For Alabama Democrats, Wednesday morning was a day they had never experienced before. The sun still came up in the east and that was still air they were breathing, but for the first time in 136 years, Alabama Democrats were no longer in control.

Tuesday’s general election saw state Republicans seize control of the Alabama House and Senate for the first time since Reconstruction and sent those in the Democratic leadership wondering what happened.

“I was definitely surprised we lost both houses,” said seven-term state senator Hank Sanders (D-Selma), who moves on to his eighth term after winning Tuesday without opposition. “I thought we would surely hold onto the senate, even if nothing more than one or two senators.”

Sanders said the “wave that swept” through Alabama caught many on the Democratic side off guard.

“I never expected the size of the wave — the size of the victories — the Republicans had last night,” Sanders said. “I didn’t expect nor did many others I talked to, including some pollsters.”

For Sanders, the results will undoubtedly affect his position in Montgomery as one of the more powerful senators. With the Democrats in charge, Sanders was the chairperson of the powerful Education Finance and Taxation Committee, the group tasked with structuring the Education Trust Fund budget each year and directing educational spending across the state.

“I have gone through all my life as part of a minority,” Sanders said. “I have some experience in dealing with it. But, just because I may not be in the majority doesn’t mean I will not have influence. You can lead from whatever position you are in and I intend to lead.”

Sanders said members of the Legislature would meet in January for organizational meetings, which will give many the first glimpse of the new committee assignments and leadership positions put forth by Republican leaders.

He also mentioned he had talked with other Democratic leaders Tuesday, all of whom were still in shock.

“Everyone is surprised,” Sanders said. “But, just because we lost does not mean I will stop serving.”