US elections 2024 – US elections 2024: Key races to watch as control of Congress hangs in balance

With just two days remaining before the US general elections on November 5, campaign efforts are in full swing. While much of the focus is on the presidential race, voters will also decide control of both chambers of Congress, with all 435 House seats and 34 Senate seats up for grabs. The Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House, while Democrats narrowly control the Senate.

Both parties are contesting a handful of crucial seats that could determine the balance of power in Washington. Here are five key races to watch.

NEBRASKA’S 2ND DISTRICT

This district, represented by Republican Rep. Don Bacon, is one of 16 crossover seats — districts won by a president of one party but represented by a member of the other.

Bacon, a centrist and retired Air Force officer, faces a rematch with Democrat Tony Vargas, who aims to become Nebraska’s first Latino member of Congress.

This district also plays a unique role in the presidential race, as Nebraska splits its electoral votes by district. Trump won the district in 2016 but lost it in 2020, and polls suggest he may lose it again this year, the BBC reported.

NEW YORK’S BATTLEGROUND FOR HOUSE CONTROL

New York’s suburban swing districts could be pivotal for House control, as five Republican-held seats there are in the Democrats’ sights.

These districts, which turned red in the 2022 midterms, are largely influenced by voter concerns over crime, inflation, and immigration.

The 19th District, where GOP Rep. Marc Molinaro faces a rematch with Democrat Josh Riley, has seen the highest campaign spending of any House race, with $38.5 million invested.

NORTH CAROLINA’S 1ST DISTRICT

North Carolina, which has emerged as a swing state, features a hotly contested race in the 1st District. Historically represented by Black legislators, this district could elect a Republican for the first time since 1883.

The race between incumbent Democrat Don Davis and his Republican challenger raises issues of race and redistricting in a state Democrats hope to flip.

CALIFORNIA’S 45TH DISTRICT

California has several competitive races, including the 45th District in Orange County. Represented by GOP Rep. Michelle Steel, a Korean immigrant, the district’s diverse voter base — nearly 40% Asian American and over 30% Latino — will likely play a significant role.

Steel faces Democrat Derek Tran, a first-generation Vietnamese American and US Army veteran, in a race that reflects California’s shifting political landscape.

IOWA’S 3RD DISTRICT

Iowa’s 3rd District, which includes Des Moines and its suburbs, is another indicator of suburban voters’ leanings. GOP Rep. Zach Nunn, an Air Force officer, narrowly won the seat in 2022 and now faces Lanon Baccam, a Democrat and combat veteran.

This district is a target for Democrats if they can gain momentum in the suburbs, a crucial demographic in this election.