The Grand Old Party (GOP) is certainly in control on the state level these days. In 2017, Republicans control both the Executive Branch and the Legislature in 25 states, while Democrats only have the same control in 5. In 15 states, Republicans control either the Legislature or the Executive Branch as well, and in 5 states, there is split control.

With this control, Republicans have shown that limited government, low taxes and freedom works. Just about half of America’s population chooses to live in entirely GOP-run states.

What does this control have to do with Right-to-Work?

Right-to-Work is a freedom issue. It allows workers the choice of whether to join a union or not, just like any other organization. Because it gives more freedom, many Republicans support it.

As a result, there is a great overlap between Republican-governed states and Right-to-Work states. 21 out of the 25 states where Republicans are in charge of both the Executive Branch and the Legislature also have Right-to-Work.

The opposite is true as well. 5 out 5 of the states where Democrats control the state have forced unionization.

There are 24 hybrid states where Republicans control either the Legislature or the Executive Branch, and the state is either Right-to-Work or not.

Two states to point out though are New Hampshire and Ohio where Republicans control the Legislature and the Executive Branch, but there is still forced unionization.

The legislators in New Hampshire actually just failed to pass Right-to-Work on February 16, 2017. The New Hampshire House voted 200-177 against Right-to-Work. 18 House Representatives declined to vote. 14 of these were Republicans. 32 Republicans unfortunately voted against it.

This happened after the New Hampshire Senate had approved Right-to-Work 12-11 on January 19, 2017.

New Hampshire Republican Governor Chris Sununu expressed disappointment after the House vote in a statement he released:

“While it is clear that some House members did not understand this opportunity to unleash the untapped potential of our economy, I know that we can continue to work collaboratively on initiatives that will drive new business into the state.”

Despite this loss, the Center for Worker Freedom is encouraged by Kentucky and Missouri passing Right-to-Work this year, thanks to new Republican governors.

In addition, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld local Right-to-Work on November 18, 2016.

New Republican Governors and legislators and the ability to pass Right-to-Work at the county and city level will mean more freedom for workers in the coming years.

Please click here for a PDF version of the map..