The House races to watch in 2026

September 11, 2026

Democrats are attempting to win control of the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections, with control hinging on a small number of competitive races despite all 435 seats being contested. Republican-controlled states have redrawn district maps to favor their party, and a Supreme Court decision enabled the elimination of majority-Black Democratic seats in several Southern states. A record number of women candidates are running for House seats, with efforts underway to reach 100 Democratic women serving simultaneously.

Who is affected

Democrats seeking to flip control of the U.S. House
Republicans currently holding a narrow House majority
Voters in competitive districts across Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin
Women candidates running for Congress in record numbers
Representatives Eric Swalwell, Tony Gonzales, Cory Mills, Chuck Edwards, Jimmy Gomez, Max Miller, and Tom Kean Jr. (affected by misconduct allegations, primary defeats, resignations, or health issues)
Majority-Black communities in Southern states whose Democratic-leaning districts were eliminated
Specific candidates mentioned in competitive races including JoAnna Mendoza, Juan Ciscomani, Mai Vang, Doris Matsui, Connie Chan, Scott Weiner, Aisha Wahab, and dozens of others

What action is being taken

Democrats are trying to flip the U.S. House in November
Republican-controlled states are redrawing district maps to favor congressional Republicans
A record number of women are running for U.S. House seats
Rep. Jimmy Gomez is currently under investigation for sexual misconduct
Rep. Kathy Castor is seeking a 10th term and facing her toughest reelection fight
Christina Bohannon is challenging Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks for the third time
Rep. Susie Lee is seeking a fifth term in Nevada's 3rd District
Rep. Don Davis is being challenged again by Laurie Buckhout in a redrawn district
Both parties are expected to invest heavily in North Carolina's 1st District

Why it matters

This election will determine control of the U.S. House, affecting the balance of power in Congress and the ability to pass legislation. The unprecedented redrawing of district maps by Republican states and the Supreme Court's decision eliminating majority-Black Democratic seats represent significant shifts in electoral fairness and representation. The record number of women candidates and potential historic firsts could reshape congressional demographics and bring new perspectives to lawmaking. Multiple misconduct allegations against sitting representatives raise questions about accountability and workplace culture in Congress, potentially influencing voter decisions in affected districts.

What's next

All 435 House seats will be up for election in November 2026
Voters will decide competitive races in the specific districts mentioned
Rep. Aisha Wahab will face Melissa Hernandez for a full term in November after winning an August special election
Rep. Ashley Hinson is running for U.S. Senate (creating an open seat in Iowa's 2nd District)
Rep. Don Bacon is retiring (creating an open seat in Nebraska's 2nd District)
Rep. Darrell Issa is retiring (creating an open seat in California's 48th District)

Read full article from source: The 19th