State Legislative Tracker: Mississippi passes controversial bill

### April 7, 2014[edit]

Edited by Joel Williams
This week’s tracker includes a look at a controversial new law in Mississippi.

## Weekly highlight[edit]

Last week, Alabama, Mississippi and South Dakota adjourned their legislative sessions. Here is a brief look at issues making headlines across the country:

* Mississippi: Last week, Mississippi lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2681, dubbed the "Religious Freedom and Restoration Act." Under the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act," businesses are allowed to discriminate for religious reasons. This bill passed by a vote of 78-43 in the House and 38-14 in the Senate. The legislation is similar to Arizona's "Religious Liberty" bill that was vetoed by Gov. Jan Brewer in February. Andy Gipson (R), chair of the House Judiciary Committee, said, "This has been passed by 18 other states, and has been in federal law for years and years with no issues, no discrimination. It does not discriminate, but what it does do is protect people from discrimination, religious people in the state of Mississippi." Opponents of the bill say they are worried that it allows for discrimination against certain groups of people. Sarah Warbelow, Human Rights Campaign’s state legislative director, voiced her concern: "Before Mississippi has had the opportunity to robustly discuss the lived experiences of LGBT people, this bill would hollow out any non-discrimination protections at the local level or possible future state-wide protections. Just as we've seen in other states, this bill is bad for business, bad for the state’s reputation, and most of all, bad for Mississippians. Gov. Bryant must veto the measure." On April 3, 2014, Gov. Phil Bryant (R) signed the bill into law. The law will go into effect on July 1.[1][2][3][4]
* Missouri: The chair of the Missouri House Judiciary Committee said last week that he will give a hearing to each of three filings of articles of impeachment against Gov. Jay Nixon (D). Stanley Cox (R) told Missourinet that he would allow the articles to be heard if their sponsors so desire. HR 380 would impeach Nixon for an executive order allowing for joint tax returns by same-sex couples who were married out-of-state. HR 476 charges Nixon with failing to call special elections for vacant House seats in a timely fashion. Lastly, HR 923 claims that executive officials violated the Missouri Constitution by providing personal documents of concealed-carry license applicants to the federal government. The respective sponsors, Nick Marshall, Mike Moon and Rick Brattin, all Republicans who have co-sponsored each other's articles, are on record as wanting a hearing. Marshall added, "Not only do I want a hearing, I think it’s important that it be a candid hearing, an open hearing and a hearing that is free from any interference." Cox expressed caution, however, saying that removing Nixon from office "would [require] some clear information and evidence to support the accusation that they have violated their oath to the Constitution or the law in some way." Brattin and Marshall have been critical of the slow movement of the articles, which were planned last fall and filed throughout February and March. House Speaker Tim Jones (R) said last month that leadership was looking to "move them forward in the right way." In the event that an article of impeachment passes the House, a seven-member panel picked by the Senate would then try Nixon. Republicans hold a 108-52 majority in the House.[5][6][7][8]

* Tennessee: The nearly 60-year-old law in Tennessee that allows for forced annexation throughout the state has reached a "major milestone" in becoming obsolete. Rep. Mike Carter (R) and Sen. Bo Watson (R) are sponsors of the bill that will require referendum voting by residence and property owners of an area to be annexed. A referendum will not be required in an area where the majority of the residence are petitioning for annexation. Seventy representatives signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. The House passed the bill in an 87-8 vote in February, while the Senate voted 27-1 to approve the bill at the end of March. The bill now goes to Gov. Bill Haslam's (R) desk. A city planner for Cleveland, Tennessee, argued that a forced annexation that was recently put on hold because of the proposed bill would have saved residents over $300 a year. Homeowner Association President William Brown, however, said that annexation would have cost more per year. According to Mayor Andy Berke's spokeswoman, the new bill will only impact future attempts for annexation. Tennessee is one of only three states in the U.S. that currently allows for municipalities to annex properties without landowners' consent.[9][10][11][12]

# Partisan breakdown[edit]

As of today, April 7, 2014, the following figures represent the cumulative partisan breakdown of the 50 state senates and 49 state houses. In the 50 states, Republicans currently control 51.8% of all seats while Democrats hold 46.5%. All told, Republicans control 57 chambers while Democrats are the majority in 41 chambers. One chambers is nonpartisan.

Representation in 50 State Legislatures

Party  | Number of  | Percentage
Democratic state legislators  | 3,435  | 46.5%
Republican state legislators  | 3,830  | 51.8%
Independent (and nonpartisan) state legislators  | 66  | 0.89%
Third party (and non-voting) legislators  | 12  | 0.16%
Vacancies  | 42  | 0.57%

## State Senates[edit]

The partisan composition of state senates refers to which political party holds the majority of seats in the state senate. Altogether, in the 50 state senates, there are 1,972 state senators.

As of April 7, 2014, the breakdown of chamber control by party is as follows:

* 20 chambers
* 29 chambers
* 1 chamber (Virginia)
* 1 chamber (Nebraska)

See also: Partisan composition of state houses

## State Houses[edit]

The partisan composition of state houses refers to which party holds the majority of seats in the state house or the lower level of each state legislature. Altogether, in the 49 state houses, there are 5,411 state representatives.

As of April 7, 2014, the breakdown of chamber control by party is as follows:

* 20 chambers
* 29 chambers

### Cumulative numbers[edit]

As of October 3, 2022, 5,309 state representatives were affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican parties. This total is updated monthly.

Partisan balance of all 7,383 state legislative seats

Legislative chamber  |  |  |  Other  | Vacant
State senates | 858  | 1,098  | 6  | 10
State houses | 2,399  | 2,910  | 31  | 71
Total: | 3,257

| 4,008

| 37

| 81

### Vacancies[edit]

As of October 3, 2022, there were 67 state house vacancies in 21 different states. This total is updated monthly.

State  | Vacancies

|

Alabama | 4
Arizona | 1
Florida | 2
Georgia | 1
Kansas | 1
Maine | 8
Massachusetts | 7
Michigan | 1
Minnesota | 1
Mississippi | 1
Missouri | 8
Nevada | 1
New Hampshire | 19
North Carolina | 1
Oklahoma | 1
Pennsylvania | 1
Tennessee | 1
Texas | 2
Vermont | 1
Virginia | 1
Wisconsin | 4

### Independents[edit]

As of October 3, 2022, there were 33 state representatives in 13 states identifying as independents or parties other than Democratic and Republican. This total is updated monthly.

State  | Independents/Minor party

|

Alaska | 3 (Independent), 1 (Nonpartisan)
California | 1 (Independent)
Louisiana | 3 (Independent)
Maine | 2 (Independent), 1 (Independent for Maine Party)
Massachusetts | 1 (Independent)
Minnesota | 1 (Independent)
Mississippi | 3 (Independent)
New Hampshire | 1 (Independent)
New Mexico | 1 (Independent)
New York | 1 (Independence)
Tennessee | 2 (Independent)
Vermont | 5 (Vermont Progressive Party), 5 (Independent)
Wyoming | 1 (Independent), 1 (Libertarian)

# Sessions[edit]

#### Regular sessions[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions
Click here to see a chart of each state's 2014 session information.

Currently 24 out of 50 state legislatures are meeting in regular session. Two states, Virginia and Wisconsin, are in special session.

The following states have convened their 2014 regular session:[13]

* January 6: California
* January 6: Idaho
* January 7: Indiana
* January 7: Kentucky
* January 7: Mississippi
* January 7: Ohio
* January 7: Pennsylvania
* January 7: Rhode Island
* January 7: Vermont
* January 8: Colorado
* January 8: Nebraska
* January 8: Maine
* January 8: Maryland
* January 8: Michigan
* January 8: Missouri
* January 8: New Hampshire
* January 8: New York
* January 8: West Virginia
* January 8: Virginia
* January 13: Georgia
* January 13: Iowa
* January 13: Washington
* January 13: Arizona
* January 13: Alabama
* January 14: Wisconsin
* January 14: New Jersey
* January 14: Delaware
* January 14: South Carolina
* January 14: South Dakota
* January 14: Tennessee
* January 14: Massachusetts
* January 15: Hawaii
* January 21: Alaska
* January 21: New Mexico
* January 27: Utah
* January 29: Illinois

* February 3: Oklahoma
* February 3: Oregon
* February 5: Connecticut
* February 10: Arkansas
* February 10: Wyoming

* March 3: Florida
* March 10: Louisiana

The following states have adjourned their 2014 regular session:[14]

* February 20: New Mexico

* March 7: Wyoming
* March 10: Oregon
* March 10: Virginia
* March 10: West Virginia
* March 14: Indiana
* March 14: Utah
* March 14: Washington
* March 20: Arkansas
* March 21: Georgia
* March 21: Idaho
* March 31: South Dakota

* April 3: Mississippi
* April 4: Alabama

#### Special sessions[edit]

Snapshot of State Legislatures

There are 7,383 Total State Legislators
Total Democratic state legislators  | 3,257 (Expression error: Unexpected < operator.%)
Total Republican state legislators  | 4,008 (Expression error: Unexpected < operator.%)
There are 99 Total State Legislative Chambers
Total Democratic Party-controlled chambers  | 41
Total Republican Party-controlled chambers  | 57
Total tied or nonpartisan chambers  | 1
2014 Session Information
Total Special Elections  | 22
Total Special Sessions  | 2

##### Virginia[edit]

The Virginia State Legislature is meeting in special session to try and pass an estimated $96 billion budget for the next two years. The session is not expected to end quickly, as Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and the Republican-led House disagree over whether the state should accept further Medicaid funding from the federal government. This special session is required as the legislature failed to pass a budget during the yearly regular session. Should no agreement be reached by July 1, Virginia's government could shut down.[15]

##### Wisconsin[edit]

Gov. Scott Walker (R) called the legislature into special session on January 22. Walker asked the legislature to find a way to fund $500 million worth of property and income tax cuts.[16]

#### In recess[edit]

As of today, April 7, there are four state legislatures currently in recess:[17]

* Kentucky: April 14
* New Hampshire: April 16
* Michigan: April 17
* New York: April 23
* New Jersey: April 28
* Kansas: April 30

# 2014 Legislative Elections[edit]

See also: State legislative elections, 2014

A total of 87 of the 99 chambers will hold state legislative elections on November 4, 2014.

The 87 chambers with elections in 2014 are in 46 states. They are:

* Alabama (Senate and House)
* Alaska (Senate and House)
* Arizona (Senate and House)
* Arkansas (Senate and House)
* California (Senate and Assembly)
* Colorado (Senate and House)
* Connecticut (Senate and House)
* Delaware (Senate and House)
* Florida (Senate and House)
* Georgia (Senate and House)
* Hawaii (Senate and House)
* Idaho (Senate and House)
* Illinois (Senate and House)
* Indiana (Senate and House)
* Iowa (Senate and House)
* Kansas (House Only)
* Kentucky (Senate and House)
* Maine (Senate and House)
* Maryland (Senate and House)
* Massachusetts (Senate and House)
* Michigan (Senate and House)
* Minnesota (House Only)
* Missouri (Senate and House)
* Montana (Senate and House)
* Nebraska (Unicameral Legislature)
* Nevada (Senate and Assembly)
* New Hampshire (Senate and House)
* New Mexico (House Only)
* New York (Senate and Assembly)
* North Carolina (Senate and House)
* North Dakota (Senate and House)
* Ohio (Senate and House)
* Oklahoma (Senate and House)
* Oregon (Senate and House)
* Pennsylvania (Senate and House)
* Rhode Island (Senate and House)
* South Carolina (House Only)
* South Dakota (Senate and House)
* Tennessee (Senate and House)
* Texas (Senate and House)
* Utah (Senate and House)
* Vermont (Senate and House)
* Washington (Senate and House)
* West Virginia (Senate and House)
* Wisconsin (Senate and Assembly)
* Wyoming (Senate and House)

The Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico and South Carolina senates also typically hold elections in odd years. However, senators are elected to 4-year terms in those states and those will not be up for election again until 2015.

1090 of the country's 1,972 state senate seats are up for re-election in November 2014, and 4,958 of the country's 5,415 state house seats are up for re-election. Altogether, 6,048 of the country's 7,387 state legislative seats are up for re-election on November 4, 2014.

### Primary Information[edit]

See also: Signature requirements and deadlines for 2014 state legislative elections

The state legislative filing deadlines and primary dates are as follows:

Note: Ballot access is a complicated issue. The dates in the table below are primarily for candidates filing for access to the primary. For more detailed information about each state's qualification requirements -- including all relevant ballot access dates for the primary and general election -- click to our detailed pages in the state column.

2014 State Legislative Primary Information

State  | Filing Deadline  | Primary Date  | Days from Deadline to Primary

|
|
|

Alabama |  2/7/2014  |  6/3/2014  | 116
Alaska |  6/2/2014[18] |  8/19/2014  | 78
Arizona |  5/28/2014[19] |  8/26/2014  | 90
Arkansas |  3/3/2014[20][21] |  5/20/2014  | 78
California |  3/7/2014[22][23][24] |  6/3/2014  | 88
Colorado |  3/31/2014[25][26] |  6/24/2014  | 85
Connecticut |  6/10/2014[27] |  8/12/2014  | 90
Delaware |  7/8/2014  |  9/9/2014  | 63
Florida |  6/20/2014[28][29] |  8/26/2014  | 67
Georgia |  3/7/2014  |  5/20/2014  | 74
Hawaii |  6/3/2014[30] |  8/9/2014  | 67
Idaho |  3/14/2014  |  5/20/2014  | 78
Illinois |  12/2/2013  |  3/18/2014  | 106
Indiana |  2/7/2014  |  5/6/2014  | 88
Iowa |  3/14/2014  |  6/3/2014  | 81
Kansas |  6/2/2014  |  8/5/2014  | 65
Kentucky |  1/28/2014[31][32] |  5/20/2014  | 112
Maine |  3/17/2014[33] |  6/10/2014  | 85
Maryland |  2/25/2014[34] |  6/24/2014  | 119
Massachusetts |  6/3/2014[35] |  9/9/2014  | 98
Michigan |  4/22/2014  |  8/5/2014  | 105
Minnesota |  6/3/2014  |  8/12/2014  | 70
Missouri |  3/25/2014  |  8/5/2014  | 133
Montana |  3/10/2014  |  6/3/2014  | 85
Nebraska |  3/3/2014[36] |  5/13/2014  | 85
Nevada |  3/14/2014  |  6/10/2014  | 88
New Hampshire |  6/13/2014  |  9/9/2014  | 88
New Mexico |  2/4/2014  |  6/3/2014  | 119
New York |  7/10/2014  |  9/9/2014  | 61
North Carolina |  2/28/2014  |  5/6/2014  | 67
North Dakota |  4/7/2014  |  6/10/2014  | 64
Ohio |  2/5/2014  |  5/6/2014  | 90
Oklahoma |  4/11/2014  |  6/24/2014  | 74
Oregon |  3/11/2014  |  5/20/2014  | 70
Pennsylvania |  3/11/2014  |  5/20/2014  | 70
Rhode Island |  6/25/2014  |  9/9/2014  | 76
South Carolina |  3/30/2014  |  6/10/2014  | 72
South Dakota |  3/25/2014  |  6/3/2014  | 70
Tennessee |  4/3/2014  |  8/7/2014  | 126
Texas |  12/9/2013  |  3/4/2014  | 85
Utah |  3/20/2014  |  6/24/2014  | 96
Vermont |  6/12/2014  |  8/26/2014  | 75
Washington |  5/17/2014  |  8/5/2014  | 80
West Virginia |  1/25/2014  |  5/13/2014  | 108
Wisconsin |  6/2/2014  |  8/12/2014  | 71
Wyoming |  5/30/2014  |  8/19/2014  | 81

# Special Elections[edit]

See also: State legislative special elections, 2014

There are two special elections scheduled this week: one each in Florida and Connecticut.

## April 8, 2014[edit]

### Florida House of Representatives District 44[edit]

See also: Florida state legislative special elections, 2014

Eric Eisnaugle (R) defeated Shaun Raja (D) in the special election, which took place on April 8.[37][38] Raja was unopposed in the March 11 Democratic primary, while Eisnaugle defeated Stephen Vincent Facella in the March 11 Republican primary.[39][40]

Eisnaugle, a state representative from 2008-2012, chose not to run for re-election in 2012 when redistricting drew him against fellow Rep. Stephen Precourt (R). With Precourt term-limited in 2014, Eisnaugle planned to run for the seat again. Several Republicans, including Speaker Steve Crisafulli (R), backed Eisnaugle. "Eric’s track record of leadership will allow him to serve his Orange County constituents well. It is obvious that his message of job growth and fiscal responsibility resonated with the voters of his district." Crisafulli said.[41]

The seat was vacant following Stephen Precourt's (R) appointment as the head of the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority.[42]

A special election for the position of Florida House of Representatives District 44 was called for April 8, with a primary if necessary on March 11. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was January 23.[43]

Florida House of Representatives, District 44, Special Election, 2014 Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes

|
|
|

| Republican  | Eric Eisnaugle | 74.2% | 6,983
| Democratic  |  Shaun Raja  | 25.8% | 2,429
Total Votes | 9,412

April 8 Special election candidates:

Shaun Raja
Eric Eisnaugle

## April 11, 2014[edit]

### Connecticut House of Representatives District 61[edit]

See also: Connecticut state legislative special elections, 2014

Tami Zawistowski (R) defeated Pete Hill (D) in the special election, which took place on April 11.[39][37][44]

The seat was vacant following Elaine O'Brien's (D) death.[45]

A special election for the position of Connecticut House of Representatives District 61 was called for April 11. Candidates were nominated by their party rather than chosen through a primary.[45]

Connecticut House of Representatives, District 61, Special Election, 2014 Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes

|
|
|

| Republican  | Tami Zawistowski | 58% | 1,975
| Democratic  |  Pete Hill  | 42% | 1,428
Total Votes | 3,403

April 11 Special election candidates:

Pete Hill
Tami Zawistowski

#### Recent election results[edit]

##### April 2, 2014[edit]

☑ Alabama House of Representatives District 53

See also: Alabama state legislative special elections, 2014

Anthony "Alann" Johnson (D) defeated Willie "W.A." Casey (R) in the special election, which took place on April 1.[37][46] Johnson, Arthur D. Shores Lee, Demetrius C. Newton Jr. and Frank Topping faced off in the Democratic primary.[47] As no candidate received more than fifty percent of the vote, the top-two vote-getters - Johnson and Lee - met in the Democratic primary runoff on February 4, which Johnson won.[48] Casey was unopposed in the Republican primary.[39]

The seat was vacant following Demetrius Newton's (D) death on September 11, 2013.[49]

A special election for the position of Alabama House of Representatives District 53 was initially called for January 28, with a primary on December 3, 2013. Because a runoff on January 28, 2014, was required, the special election was scheduled to take place on March 25 instead. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was October 10, 2013.[49] Due to inclement weather, the runoff was pushed back a week to February 4. The special election instead took place on April 1.[50]

Alabama House of Representatives, District 53, Special Election, 2014 Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes

|
|
|

| Democratic  | Anthony "Alann" Johnson | 68.1% | 320
| Republican  |  Willie "W.A." Casey  | 31.9% | 150
Total Votes | 470

April 1 Special election candidates:

Anthony "Alann" Johnson
Willie "W.A." Casey

☑ Massachusetts State Senate Fifth Middlesex District

See also: Massachusetts state legislative special elections, 2014

Jason M. Lewis (D) defeated Monica C. Medeiros (R) in the special election, which took place on April 1.[37][51] Lewis defeated Christopher G. Fallon and Anthony V. Guardia in the Democratic primary, while Medeiros was unopposed in the Republican primary.[39][52]

The seat was vacant following Katherine Clark's (D) election to Massachusetts' Fifth Congressional District.

A special election for the position of Massachusetts State Senate Fifth Middlesex District was called for April 1, with a primary on March 4. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was January 28.[53]

Massachusetts State Senate, Fifth Middlesex District, Special Election, 2014 Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes

|
|
|

| Democratic  | Jason M. Lewis | 53.2% | 10,611
| Republican  |  Monica C. Medeiros  | 46.8% | 9,321
Total Votes | 19,932

April 1 Special election candidates:
Jason M. Lewis
Monica C. Medeiros

☑ Massachusetts State Senate Fifth Middlesex District

See also: Massachusetts state legislative special elections, 2014

Jason M. Lewis (D) defeated Monica C. Medeiros (R) in the special election, which took place on April 1.[37][54] Lewis defeated Christopher G. Fallon and Anthony V. Guardia in the Democratic primary, while Medeiros was unopposed in the Republican primary.[39][55]

The seat was vacant following Katherine Clark's (D) election to Massachusetts' Fifth Congressional District.

A special election for the position of Massachusetts State Senate Fifth Middlesex District was called for April 1, with a primary on March 4. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was January 28.[56]

Massachusetts State Senate, Fifth Middlesex District, Special Election, 2014 Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes

|
|
|

| Democratic  | Jason M. Lewis | 53.2% | 10,611
| Republican  |  Monica C. Medeiros  | 46.8% | 9,321
Total Votes | 19,932

April 1 Special election candidates:
Jason M. Lewis
Monica C. Medeiros

☑ Massachusetts House of Representatives Fourth Hampden District

See also: Massachusetts state legislative special elections, 2014

John C. Velis (D) defeated Dan Allie (R) in the special election, which took place on April 1. Velis was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Allie was unopposed in the Republican primary.[39][37][57]

The seat was vacant following Donald F. Humason, Jr.'s (R) election to the Massachusetts State Senate.[58]

A special election for the position of Massachusetts House of Representatives Fourth Hampden District was called for April 1, with a primary on March 4. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was January 28.[58]

Massachusetts House of Representatives, Fourth Hampden District, Special Election, 2014 Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes

|
|
|

| Democratic  | John C. Velis | 53.4% | 2,697
| Republican  |  Dan Allie  | 46.6% | 2,354
Total Votes | 5,051

April 1 Special election candidates:
John C. Velis
Dan Allie

☑ Massachusetts House of Representatives Second Suffolk District

See also: Massachusetts state legislative special elections, 2014

Daniel Joseph Ryan defeated Roy A. Avellaneda and Christopher Remmes in the Democratic primary[59] and was unopposed in the special election, which took place on April 1.[39][37][60]

The seat was vacant following Eugene O'Flaherty's (D) appointment as Boston's corporation counsel.[49]

A special election for the position of Massachusetts House of Representatives Second Suffolk District was called for April 1, with a primary on March 4. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was January 28.[49]

Massachusetts House of Representatives, Second Suffolk District Special Election Democratic Primary, 2014 Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Daniel Joseph Ryan | 58.9% | 2,291
Roy A. Avellaneda  | 29.8% | 1,161
Christopher Remmes  | 11.3% | 438
Total Votes | 3,890

April 1 Special election candidates:
Daniel Joseph Ryan

☑ Massachusetts House of Representatives Thirteenth Suffolk District

See also: Massachusetts state legislative special elections, 2014

Daniel J. Hunt defeated Liam P. Curran, Gene I. Gorman, Paul L. Mccann, Jr. and John K. O’Toole in the Democratic primary[61] and was unopposed in the special election, which took place on April 1.[39][37][62]

The seat was vacant following Martin Walsh's (D) election as Mayor of Boston.[63]

A special election for the position of Massachusetts House of Representatives Thirteenth Suffolk District was called for April 1, with a primary on March 4. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was January 28.[37]

Massachusetts House of Representatives, Thirteenth Suffolk District Special Election Democratic Primary, 2014 Candidate | Vote % | Votes
Daniel J. Hunt | 49.9% | 2,338
John K. O’Toole  | 23.1% | 1,082
Liam P. Curran  | 19% | 892
Paul L. Mccann, Jr.  | 5% | 233
Gene I. Gorman  | 3% | 141
Total Votes | 4,686

April 1 Special election candidates:
Daniel J. Hunt

☑ Massachusetts House of Representatives Sixteenth Suffolk District

See also: Massachusetts state legislative special elections, 2014

RoseLee Vincent (D) defeated Todd B. Taylor (R) in the special election, which took place on April 1.[37][64] Vincent defeated Joshua D. Monahan and Linda S. Rosa in the Democratic primary, while Taylor was unopposed in the Republican primary.[39][65]

The seat was vacant following Kathi-Anne Reinstein's (D) resignation to become the Government Affairs Manager for the Boston Beer Company.[49]

A special election for the position of Massachusetts House of Representatives Sixteenth Suffolk District was called for April 1, with a primary on March 4. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was January 28.[49]

Massachusetts House of Representatives, Sixteenth Suffolk District, Special Election, 2014 Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes

|
|
|

| Democratic  | RoseLee Vincent | 67.9% | 1,586
| Republican  |  Todd B. Taylor  | 32.1% | 749
Total Votes | 2,335

April 1 Special election candidates:
RoseLee Vincent
Todd B. Taylor

#### Looking ahead[edit]

Upcoming special elections include:

* April 24: Connecticut House of Representatives District 94
* April 29: Massachusetts House of Representatives Fifth Suffolk District
* May 10: Texas State Senate District 4

## See also[edit]

* State legislative elections, 2014
* 2014 state legislative calendar
* Signature requirements and deadlines for 2014 state government elections
* State legislative special elections, 2014
* State legislative recalls

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ theguardian.com, "Mississippi religious freedom law could bar gay people from businesses," accessed April 4, 2014
2. ↑ latimes.com, "Religious freedom bill passes in Mississippi; gays worry," accessed April 4, 2014
3. ↑ huffingtonpost.com, "Mississippi Governor Signs Anti-Gay Bill," accessed April 4, 2014
4. ↑ rt.com, "Mississippi Legislature passes bill allowing legal discrimination on basis of religion," accessed April 4, 2014
5. ↑ Missourinet, "Chairman: impeachment efforts will get a hearing," April 1, 2014
6. ↑ The Associated Press, "Missouri House panel takes up Nixon impeachment articles over gay marriage, guns and special elections," March 31, 2014
7. ↑ Advocate.com, "Mo. Rep. Seeks to Impeach Gov. for Authorizing Gay Tax Returns," November 20, 2013
8. ↑ Missourinet, "House Republican ‘appalled’ by lack of action on impeachment filings against Gov. Nixon," March 13, 2014
9. ↑ The Tennessean, "Annexations by TN cities would require voters' OK," February 21, 2014
10. ↑ timesfreepress.com, "Tennessee annexation bill heads to state Senate," February 26, 2014
11. ↑ WRCB TV, "Tennessee's nearly 60-year-old annexation laws could soon be obsolete," April 2, 2014
12. ↑ WRCB TV "Tennessee's forced annexation law reaches major milestone," April 3, 2014
13. ↑ Stateside Associates, " Session Calendar 2014," accessed April 7, 2014
14. ↑ Stateside Associates, " Session Calendar 2014," accessed April 7, 2014
15. ↑ wjla.com, "Virginia General Assembly returns for special session," March 23, 2014
16. ↑ Wisconsin Governor's Office, "Governor Scott Walker Calls Special Session, Calls on Legislators to Pass the Blueprint for Prosperity," January 23, 2014
17. ↑ StateNet, " Daily Session Summary," accessed March 31, 2014
18. ↑ Alaska Statutes, "Section 15.25, Nomination of Candidates," accessed October 31, 2013
19. ↑ Secretary of State Website, "2014 Election Important Dates," accessed November 4, 2013
20. ↑ Running for Public Office, "A 'Plain English' Handbook for Candidates," 2012 Edition, accessed October 21, 2013 (dead link)
21. ↑ Arkansas Code of 1987, "Title 7, Elections," accessed October 30, 2013
22. ↑ Summary of Qualifications and Requirements for the Office of State Senator, Member of the Assembly, "June 3, 2014, Primary Election," accessed October 21, 2013
23. ↑ California Elections Code, "Section 8100-8107," accessed October 28, 2013
24. ↑ California Secretary of State Website, "Key Dates and Deadlines," accessed October 21, 2013
25. ↑ Colorado Secretary of State Website, "Major Political Parties FAQs," accessed October 31, 2013
26. ↑ Colorado Revised Statutes, "Title 1, Elections," accessed October 31, 2013
27. ↑ Connecticut Secretary of State Website, "Frequently Asked Questions, Nominating Papers," accessed October 31, 2013
28. ↑ Florida Department of State Division of Elections, "2013-2014 Dates to Remember," accessed November 6, 2013
29. ↑ 2013 Florida Statutes, "Section 99.061," accessed December 2, 2014
30. ↑ Hawaii State Legislature, "HRS §12-6 Nomination papers: time for filing; fees", accessed May 22, 2013
31. ↑ 2014 Kentucky Election Calendar, accessed November 12, 2013
32. ↑ Kentucky State Board of Elections "Candidate Qualifications and Filing Fees" accessed November 26, 2011
33. ↑ Maine Secretary of State "State of Maine 2014 Candidate's Guide to Ballot Access," accessed February 11, 2014
34. ↑ The State Board of Elections, "Candidacy," accessed November 5, 2013
35. ↑ 2014 Massachusetts State Primary and State Election Schedule, accessed December 2, 2013
36. ↑ Official Election Calendar for the State of Nebraska, accessed November 18, 2014
37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4 37.5 37.6 37.7 37.8 37.9 Orlando Sentinel "Eric Eisnaugle wins special election in Florida House District 44," April 8, 2014 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "result" defined multiple times with different content
38. ↑ Florida Department of State, "Official special election results," accessed May 7, 2014
39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 39.5 39.6 39.7 39.8 Florida Secretary of State, "Official candidate list," accessed January 24, 2014 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "list" defined multiple times with different content
40. ↑ sunshinestatenews.com, "Eric Eisnaugle Closer to Tallahassee Return After Big Primary Win," March 11, 2014
41. ↑ sunshinestatenews.com, "Eric Eisnaugle Breezes Back to Florida House after Stunning Special Election Victory," April 8, 2014
42. ↑ Orlando Sentinel, "Special election set to replace Steve Precourt in Florida House," January 12, 2014
43. ↑ Florida Department of Elections, "H44 Notice of Election," accessed January 21, 2014
44. ↑ Official special election results submitted to Ballotpedia by Pearl Williams from the Connecticut Secretary of State's Office on May 15, 2014
45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 nbcconnecticut.com, "Special Election Planned for 61st Assembly Seat," February 24, 2014
46. ↑ Official special election results submitted to Ballotpedia by Brandon Walters from the Alabama Secretary of State's Office on May 7, 2014
47. ↑ abc3340.com, "Johnson, Lee in runoff for Alabama House 53," December 3, 2013
48. ↑ al.com, "In District 53 Democratic runoff, Anthony 'Alann' Johnson defeats Arthur Shores Lee in last-minute win (updated)," February 4, 2014
49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 49.2 49.3 49.4 49.5 alreporter.com, "Governor Announces Special Election for District 53," September 19, 2013 Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "announce" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid `<ref>` tag; name "announce" defined multiple times with different content
50. ↑ al.com, "Citing inclement weather forecast, governor delays special election set for Mobile House seat," January 27, 2014
51. ↑ Massachusetts Secretary of State, "Official special election results," accessed April 16, 2014
52. ↑ winchester.patch.com, "Lewis, Medeiros Win Special State Senate Primaries," March 4, 2014
53. ↑ sec.state.ma.us, "Special election calendar," accessed December 13, 2013
54. ↑ Massachusetts Secretary of State, "Official special election results," accessed April 16, 2014
55. ↑ winchester.patch.com, "Lewis, Medeiros Win Special State Senate Primaries," March 4, 2014
56. ↑ sec.state.ma.us, "Special election calendar," accessed December 13, 2013
57. ↑ Massachusetts Secretary of State, "Official special election results," accessed April 16, 2014
58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 masslive.com, "Special election to fill Don Humason's former 4th Hampden District House seat set," December 30, 2013
59. ↑ Boston Globe, "Daniel Hunt nominated for Martin Walsh seat," March 5, 2014
60. ↑ Massachusetts Secretary of State, "Official special election results," accessed April 16, 2014
61. ↑ Boston Globe, "Daniel Hunt nominated for Martin Walsh seat," March 5, 2014
62. ↑ Massachusetts Secretary of State, "Official special election results," accessed April 16, 2014
63. ↑ The New York Times, "State Lawmaker is Elected Mayor in Boston," November 5, 2013. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
64. ↑ Massachusetts Secretary of State, "Official special election results," accessed April 16, 2014
65. ↑ Boston Globe, "Daniel Hunt nominated for Martin Walsh seat," March 5, 2014