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Party Control of Legislatures at Stake in Fall Elections

State Education Policy Likely to Be Affected by Nov. 2 Outcomes

Although the hard-fought presidential race has dominated campaign news in recent weeks, it’s also a critical year for state legislative elections.

Some 5,805 seats in 44 states are up for election, or nearly 80 percent of the 7,382 legislative seats across the country. With only 11 gubernatorial races this fall, most of which are expected to be relatively noncompetitive, the spotlight in many states will be on the legislative contests.

The races hold significant implications for education because lawmakers have become increasingly involved in setting education policy, and more of their time is consumed by issues such as school funding, school choice, and enforcement of the federal No...