ALEXANDRIA, VA – In an election-night predicted to bring significant Republican gains, the GOP exceeded all expectations across the country taking control of at least 19 state legislative chambers and winning dozens of races for lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state.

“Election Day proved to be an even bigger ‘wave’ election than anyone anticipated,” said Ed Gillespie, Chairman of the Republican State Leadership Committee.  “Voters went to the polls and swept Democrats from office.  As we enter a time with huge policy and political implications, new Republican officeholders will be given an opportunity to demonstrate common-sense conservative leadership and implement solutions that promise real results and positive change for voters.”

In comparison to past elections, all indications are that Republicans had more success than either party has seen in modern history.  As of 8:30 a.m. ET, Republicans had gained more than 500 state legislative seats nationwide, outperforming the 472-seat Republican gains of 1994 and the 322-seat Democratic gains of 2006.  Before yesterday’s elections, Democrats controlled 60 of the country’s state legislative chambers, Republicans 36.  After yesterday’s elections, at this point, Democrats control 40 chambers, Republicans 55 and one evenly divided (the Oregon House).

Candidates for offices supported by the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) benefited from this national wave:

§  Republicans won 16 of 30 races for Attorney General (California outstanding) taking five (AZ, OK, GA, OH and KS) from the Democrats.

§  Republicans won 10 of 12 races for independently elected Lieutenant Governor netting three (taking AR, OK, LA and AL from the Democrats and losing California).

§  Republicans won 17 of 26 races for Secretary of State taking six (AR, OH, NM, CO, IA and KS) from the Democrats.

§  There are now 26 states where Republicans hold majorities in both legislative chambers, up from 15.

“This year’s mid-term elections played out the conventional wisdom that voters are fed up with the Democrats’ policies of higher taxes and out-of-control spending at the federal and state level.  Today is a new day marked with new leadership following voters’ decisive actions,” said Tom Reynolds, RSLC Vice Chairman and Head of REDMAP.

The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders and the only national organization whose mission is to elect down ballot, state-level Republican office-holders.  Since 2002, the RSLC has been working to elect candidates for the office of attorney general, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and state legislator.  The RSLC has more than 100,000 donors in all 50 states.  In February, The RSLC announced the creation of REDMAP which is on pace to raise record amounts dedicated to winning seats and legislative majorities that will critically impact redistricting in 2011.