Before Tuesday’s elections Republicans controlled the state senate 19 to 14; they now have a 17 to 16 edge. Two Democrats face recall elections next Tuesday. Eight Republicans and eight Democrats in the state senate were eligible for recall elections. Enough signatures were gathered to trigger recalls against six Republicans and three Democrats. Six seats were up for re-election after Democrats had successfully organised recall ballots against the group of incumbent Republican state senators, in the wake of the controversial anti-union measures supported by Republican governor Scott Walker.
Democrats vowed to continue their efforts next year, and launch recall efforts against Walker himself, as well other Republican state senators who may be vulnerable after Tuesday night's results.
Both Democrats and Republicans regard Wisconsin as a swing state in the 2012 presidential election. Wisconsin Democrats remained on edge Tuesday as the results from a Tuesday recall election were too close to call.
At least three Republican lawmakers survived the Democratic recall effort.