# State Races Could Be Midterm Sleeper Issue

> Democrats target 500 state legislative seats to reverse GOP control in 2026.
- Title: State Races Could Be Midterm Sleeper Issue · Mother Jones
- Summary: Democrats target 500 state legislative seats to reverse GOP control in 2026. Democrats aim to break GOP majorities in six states and gain control in seven by…
- Keywords: democrats, state legislative seats, gop, 2026 elections, midterms, republican majorities, state legislatures, State, Races, Midterm, Sleeper, Issue
- Source: Mother Jones — https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/10/these-state-races-could-be-the-sleeper-issue-of-the-midterms
- Author: Ari Berman
- Published: 2026-10-19T12:41:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: democrats, state legislative seats, gop, 2026 elections, midterms, republican majorities, state legislatures
## State Legislative Races
Democrats target 500 state legislative seats across 27 states this year.
## 2026 Election Impact
Democrats could break GOP majorities in six states and gain control in seven by 2026.
## Why State Races Matter
State legislatures decide redistricting, voting laws, abortion rights, and more.
## Key takeaway

Democrats aim to break GOP majorities in six states and gain control in seven by 2026.