2027 Legislative Leadership Changes - MultiState

Twenty-nine states are preparing for a change in legislative power as at least one chamber leader prepares to step down ahead of the 2027 sessions, according to data released by MultiState.

The upcoming year brings widespread change to state capitols across the country. Fifteen states will see new leadership in both their upper and lower chambers, while eight states will install new Senate leaders only and five states will replace only their House leaders, MultiState reported. Meanwhile, the remaining 21 states report no announced changes to their chamber leadership.

This wave of departures arrives alongside notable electoral shifts from the November 2026 midterms. Democrats gained control of 12 legislative chambers across nine states, while Republicans captured none. Arizona, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin flipped both of their chambers.

The House flipped in Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Texas, while the Pennsylvania Senate shifted to Democratic control. Minnesota’s House was split prior to the election, and Alaska’s legislature awaits formal organization likely through a coalition. All 12 chambers that changed partisan control will feature a new leader in 2027.

A transition in leadership does not automatically mean political parties are realigning. Florida, Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri will install new leaders in both chambers while maintaining their existing partisan majorities. In Florida, Rep. Sam Garrison is slated to replace outgoing Speaker Danny Perez, while current Majority Leader Jim Boyd will step in for retiring Senate President Ben Albritton, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

Connecticut faces the departure of one of the longest-serving legislative leaders in the country as Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney retires.

NCSL President-Elect Bob Duff will replace Looney as the top leader of the Senate, and Sen. Gary Winfield was elected as the new majority leader by his caucus. With Senate President Pro Tem Dave Sokola departing in nearby Delaware, that chamber is set to select a new presiding officer.

Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie hit her term limit and is departing the legislature, creating a competitive race for the gavel where Rep. Jennifer Bacon has been nominated as a replacement.

In the Alaska Senate, President Gary Stevens is retiring, and the chamber has already announced a bipartisan coalition. According to NCSL reporting, Sen. Cathy Giessel is set to assume the presidency, and former House Speaker Louise Stutes will take on the role of majority leader.

The title of chamber leader depends entirely on the specific state and can include the Speaker, Senate President, President Pro Tempore, Majority Leader, or Lieutenant Governor. In Nebraska, the chart lists the Speaker of the single-chamber legislature.

In Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas, the lieutenant governor holds the top leadership role in the Senate.

Chamber leaders are typically chosen by the majority party caucus and then confirmed by a vote of the full chamber when the legislature convenes or during an organizational session. Lieutenant governors in Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas are elected statewide, while Tennessee’s Senate elects its own speaker who holds the title of lieutenant governor.