Trifecta
Glossary·Verified 2026-07-10
Definition
A trifecta is when a single political party simultaneously holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of a state legislature. Some analysts use the same term for federal control of the presidency, House, and Senate.
Why it matters
A trifecta removes the normal check of divided government, since the party in control does not need any votes from the opposition to pass a bill and get it signed. That makes trifecta states the places where the most sweeping, fastest-moving policy change tends to happen, for better or worse depending on what the majority wants.
Seen in the wild
Ballotpedia tracks trifecta status for all 50 states every year as election results change party control, publishing an updated count and map after each cycle.1