Party Switches Surge In 2023, Outpacing Average

Ten of the total 173 party switches tracked by Ballotpedia since 1994 have occurred in 2023. On average, roughly five party switches have occurred every year since Ballotpedia has been tracking data, putting 2023 ahead of the average. Legislators who have switched parties in 2023 include:

“Samuel Thompson (New Jersey) is a Senate Republican switched to Democrats,” said Ballotpedia.

Mia McLeod and Kelvin Butler, Senate Democrats who switched to Independents.

House Democrats who switched to Republicans include; Francis Thompson, Tricia Cotham, Jeremy LaCombe, David Pritt and Mesha Mainor.

Jarrod Sammis a House Republican who switched to Libertarians and Roy Adams a House Independent who switched to Democrats.

There are five years (2000, 2001, 2006, 2018, and 2018) where Democrats gained more seats than Republicans through party switches; every other year, Republicans gained more seats. Switches tied once in 2007 when five Republicans and five Democrats switched parties.

The highest number of party switches since 1994 occurred in 2010 when 25 legislators switched from Democrats to Republicans and three legislators switched from a major party to Independents. In total, 28 party switches took place that year.

Twenty-three (23) independent or third-party lawmakers have switched from their parties to a major party since 1994. Democrats have gained 13 seats from these switches, and Republicans have gained 10 seats,” said Ballotpedia.

Four lawmakers have switched parties twice since 1994, accounting for eight changes in total. 

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Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager