Four states have a governor of one party and veto-proof legislative majorities of the opposing party: Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Voters will determine whether three states—North Carolina, Vermont, and Wisconsin—could also have a veto-proof majority and an opposing party governor as a result of the 2022 elections.
When one party controls enough seats to overturn a veto without any support from the other party, a legislature has what’s called a veto-proof majority. A veto-proof majority strengthens the legislature’s hand when passing bills of which the governor disapproves. It can also lead to conflict when opposing parties control the legislature and governor’s mansion.
