As we enter the second month of 2025, state legislatures are truly kicking into gear. All 50 state legislatures will convene in 2025, and most, as seen on the map below, have already gaveled into session. While last November’s general election saw Republicans outperform Democrats in the presidential race and other critical national contests, those results did not impact down-ballot elections - particularly those in state legislatures. Republicans and Democrats largely maintained the status quo on seat percentage and overall balance of state control. That being said, Republicans’ policymaking at the national level, as evidenced by President Trump’s inaugural address and initial executive orders, have already created a dynamic and complex relationship with state governments.

GOP-led legislatures, for example, are more likely to adopt, mirror or support Republican policy priorities at the federal level. Conversely, many blue states have begun to position themselves as alternatives - or even steadfast opponents - to Republicans’ federal initiatives, with California, New York and Illinois as prime examples. These states are also the most prominent in targeting the wholesale distribution industry, including warehouse quotas, worker misclassification, taxation and various trucking-related measures.