Schedule for the rest of the year:

November 27 - Mississippi Runoffs (House 31 & 85)
December 4 - GA HD 28 (R v. R) and SOS
December 8 - LA HD 90 (R v. R) and SOS
December 11 - TX SD 6
December 18 - VA HD 24

Georgia also has a statewide PSC runoff in addition to SoS.

[Attorney General, Senator-Elect, & Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Mississippi Results from last night:

State House District 31
Show or hide race▾
Candidate   Party   Votes   Percentage
★   Otis Anthony   NP   4,920   70%
Barbara Brooks   NP   2,143   30%
Total   7,063
100% Reporting 18 of 18 Precincts

State House District 85
Show or hide race▾
Candidate   Party   Votes   Percentage
★   Jeffery Harness   NP   4,300   59%
JoAnn Collins-Smith   NP   2,929   41%
Total   7,229
100% Reporting 27 of 27 Precincts

[Tintrlvr]

Mississippi Results from last night:

State House District 31
Show or hide race▾
Candidate   Party   Votes   Percentage
★   Otis Anthony   NP   4,920   70%
Barbara Brooks   NP   2,143   30%
Total   7,063
100% Reporting 18 of 18 Precincts

State House District 85
Show or hide race▾
Candidate   Party   Votes   Percentage
★   Jeffery Harness   NP   4,300   59%
JoAnn Collins-Smith   NP   2,929   41%
Total   7,229
100% Reporting 27 of 27 Precincts

Were the winners the de facto Democratic candidates?

[ON Progressive]

Mississippi Results from last night:

State House District 31
Show or hide race▾
Candidate   Party   Votes   Percentage
★   Oist Anthony   NP   4,920   70%
Barbara Brooks   NP   2,143   30%
Total   7,063
100% Reporting 18 of 18 Precincts

State House District 85
Show or hide race▾
Candidate   Party   Votes   Percentage
★   Jeffery Harness   NP   4,300   59%
JoAnn Collins-Smith   NP   2,929   41%
Total   7,229
100% Reporting 27 of 27 Precincts

Were the winners the de facto Democratic candidates?

As I said earlier, these are supermajority black seats, so yes.

[Badger]

So apparently Democrats have a chance to eat into the PAGOP's Senate majority a little bit further before 2020:

http://www.wesa.fm/post/special-election-looms-37th-district-attracting-bipartisan-interest

51 - 45% Trump

I suppose the PA Supreme Court is going to overturn the state legislative maps.

One can only pray. And then that they move on the Columbus seven, beat them up and throw them out of their offices, and do the same thing here.