Iowa Democrats just broke the GOP supermajority!
Iowa Democrats just flipped a state Senate seat and broke the GOP supermajority
Let’s start your day with some GREAT news!
In last night’s special election, Iowa Democrats flipped a state Senate seat and BROKE the Republican supermajority in their state legislature!
Iowa Republicans will now hold a 33-17 majority in the Iowa Senate. They will no longer have a supermajority.
They will now need support from at least one Democratic senator to confirm the Republican governor’s nominees to state agencies, boards, commissions, and more.
Iowa Democrats will be able to block extremist nominees. That is huge.
I’ll be honest, this is how I’ve been feeling ever since the election was called last night:
I keep thinking, “why can’t Ohio have these nice things??”
But Ohio Democrats are also making gains.
Republicans currently hold a 3/5 supermajority in both chambers of the Ohio legislature:
In Ohio, a 3/5 supermajority allows Republicans to override the governor’s vetoes and force bills into law.
This often leads to extremist policies that no one — including most Republicans — had been asking for.
Ohio Republicans can also use their 3/5 supermajority to place amendments on the ballot without any Democratic support.
HOWEVER, in 2024, Ohio Democrats broke through the first level of Republican supermajority (the 2/3 supermajority) by picking up two seats in the state House and two seats in the state Senate.
That means Ohio Republicans can no longer pass bills with “emergency clauses” unless they get some Democratic support.
An emergency clause forces a bill to become law immediately — instead of going through the normal 90-day waiting period.
Since Ohio Republicans can no longer abuse emergency clauses, there will be time for lawsuits against illegal bills. And Ohio Republicans can no longer change voting laws right before an election.
So even though Ohio still has the big 3/5 supermajority, breaking that first level of supermajority was an important win for Ohio Democrats.
It’s a good reminder that every seat in every state legislature matters.
ALL Ohio House seats will be on the ballot in 2026. HALF of Ohio’s state Senate seats (odd-numbered districts) will be on the ballot as well.
Here are some actions you can take to prepare:
Consider running for the Ohio legislature. I promise you’re more qualified than at least half of the Republicans currently serving…
Follow/Sign up for updates from the Ohio House Dems’ campaign team and the Ohio Senate Dems’ campaign team
Get connected with your county Democratic party. They will be working to support Ohio legislative candidates and potential candidates.
Do you know a group of people who’d be interested in a “How Things Work at the Ohio Statehouse” training? Email me to get one scheduled! Coyle@stateactioninitiative.com