DEMOCRATS LOSE SUPER-MAJORITY IN STATE CAPITOL

March 3, 2014 (Sacramento)—Democrats have lost a supermajority in the state Senate, which means they can no longer pass tax measures or constitutional amendments without at least one Republican vote. That could mean a return to gridlock in Sacramento.

Currently Democrats are one vote short of the two-thirds supermajority due to the conviction of Senator Rod Wright on felony perjury charges. Wright has taken a leave of absence and will be sentenced in May. Regardless of whether he resigns or is forced to leave office when sentenced, a special election will be held for voters to choose a replacement. 

So Democrats could regain their supermajority by summer.  But come November, the balance of power could shift yet again, when voters head to the polls.