Democrats Switching Sides: The Surge of Party Flippers in 2021
The year 2023 has seen an increase in party switching among state lawmakers, with 10 lawmakers nationwide changing parties, including six who switched between the major parties. This trend reflects the growing polarization and party feuding within state capitals. The GOP has historically seen more converts, with 173 state lawmakers switching parties since 1994, with 83 Democrats becoming Republicans compared to 23 Republicans becoming Democrats. The increase in Republicans in West Virginia has led to speculation that a former House Minority Leader may join the party. Party switches have had significant consequences in some states, such as North Carolina, where a Democrat's switch to the GOP gave Republicans supermajority control and allowed them to pass conservative legislation.