# Both parties chase state power in 2026 midterms

> Democrats and Republicans are targeting control of statehouses in key races, with each party hoping to win governorships and legislatures to advance their agendas.
- Title: Both parties chase state power in 2026 midterms · ABC News
- Summary: Democrats and Republicans are targeting control of statehouses in key races, with each party hoping to win governorships and legislatures to advance their…
- Keywords: 2026 midterms, state elections, trifectas, pennsylvania, minnesota, nevada, kansas, arizona, michigan, democrats, republicans, news
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/Politics/democrats-republicans-seek-trifectas-2026-midterms/story?id=137293503
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: 2026 midterms, state elections, trifectas, pennsylvania, minnesota, nevada, kansas, arizona, michigan, democrats, republicans, news
## What is a trifecta?
Both parties are competing to win trifectas in state races: control of the governor's mansion and both chambers of the state legislature. This would give them power to advance their agendas.
## Democrats' Pennsylvania opportunity
Democrats control the state House (103 to 100) but Republicans hold the state Senate (27 to 23). Democrats need three seats to flip the Senate and hope Gov. Josh Shapiro wins reelection.
## What Democrats would do in Pennsylvania
If Democrats win a trifecta, they said they would raise the minimum wage, codify abortion rights and work on transportation funding. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party is running the Rise Up Pennsylvania Initiative.

> You've got the power to help us get more stuff done here in Pennsylvania
## Republicans defend Pennsylvania Senate
Republicans say the Pennsylvania State Senate has been a critical shield against what they call radical socialist ideologies of Democrats in the state House and failed policies of Governor Josh Shapiro.

> The Pennsylvania State Senate has been a critical shield for the Commonwealth against the radical, socialist ideologies of the Democrats in the PA State House
## Democrats' Minnesota path
Minnesota's state House is split: 67 Democrats, 66 Republicans and one vacancy. Democrats need one seat to gain full control and already hold the state Senate and governorship.
## Democrats' Nevada strategy
Democrats hold comfortable majorities in Nevada's state Assembly and Senate. They are trying to flip the governorship held by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo. If Democratic candidate Aaron Ford wins, Democrats could repeal Nevada's right-to-work law.
## Republicans' Kansas opportunity
Republicans already hold comfortable majorities in Kansas: 88 to 37 in the state House and 31 to 9 in the state Senate.
## Arizona and Michigan as toss-ups
In Arizona, Democrats hope to flip both GOP-controlled chambers while Republicans hope to flip the governorship.In Michigan, Democrats need four seats to flip the state House and Republicans need two to flip the state Senate.
## Republicans face headwinds
Republicans have fewer opportunities to go on offense in statehouses this year. A Republican operative told ABC News that Republican gubernatorial candidates lagging in polling present a challenge for down-ballot candidates.

> Our focus has been on making strategic investments that will give Republicans a chance to overcome historical headwinds and hold as many majorities as possible this fall
## Democrats see strong environment
Will Rusche of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee told ABC News it is a great environment for Democrats this year and the opportunity in state legislatures is huge.

> It's a great environment for Democrats this year and the opportunity in state legislatures is huge
## Key takeaway

Both parties are competing for control of state governments in 2026, with Democrats seeing opportunities in Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Nevada, while Republicans face fewer offensive chances but are targeting Kansas and Arizona.