As state legislatures convene, they face the same political polarization seen in Congress. Some are in near-deadlock.

The party held onto two key seats in Loudoun County that will allow them to maintain control of the state’s legislature.

Voters are going to the polls on Tuesday in three special elections for the legislature that will serve as barometers of political energy for both parties.

As Democrats try to fire up their fatigued base, two contests for the Virginia legislature will serve as the first measure of partisan enthusiasm since Donald J. Trump’s victory.

© Alyssa Schukar for The New York Times