Yes, but in truth most are reelected, and of those they were most likely thrust forward originally by local power brokers, including of course local Chambers of Commerce. A few years ago we had an interesting primary that included a handful of self-proclaimed Tea Party candidates and one establishment candidate. Needless to say he won because of the cancelling effect of the field and his enormous advantage in resources. After that no more challenges and yet another year after year incumbent winner was crowned. The major overarching point: This is not working.
At the local level, I would be willing to bet that even more Republicans are getting elected. I could be wrong about that. I didn't actually do any research.
The point is we need to get our local houses in order so those representatives can rise up through the ranks and get to The White House some day.
And we need to stop calling them "elected officials". They are elected representatives. I know that sounds like splitting hairs (hares?) but we need to take back the language.
Which also means we have to stop calling America a democracy. It's a Republic. Again, that might seem trivial but it's really not.