ALEXANDRIA, VA – Republicans across the country marked a significant milestone, last night, with the 59th and 60th state legislative special election victories since President Barack Obama was elected President.  The two wins took place in Virginia House Districts 26 and 27 as Republicans Tony Wilt and Roxann Robinson handily defeated Democrats in the races to fill those seats.

“For the 60th time, Republicans spoke with their ballots and said that they are tired of Democrats’ out-of-control spending and massive government expansion,” said Ed Gillespie, Chairman of the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the largest caucus of Republican state leaders in the country.  “It is no coincidence that in the last 18-months, from coast to coast, voters have gone to the polls and chosen a Republican to reign in spending and serve as an advocate for lower taxes.”

In addition to the fact that Republicans have now won 60 special elections since November 2008, 13 of those victories were in legislative seats previously held by Democrats.  Continuing this special-election momentum, the RSLC’s REDistricting MAjority Project (REDMAP) will be identifying state legislative seats that will have a dramatic effect on 2011 redistricting and dedicating resources to win those seats.

“Republicans are in prime position to win more races and take more majorities in state legislatures this fall,” said former NY Congressman and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman (NRCC) Tom Reynolds who heads REDMAP and serves as Vice Chairman of the RSLC.  “Not only have Republicans won 60 special elections since President Obama was elected, we won them in many multiple districts in swing states.  We are thrilled with the success we’re having and will be prepared to support candidates in crucial races this fall.”

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 consistently raises and spends an average of more than $20 million, per two-year cycle, from more than 80,000 donors and from 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.

Since November 2008, Republicans have won special elections in the following states: