Context & Explanation

Before diving into the raw numbers, it helps to clarify a few key terms and historical dynamics. The Legislature’s partisan makeup isn’t just about which color holds more seats — it shapes leadership elections, committee power, the flow of bills, and even which issues make it to the floor.

The notes below explain what a “session” is, how majorities and supermajorities function, what it means when control is split between chambers, and why party flips mark inflection points in Texas political history. Together, these definitions provide the context needed to make sense of the trends shown in the dashboard, timeline, and table above.

What Do “Sessions” Mean?

The Texas Legislature meets in regular session every two years for 140 days. Each numbered “session” (e.g., 88th Session, 2023) covers that two-year cycle. Special sessions can be called by the Governor, but the partisan makeup shown here reflects the start of each regular session.

Majority vs. Supermajority

• Majority means a party holds more seats than all others combined.
• Supermajority means holding at least two-thirds of seats, a threshold that can allow one party to override certain procedural hurdles (for example, suspending rules or advancing constitutional amendments).

Split Control

When the House and Senate are controlled by different parties, that’s “split control.” It forces more negotiation across chambers and often slows or reshapes legislation.

Party Flips

A “flip” occurs when the majority party in a chamber changes from one session to the next. These are key inflection points in Texas history, for example, the 75th (1997) when Republicans first took the Senate majority, or the 78th (2003) when they flipped the House.

Historical Shifts

• 1923–1973: Texas was a one-party Democratic state. Republicans held only token representation.
• 1970s–1990s: The GOP gained ground gradually, mirroring the broader Southern realignment.
• 2003 onward: Republicans secured majorities in both chambers, a dominance that has continued through the present, though their margins have narrowed somewhat in recent cycles.

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How to Use This Page

This resource is built to be both interactive and explorable:

• Compare Sessions: Use the dropdowns to line up two sessions (defaults to the two most recent). You’ll see seat shares, majorities, and margins side by side.
• Toggle View: Switch between raw seat counts and percentage share to better compare across time.
• Search & Sort: The full table is searchable; try typing “2011” or “supermajority” to jump quickly.
• Download Data: Grab the CSV to run your own analysis.
• Hover for Detail: Move your mouse over any row or timeline segment to see exact breakdowns.

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Key Takeaways & Analysis

The data tells a clear story about how Texas politics has shifted over the last century. From one-party Democratic dominance in the early 20th century, to the gradual Republican rise in the late 20th century, to today’s GOP majorities, each era reflects broader realignments in state and national politics.

Below are the major patterns and inflection points revealed by the dataset, highlights that put the numbers in perspective and show why these shifts matter for understanding the Legislature’s past, present, and future.

Texas Was a One-Party State for Most of the 20th Century

From the 38th (1923) through the 63rd (1973) legislative sessions, the Texas Legislature was overwhelmingly Democratic, often with 100% control of the Senate and over 95% of the House.

For much of the 20th century, Texas operated effectively as a one-party Democratic state, with general elections often serving as mere formalities. Republican representation was negligible to non-existent. This dominance allowed Democrats to control leadership, committee assignments, and legislative direction unchallenged. However, it’s important to note that the Democratic Party of this era was ideologically diverse, including both conservative Dixiecrats and more liberal reformers.

The Republican Rise Was Gradual but Strategic

Republicans didn’t begin gaining measurable ground until the 1970s. They surpassed 10% in the House in the 63rd Session (1973) and captured 25% of the Senate by the 71st Session (1989).

The shift toward Republican legislative power paralleled broader national political realignments, especially in the South. Conservative Texans began shifting to the GOP in response to national Democratic support for civil rights, the growth of the conservative movement, and figures like Ronald Reagan. While gains were slow and steady, they reflected growing Republican strength in urban and suburban areas—eventually culminating in majority control.

The 75th and 78th Sessions Were Partisan Turning Points

The 75th Session (1997) marked the first time Republicans captured a majority in the Texas Senate. The 78th Session (2003) marked the first time they gained the majority in the Texas House.

These sessions represent critical inflection points in Texas political history. Once Republicans secured majority control in both chambers, they reshaped the committee structures, leadership roles, and legislative priorities. The 78th Session also followed a controversial redistricting cycle that consolidated GOP power further. Notably, the 2003 House majority shift marked the first GOP control of the chamber since Reconstruction.

Modern Republican Dominance Has Been Stable but Slightly Eroding

Since gaining control of both chambers in the 78th Session (2003), Republicans have maintained majority status. Their dominance peaked in the 82nd Session (2011), but recent cycles show gradual erosion, particularly in the House.

The GOP’s firm grip on the Texas Legislature began in earnest with the 78th Session (2003), when they flipped the House for the first time since Reconstruction. Their high-water mark came in the 82nd Session (2011), where they controlled a record 101 of 150 House seats (67%), a level of dominance unmatched since.

Since then, the Republican share has edged downward:

• 84th Session (2015): 98 seats (65%)
• 89th Session (2025): 88 seats (59%)

This trend reflects political shifts in suburban and fast-growing urban counties. While Republicans remain solidly in control, especially in rural areas and the Senate, their once-expanding majority has narrowed, resulting in more intra-party competition and tighter margins on key votes.

The Senate, by contrast, has remained more stable, with Republicans consistently holding 19 to 20 seats (61–65%) across recent sessions, likely due to longer terms, lower turnover, and stronger leadership control.

The Senate Remains More Firmly Republican Than the House

In the 89th Session, the Senate stands at 65% Republican, while the House stands at 59% Republican, a common dynamic over the past two decades.

The Senate has consistently shown greater partisan stability than the House. This is due in part to longer terms (4 years), less frequent turnover, and tighter control by leadership, especially under Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R). The House, with 150 members and 2-year terms, is more susceptible to electoral swings and internal GOP division, leading to a more dynamic and contested environment.

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Why This Matters

Understanding partisan control tells you:

• Who sets the agenda: Committee chairs, leadership elections, and floor calendars all depend on majority math.
• What’s possible: Supermajorities can push constitutional amendments or override delays; slim margins can empower cross-party coalitions.
• How Texas politics evolved: From Democratic dominance to GOP consolidation, the Legislature mirrors the state’s broader political identity.

Ultimately, the partisan makeup of the Texas Legislature isn’t just a historical curiosity; it’s the foundation that determines what policies rise, what priorities stall, and how Texans experience the power of their state government.

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