The Associated Press
OLYMPIA — Democrats have held on to a slim margin in the state House after last week’s election that saw Republicans capture outright control of the Senate.
Before the Nov. 4 election, Democrats held a 55-43 edge in the House, but now their advantage has apparently narrowed to 51-47, its smallest margin since 2002, the Herald of Everett reported Thursday.
And Republicans in the Senate, with now a 25-24 advantage, hold a majority of seats in that chamber for the first time since 2004.
Republicans in the Senate previously controlled that chamber with the help of two Democrats who they formed a coalition with.
Democratic Sen. Tim Sheldon, who was part of that coalition, won his re-election bid this month, bringing true political divide in that chamber up to 26-23.
Former Majority Leader Rodney Tom, a Democrat who also was part of the Majority Coalition Caucus, didn’t run for re-election.
Votes are still being counted in a handful of close races, but House Republican challengers are beating four incumbent Democrats this election cycle by margins that exceed the recount range.
“It was a good year to be a Republican,” said Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm.
The last time Republicans held a majority in the House was in 1998.
“We’re making progress,” Wilcox said. “We are not the least bit satisfied being a close minority.”
The 105-day legislative session begins Jan. 12.
