DLCC Releases 2017 Election Results Playbook

DLCC breaks down Democratic wave that carried elections coast to coast on Nov. 7
 

WASHINGTON — Democrats carried the majority of elections on November 7th, gaining two new Democratic trifectas in New Jersey and Washington State, beating Republicans on their own maps in Virginia, and carrying special legislative elections nationwide. The DLCC released its Election Day Results 2017 playbook highlighting its wins and advancements in statehouses from coast to coast.
 

“Voters turned out in droves in a direct rebuke of state Republicans and the Trump administration,” said DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post. “Americans from coast to coast sent a clear message that when faced with adversity, we will step up and defend our values, safeguard the progress we have made, and push onward. Over the course of the 2017 cycle, the DLCC raised over $10 million to help strengthen Democratic control in statehouses nationwide and we are proud of the successful programs, critical investments, and strategic actions it took during this cycle. As the major player in the state legislative space, the DLCC is thrilled by these results and looks forward to supporting our legislators and candidates in upcoming special elections and throughout the 2018 midterm elections as Democrats prepare for 2020 redistricting.”
 

In Virginia, Democrats picked up the most seats in the House of Delegates since 1897. A diverse and talented slate of Democratic candidates ran in more districts than ever, including 43 women, while shattering several historic glass ceilings. Danica Roem in HD-13 will become the only openly transgender state legislator in America; Kelly Convirs-Fowler is the first Filipina elected to the Virginia House; Elizabeth Guzman and Hala Ayala became the first Latinas elected to the chamber; and Kathy Tran is the first Asian-American woman elected to the chamber. The DLCC’s early investments ensured Democrats had the infrastructure and field programs in place to harness the influx of grassroots enthusiasm that made it possible to set a new record by knocking on over one million doors and flipping at least 15 seats from red to blue. With recounts pending, chamber control could still hang in the balance
 

Democrats set a record for longest majority control of the New Jersey Legislature this year. With an impressive slate of candidates, a strong gubernatorial candidate, and formidable state infrastructure, Democrats expanded their already large majorities in the legislature and took control of the governorship, instituting a Democratic trifecta in the state.
 

In Washington State, Democrats won back the governing majority in this chamber with a special election win in LD-45. Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, DLCC Spotlight Race candidate, and now Senator-elect Manka Dhingra swept this critical special election, flipping the seat and chamber from red to blue and giving Democrats unified control of the state government. The DLCC made substantial contributions in this race on both the coordinated side and independent expenditure side, including financial support totally $745,000, data access, paid communications, recruiting volunteers, and more.
 

For more information on the recent elections or to schedule an interview with the DLCC, please contact Mara Sloan at [email protected].