Democrats have hung on to control of the Kentucky House to maintain their shared power with Senate Republicans in the General Assembly.
Republicans emboldened by President Barack Obama's deep-rooted unpopularity had made a strong push to seize control of the House and consolidate their influence in the legislature.
But Democrats, including House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins, pointed to strong candidate recruitment and Gov. Steve Beshear's popularity as advantages putting them in a position to retain control of the 100-member House.
"I like our team because of the talent level and the fire in their belly," Adkins said.
Several Democratic incumbents in western Kentucky held off stiff challenges to win new seats.
Republicans have not had a majority in the Kentucky House since the early 1920s.
The GOP has solid control of the state Senate.