The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) says it will spend $38 million to retain state legislatures throughout the country, including Florida.
Republicans currently control 57 state legislative chambers, while Democrats have majorities in 49. Tight margins in numerous states mean that just five chambers stand in the way of Democrats gaining a national majority.
After Republicans lost control of the Virginia House during the 2023 elections, it’s been a wake-up call for the GOP to focus and maintain their leads in state legislatures.
How important is it to keep Florida red? The RSLC says Democrats are not letting this moment pass them by, and the liberal money machine is already kicking into overdrive. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), the States Project, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), and Forward Majority have already pledged to spend north of $160 million combined on state legislative races in 2024.
GOP analysts point out that a mere 33 seats prevent Democrats from flipping the five chambers they need to achieve this feat.
Florida Democrats are hoping issues such as the abortion amendment and the marijuana amendment will drive voters to the polls this year and help give them seats in the Florida House and Florida Senate.
In order to keep Florida in the hands of the GOP, the RSLC says they will spend money and focus directly on key vulnerable districts that could determine a close outcome in certain races.