NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee Republicans have earned their first supermajority in the state Senate.
The GOP claimed at least two seats necessary in Tuesday's election to take a 22-11 margin in the upper chamber.
Democratic incumbent Tim Barnes was defeated by Mark Green in District 22, and Republican Joey Hensley defeated Tyler "Ty" Cobb in District 28.
The GOP also threatened to get a supermajority in the House, where only two seats were also needed. The margin was 64-34, with one independent, going into the election.
According to legislative records, the last time a party won a a supermajority in both chambers was in 1976, when Democrats controlled the Senate 23-9 and the House 66-32.
State Republicans haven't held a supermajority since Reconstruction.
