The Democratic Party of Arkansas hosted a watch party Tuesday as results trickled in for primaries across the state. The night is the first step in a year where the Democrats plan to work hard to gain back seats in the state legislature.

Several Democratic incumbents in central Arkansas faced challengers. Like the Republican Party, the Democrats do not take sides in these races, instead preferring to support the political process. Democratic Party of Arkansas Chair Grant Tennille says whoever wins the primary is the best candidate in the general election.

Democrats have become a significant minority in recent years in Arkansas after the state GOP made slow gains to consolidate power. As recently as 2010, Democrats held three national positions representing Arkansas. In early 2015, the governor was a Democrat and the party had decent majorities in both statehouses. Over time, this has changed.

Democratic Party of Arkansas aims to regain power after primary elections