The top 10 House and Senate races to watch that will determine whether Republicans or Democrats take control in November
The article identifies ten closely watched US House and Senate contests that could determine which party controls Congress after November’s midterm elections.
– The Senate races are presented as pivotal to control of the upper chamber. – Competitive House seats could decide the House majority. – Outcomes may shape the next Congress’s legislative agenda and oversight powers. – Both Republicans and Democrats are concentrating resources on closely divided districts and states. – Narrow margins mean a small number of contests could prove decisive.
- Ten races could decide control of Congress.
- Senate and House contests are both pivotal.
- Small margins may determine the outcome.
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The US Congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of the House represent local districts and stand for election every two years; senators represent entire states, serve six-year terms and are elected in rotating groups.
The party with more seats in a chamber generally controls its leadership and committees, and has greater influence over which bills are considered. It can also shape congressional investigations and oversight of the government.
In midterm elections, voters choose every House member and some senators. When control is closely divided, results in a handful of competitive districts or states can affect the balance of power and the work of the next Congress.