Approximately 50 out of the 435 races for the House of Representatives are projected to be competitive on the US midterm ballot set for November 3. These races could determine whether Democrats secure the three additional seats they need to take control of the chamber from Republicans.
Here’s a look at some key contests that may influence the results:
Arizona
This crucial state features two of the most contested House districts in the nation.
In Phoenix’s northern suburbs, Democrat Amish Shah, a former state representative and emergency room physician, is up against Republican Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker, for an open seat.
In a Tucson-based district, Democrat Jo Anna Mendoza, who is a retired Marine drill instructor, will challenge Republican Representative Juan Ciscomani, known as a moderate.
A member of the US Capitol Police stands at the top of the stairs with a gun ahead of a September vote in the US House on a stopgap spending bill aimed at preventing a partial government shutdown that started October 1 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (credit: Kent Nishimura/Reuters)
California
Following President Donald Trump’s encouragement, several Republican-led states have altered their district maps to enhance their chances of maintaining control over the House. This deviates from traditional practices where boundaries are redrawn once every decade based on population changes.
Democratic-led California initiated its own redistricting last year as a response to these changes by Republican-led states. Analysts believe this could enable them to capture five more seats from Republicans among California’s 52 districts.
One vulnerable Republican is Representative David Valadao, who has been successful in past close races within this Central Valley district. He faces off against Democrat Randy Villegas, who serves as a school board member.
Republican Darrell Issa chose not to seek reelection in what he perceived as an unfavorable seat. Now competing for his position are San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond and Democratic City Council member Marni von Wilpert from San Diego.
Democrats must also defend east of San Francisco where incumbent Representative Adam Gray attempts to fend off Republican Kevin Lincoln, who is a former mayor of Stockton after winning his previous race by just 187 votes.
Colorado
Republican Representative Gabe Evans secured his win in 2024 by less than one percentage point. He now faces Democrat Manny Rutinel, who serves as a state representative. The impacts from Trump’s immigration policies have become significant issues here in this district north of Denver which has about 40% Hispanic residents.
Florida
Due to Florida’s GOP-led redistricting efforts, it’s possible that there will be 24 Republicans and four Democrats representing Florida in Congress.
Democratic Representative Kathy Castor is now running for reelection in her Tampa-based district which includes areas leaning more towards Republicans. She’ll face Republican Mike Beltran, also a former state representative.
Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz has shifted to another district along Florida’s Atlantic coast just north of Miami where he’ll contend with Republican Scott Singer, ex-mayor of Boca Raton.
In another newly drawn area stretching from Palm Beach through to Gulf Coast voters will see Democrat Pia Dandiya who’s an educator go against veteran Casey Askar representing Republicans.
Iowa
The political landscape in Iowa has gradually leaned more towards Republicans over recent years but worries regarding Trump’s tariffs and rising fuel and fertilizer costs due to conflicts involving Iran have made various races across this farming state competitive.
The remaing three districts are expectedly tight battles this year.
In Iowa’s southeast corner,Democrat Christina Bohannan challengesRepubllican Mariannette Miller-Meeks foer thrid time; she lost previously by just799 votesin2024.()The norrtheast corner hosts an open seat contest whereDeman Lindsay James’who’salsoa Presbytern ministerfacesxformer Republiicanstate Reprentative Joe Mitchell.;.
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The Republicans’Tom Barrett won narrowly backin2024and now facesWilliam Lawrence, a progressive activist focusingon climateissues, inthis Lansing-area matchup..
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