Watch the statehouse races, too

If you’re overwhelmed by election results tonight, join the club. But here’s something that hasn’t received much attention, thanks to the coverage of all the nastiness in Senate and House races.

According to CNN’s Political Ticker, Republicans control both legislative chambers in 20 states; Democrats control both chambers in 19 states. Interestingly, of the roughly 7,400 seats in state legislatures, CNN reports, the Dems hold an advantage of a mere 21 seats.

But here’s the kicker. Reports CNN:

The party that wins the helm in legislatures, particularly in states where it has control of both chambers, can not only shape the policy agenda but also get a key advantage in drawing congressional districts. That has taken on added importance since the Supreme Court ruled in June that states are free to redraw districts at any time, without waiting until after each decade’s national census. [emphasis added]

How the statehouse races go may have a significant effect on whether we go through this whole gerrymandered mess again in the next few years.

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