JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Democrats have gained a seat in the Missouri House as a result of special elections held to fill several vacancies.

Three empty House seats were on the ballot Tuesday. Democrats won two of them, including one that had previously been held by a Republican.

In suburban Kansas City, Democrat Rory Rowland defeated Republican Brian DeMoss to pick up the seat vacated when Republican Rep. Noel Torpey resigned before the start of the 2015 session.

Elsewhere, Democrat Daron McGee defeated three other candidates to succeed former Democratic Rep. Kevin McManus of Kansas City.

In suburban St. Louis, Republican Dean Plocher defeated Democrat Al Gerber to succeed former Rep. John Diehl, the Republican House speaker who resigned after an intern scandal.

Republicans will hold a 117-45 House majority over Democrats.