US Senate Elections Results 2024 Live Updates: Republicans take Senate majority for first time in 4 years

House Speaker Mike Johnson extended his congratulations to "president-elect" Donald Trump, despite the fact that the former reality TV star had not yet been widely declared the winner of the White House race. "There is hope and morning in America again! Donald Trump is now our President-elect, chosen by the American people for such a time as this," Johnson said.

The Nevada Senate race pits Democratic Sen Jacky Rosen, a former computer programmer and synagogue president, against Republican Sam Brown, a retired Army captain whose face bears scars from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. While Nevada was a key battleground in the presidential race, the Senate contest has garnered less attention, with Rosen emerging as the clear favorite.

Rosen, serving her first term, has outspent Brown by more than 3-to-1, positioning herself as a pragmatic senator focused on delivering results for Nevada, including expanding broadband access and advancing a high-speed rail project to Southern California. In contrast, Brown, a Purple Heart recipient, has campaigned on his personal story and the state's rising cost of living, a major concern in working-class communities. Despite his efforts, he has struggled to gain momentum, though a late influx of GOP funding in late October, buoyed by strong Republican turnout in early voting, gave the party renewed hope that Brown might defy expectations.

Jill Tokuda was re-elected to represent Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District in the US House on Wednesday. Her district spans rural Oahu and all of Hawaii’s other islands. Tokuda, who first won the seat in 2022, serves on the agriculture and armed services committees in Congress. Prior to her time in the House, she spent 12 years in the state Senate, including a tenure as chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee. Tokuda has also been a small business owner and previously served as the external affairs director for the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center on Maui.

Democrats secured a key congressional seat in Ohio while defending two others in closely contested races. Longtime US Rep Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in House history, claimed victory early Wednesday over state Rep Derek Merrin in the tightly contested 9th Congressional District, which includes Toledo. Although the race was too early to call at that point, Kaptur, who faced a Republican challenger endorsed by former President Donald Trump, was poised to hold onto her seat.

Meanwhile, first-term Democrat Greg Landsman successfully defended his seat in Cincinnati, securing re-election after his 2022 victory under newly drawn congressional maps. Fellow freshman Emilia Sykes of Akron was also defending her 2022 pickup, but her race remained too close to call as of Wednesday morning.

Ohio's congressional map, which was ruled unconstitutionally gerrymandered to favor Republicans, was allowed to stand for the 2024 elections following a court settlement, clearing the way for the current district boundaries to remain in place despite the controversy surrounding them.

Three-term Democratic US Sen. Jon Tester of Montana is up against Republican Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, in what may be his toughest re-election challenge yet. Montana has shifted rightward since Tester’s first election, and the race is critical for control of the Senate. Sheehy’s early support from party leaders and Trump, combined with high political spending and contentious ads, has made the race fiercely competitive. Tester’s long-standing moderate record and focus on Montana's issues, like veterans’ care and rural broadband, contrast with Sheehy’s criticisms of Tester’s ties to the Democratic Party. With the future of abortion rights and economic issues on voters’ minds, Tester and Sheehy battle for key support from both Democrats and Republicans.

Montana Republican Governor Greg Gianforte won re-election to a second four-year term, defeating Democratic challenger Ryan Busse. Gianforte's first term was largely free from controversy, aside from legal clashes over abortion and transgender youth medical care. During his campaign, he emphasized his administration's fiscal accomplishments, including tax cuts, debt reduction, and expanding public lands access.

Busse, advocating for responsible gun ownership, abortion rights, and higher taxes on the wealthy, criticised Gianforte for exacerbating housing costs and property taxes, while highlighting his own wealth and background in tech. In other closely watched races, US Rep. Ryan Zinke was also re-elected, overcoming challenger Monica Tranel.

Freshman Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio secured reelection to the US House, defeating Republican state lawmaker Rob Mercuri. Deluzio, a former Navy officer and lawyer with a focus on voting rights and election security, will serve another term in Pennsylvania's district, which Biden won in 2020.

Mercuri, an Army veteran, currently represents part of Allegheny County in the state House. Deluzio's district spans Pittsburgh's western suburbs, steel towns along the Ohio River, and Beaver County, reaching Ohio's eastern border.

Republican Deb Fischer won reelection to a third US Senate term in Nebraska, overcoming a strong challenge from independent Dan Osborn. Osborn, a former labor union leader and military veteran, gained significant traction by running outside the two-party system and raising over $1 million more than Fischer. The race attracted nearly $29 million in outside spending, with most backing Osborn.

In her victory speech, Fischer criticised "out-of-state Democrats" for spending to sway Nebraska's voters, asserting that Nebraskans stood by Republican values. Osborn, who led a successful strike for higher wages at Kellogg's in 2021, ran a campaign appealing to working-class voters and criticized Fischer's ties to corporate interests. Fischer countered by framing Osborn as a liberal who would side with Democrats and warning that his win could shift Senate control. Fischer ultimately retained her seat with strong Republican support and an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox secured a second term in Utah, defeating Democrat Brian King, a state representative and former House minority leader. Known as a moderate, Cox’s recent endorsement of Donald Trump raised questions among his base. Previously critical of Trump, Cox backed him in July following an assassination attempt at a rally, citing Trump’s potential to unify the nation. This shift has led political analysts to wonder if Cox’s move toward the right is more than an election tactic. Trump did not endorse Cox, who also defeated write-in conservative Phil Lyman.

Democrats held both of New Hampshire's congressional seats Tuesday. Rep. Chris Pappas won a fourth term in the 1st District, defeating Republican Russell Prescott, while Democrat Maggie Goodlander won the open 2nd District seat, beating GOP candidate Lily Tang Williams. Pappas focused on a bipartisan message, prioritizing issues like abortion rights and tackling division. Goodlander, a former White House aide, emphasized defending democracy and reducing costs for residents.

Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna secured another term in the US House on Wednesday, representing California's 17th Congressional District. Khanna easily defeated Republican Anita Chen in the reliably Democratic district, which includes parts of Silicon Valley. First elected in 2016 after unseating Democratic incumbent Mike Honda, Khanna now serves on both the House Armed Services and Oversight and Accountability Committees. The AP called the race for Khanna at 12.20 am EST.

Republicans won Senate control, flipping seats in Democratic states like Ohio and West Virginia and securing a critical win in Nebraska. Key races remain tight, but Democrats face setbacks in Ohio with Sherrod Brown's loss and a tough contest in Texas and Florida.

Meanwhile, Democrats saw historic firsts, with Lisa Blunt Rochester and Angela Alsobrooks as the first Black women elected to the Senate from Delaware and Maryland, and Andy Kim as the first Korean American Senator. In Delaware, Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender member of Congress.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz won a third term in Texas, defeating Democratic challenger US Rep. Colin Allred in another costly reelection race. Cruz, 53, who narrowly beat Beto O’Rourke in 2018, campaigned this year as a pragmatic lawmaker, emphasising law and order. Allred, a former NFL player and moderate Democrat, focused on abortion rights and received bipartisan support, including endorsements from Republicans like Liz Cheney. Despite shifting demographics, Democrats remain unable to end the GOP’s 30-year statewide winning streak in Texas. Cruz celebrated the win in Houston, pledging to represent all Texans.

Republican Rep. Kelly Armstrong won the North Dakota governorship on Tuesday, defeating Democratic Sen. Merrill Piepkorn and independent Michael Coachman. Armstrong, the state’s sole US House representative and a former state senator, will become the first member of Congress in over 50 years to lead the state. Campaigning on economic and workforce issues, he succeeds Gov. Doug Burgum, who did not seek a third term. Armstrong will be sworn in on Dec. 15, shortly before the Legislature reconvenes with a GOP supermajority, which is expected to address issues like property tax reform, workforce shortages, and gender rights legislation.

Democratic Rep. Sylvia Garcia secured reelection to her U.S. House seat representing Texas on Tuesday, marking her fourth term in the Houston district. One of the first two Latinas to serve in Congress from Texas, Garcia, an attorney, was appointed as one of the House impeachment managers in the first attempt to remove Donald Trump from office. A strong advocate for granting citizenship to migrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, she serves on the Financial Services Committee and is the whip for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The Associated Press declared her the winner at 11:19 p.m. EST.

Democrat Rep. Haley Stevens secured her reelection to represent Michigan's 11th District in the US House. First elected in 2018, Stevens represents a large portion of Oakland County, just north of Detroit. She serves on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, as well as the House Committee on Education and Labor. Stevens defeated Republican challenger Nick Somberg, a lawyer for one of 15 Republicans accused of acting as false electors following the 2020 election. The district, home to large Jewish and Arab American communities, has been significantly affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Associated Press declared Stevens the winner at 8.55 pm EST.

Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen was reelected to represent Colorado's 7th District in the U.S. House on Tuesday. Pettersen, who previously served for a decade in the Colorado Legislature, won the seat in 2022 after replacing Rep. Ed Perlmutter, who chose not to seek reelection after holding the position for 16 years. Pettersen became the first woman to represent the district, which covers both populous areas near Denver and rural communities extending to southern Colorado. Notably, she was the first member of Congress from Colorado to urge President Joe Biden to drop his reelection bid. The Associated Press declared her the winner at 10:44 p.m. EST.

Republican US Rep. John Curtis won the race to succeed Mitt Romney in the US Senate, defeating Democrat Caroline Gleich in Utah. Curtis, a moderate Republican and leader of the Conservative Climate Caucus, focused on climate change policies and bipartisanship. He emphasised a market-based approach to environmental issues, countering Democratic policies. Curtis, who previously served as mayor of Provo, plans to bring a collaborative approach to Washington, reflecting Utah’s values. The state has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1970.

Delaware state senator Sarah McBride made history by winning a seat in the US House of Representatives, becoming the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. The Democrat defeated Republican John Whalen III with a commanding lead. In her victory speech, McBride emphasized the importance of protecting reproductive freedom and building an inclusive democracy. She also outlined her priorities, including affordable child care, paid family leave, housing, and healthcare. McBride’s win highlights the growing visibility and influence of transgender individuals in politics, with the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund celebrating her achievement.

Democrat Josh Stein won the North Carolina gubernatorial race, defeating Republican Mark Robinson, the state's lieutenant governor. Robinson, who had faced backlash after reports of his past controversial remarks, including calling himself a "Black Nazi," refused to drop out despite pressure from party leaders. Stein, the current attorney general, was leading by about 14 percentage points when the race was called. Stein's victory ensures continued Democratic control of the governor's mansion, succeeding Roy Cooper. Robinson conceded, saying, "It was not to be." The state's presidential race remained tight, with Donald Trump leading Kamala Harris by 3 percentage points.

US Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota secured a second term by defeating Democrat Katrina Christiansen, a University of Jamestown engineering professor. Cramer, who first won the seat in 2018, highlighted his support for former President Trump and his work on deregulation, border security, and agriculture. Christiansen, making her second Senate bid after an unsuccessful run in 2022, positioned herself as a problem solver, emphasizing her rural roots and agricultural background. Cramer, known for his blunt yet approachable style, faced criticism from Christiansen for losing touch with North Dakota issues. Cramer's son is facing charges related to a fatal vehicle crash.

Jodey Arrington, representing Texas' 19th Congressional District since 2017, has a background in public service, starting with Governor George W. Bush and later working for the White House and the FDIC. A former Vice Chancellor at Texas Tech University, he now serves on the Ways and Means Committee, focusing on agriculture, energy, and healthcare. As Chairman of the House Budget Committee, he aims to tackle the national debt. Jodey is also active in rural health care and term limits reform, and he co-chairs several key caucuses in Congress. He is married to Anne, with three children.

Republican US Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming won reelection, securing a third term by defeating Democrat Scott Morrow, a retired postal union official. Barrasso, a prominent critic of the Biden administration, has served in the Senate for 17 years and currently holds the position of Senate Republican Conference chair. He was first appointed to the Senate in 2007 and has since been re-elected by wide margins. Morrow campaigned on labor union and abortion rights issues but was unable to challenge Barrasso’s strong support in the deep-red state.

Josh Stein, the Democratic Attorney General, secured victory in North Carolina's gubernatorial race on November 5, defeating Republican Lt Gov Mark Robinson. Stein will take over from Democratic Gov Roy Cooper, who could not run due to term limits.

Having previously served as a state Senator and the head of Cooper's consumer protection division during Cooper's tenure as attorney general, Stein ran an aggressive campaign. His team launched numerous advertisements highlighting Robinson's controversial past statements. Robinson's campaign encountered additional difficulties following CNN's report about alleged explicit posts on an adult website's forum, which Robinson refuted.

This victory continues the Democratic Party's strong performance in North Carolina's gubernatorial contests, with the party winning eight out of the past nine elections. The Associated Press announced Stein's victory at 8.50 pm EST.

South Carolina Republican US Rep. Nancy Mace is looking to solidify her seat after winning it back in 2020. She faced a GOP challenger backed by former President Trump in 2022 and cruised through her 2024 primary with Trump's support. Mace has been criticized for focusing on national issues, like marijuana legalization, but she argues it's in the best interest of her diverse district. Her Democratic challenger, businessman Michael Moore, has struggled to gain traction. Other South Carolina races include long-serving Republicans like Joe Wilson and Jim Clyburn, as well as new faces like Sheri Biggs, who won an open seat.

US Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester defeated Republican Eric Hansen in Delaware’s Senate race, becoming the first woman and first Black person to represent the state in the Senate. She will fill the seat left vacant by Tom Carper, who endorsed her as his successor. Blunt Rochester, who has served four terms in the House, raised $8 million for her campaign, significantly outpacing Hansen's $1 million. A former intern and cabinet member for Carper, she has a long history of advocating for healthcare access and civil rights.

Republican Senator Roger Wicker secured another term in the US Senate representing Mississippi, defeating Democratic challenger Ty Pinkins, a legal practitioner. Prior to his federal service, Wicker, also a legal practitioner, served in Mississippi's state Senate before securing a U.S. House position in 1994.

Since 2007, following Republican Trent Lott's resignation, Wicker has held his U.S. Senate position. He currently serves as the ranking member on the Armed Services Committee whilst maintaining a senior position on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Throughout his tenure, he has advocated for increased military shipbuilding initiatives. The Associated Press announced Wicker's victory at 8.00 pm EST.

Republican Patrick Morrisey won the West Virginia governor's race, defeating Huntington Democratic Mayor Steve Williams. A three-term attorney general, Morrisey had a significant fundraising advantage over Williams in a state where Republicans outnumber Democrats. Originally from New Jersey, Morrisey moved to West Virginia in 2006.

He becomes the fourth Republican since 1933 to be elected to a first term as governor. The seat was open as current Republican Gov. Jim Justice was barred from seeking a third consecutive term. The Associated Press declared Morrisey the winner at 7.30 p.m. EST.

Phil Scott became Vermont’s 82nd governor in 2017 and was re-elected for a fourth term in 2022, winning every city and town. Scott made significant strides in fiscal responsibility by securing budgets in 2018 and 2019 without raising taxes or fees. His initiatives have supported workforce development, housing, childcare, and more.

Previously, he served as Vermont’s lieutenant governor, launched the Everyday Jobs Initiative, and led relief efforts after Tropical Storm Irene. He also founded Wheels for Warmth, a program benefiting fuel assistance through tire resale. A lifelong Vermonter, Scott lives in Berlin with his wife, Diana, and enjoys racing and cycling.

Republican Jim Justice flipped a US Senate seat in West Virginia, defeating Democrat Glenn Elliott to take over the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joe Manchin. Formerly a Democrat, Manchin switched to independent earlier this year. This victory marks the first time since 1958 that both West Virginia senators will be Republicans. Justice, a two-term governor and former billionaire with extensive business holdings, has drawn attention in recent years for unpaid fines and debts, including missed health insurance premiums for employees. The Associated Press declared Justice the winner at 7.30 pm EST.

Independent Bernie Sanders won reelection to a fourth term in the US Senate representing Vermont on Tuesday. The 83-year-old liberal icon has emphasized that American democracy faces critical challenges, calling the 2024 election among the most consequential of our time. Sanders, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris this year after President Joe Biden opted not to seek reelection. The Associated Press declared Sanders the winner at 7.00 pm EST.

Republican Jim Banks won Indiana’s open US Senate seat, defeating Democrat Valerie McCray in a race marked by party-line issues like immigration and healthcare. Banks, a Trump loyalist who opposed certifying the 2020 election, was heavily favored in the conservative state, where Trump won decisively in both 2016 and 2020. McCray, a clinical psychologist, made history as Indiana’s first Black woman to be a major party’s Senate nominee but faced long odds in a state where Democrats haven’t won a statewide race since 2012.

Michigan's congressional races are heating up with four key seats in play due to redistricting and incumbents retiring, making them central to the fight for US House control. Republicans aim to flip open seats in the 7th and 8th Districts, traditionally Democratic strongholds, where candidates are focusing on issues like the economy, national security, and reproductive rights. In the competitive 3rd District, Democratic incumbent Hillary Scholten faces Republican Paul Hudson, while in the 10th District, Republican Rep. John James faces a rematch against Democrat Carl Marlinga, who narrowly lost in 2022.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island is seeking a fourth term against Republican Patricia Morgan, a state representative and former minority leader in the Rhode Island House. Whitehouse, a strong advocate for climate action and healthcare protections, highlighted his role in securing $200 million for the Washington Bridge as evidence of his effectiveness in office.

Morgan’s campaign focuses on stricter border security and opposition to tax hikes on high earners, arguing that redirecting funds from climate subsidies could better support Social Security. Whitehouse defended his tax plan to stabilize Social Security and Medicare, calling the current tax code unfair.

Throughout his Senate tenure, Whitehouse has supported the Affordable Care Act and worked on bipartisan legislation addressing the opioid crisis.

US Sen Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, is seeking reelection Tuesday against Democrat Katrina Christiansen, who is making her second run for the Senate. Cramer, 63, won the seat from Democrat Heidi Heitkamp in 2018 in a closely watched race, and now faces Christiansen in the conservative state, where Republicans hold a strong majority.

Christiansen, 43, a former US Senate candidate who ran unsuccessfully against Sen. John Hoeven in 2022, portrays herself as a problem solver with a focus on rural issues. Raised in a struggling farming community during the nation’s farm crisis, she has a doctorate in agricultural engineering and experience working as an engineer at an ethanol plant. Currently, she serves as an assistant professor of engineering at the University of Jamestown.

Prasanth Reddy, a Republican, is challenging three-term Democrat Sharice Davids for the House seat in Kansas' 3rd Congressional District. A Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve, Reddy joined the military after the 9/11 attacks. He is a triple-board certified physician with expertise in internal medicine, oncology, and hematology.

Originally from Chennai, Reddy immigrated to Kansas as a child and graduated from public schools. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, followed by a medical degree, residency, and fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Additionally, Reddy holds a master’s in public health and completed further training at Harvard Business School.

He previously served as the White House technology advisor under President Barack Obama and was elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 2019. In addition, he worked as a policy aide on Capitol Hill, where he helped expand healthcare, build bipartisan support for immigration reform, and draft legislation benefiting veterans, seniors, and working families. A strong advocate for lowering drug prices, curbing toll hikes, and securing refunds for energy overcharges, he has delivered tangible results for Virginians.

Larry Hogan, a popular Republican who won two terms as governor, is the most competitive candidate for the GOP in years in the race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin. Still, he is facing an uphill battle against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, the county executive of Prince George's County, who could make history as the state's first Black US senator in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1.

The stakes are unusually high for a Maryland race that includes a Republican who won significant Democratic support in his 2014 and 2018 gubernatorial victories. Hogan is only the second Republican in Maryland history to be reelected governor.

Democrats currently hold a 51-49 Senate advantage, including independent senators who caucus with Democrats. And Democrats have to defend 23 seats out of the 33 Senate seats on the ballot around the country this November.

In Maryland’s most competitive US House race, voters will decide whether the traditionally Democratic 6th Congressional District will flip red after over a decade of Democratic representation. Democrat April McClain Delaney, whose husband previously held the seat, is facing Republican Neil Parrott, a former state lawmaker.

McClain Delaney, a mother of four, has focused heavily on issues affecting women, particularly abortion. She has pledged to protect reproductive freedoms following the US Supreme Court's 2022 decision to end the federal right to abortion, sharing her personal experience with an ectopic pregnancy that could have been fatal without access to abortion care.

Parrott, on the other hand, has downplayed the abortion issue in his campaign. While he has long been anti-abortion, having served 12 years in the Maryland State House, he now asserts that abortion is a "non-issue" nationally, suggesting that neither party has the votes to regulate abortion at the federal level—a stance similar to former President Donald Trump’s position.

California, long a Democratic stronghold, has emerged as an unlikely battleground in the battle for control of the US House. While the state has seen Republicans steadily fade in recent years, with Democrats holding every statewide office, commanding margins in the Legislature, and outnumbering Republicans nearly 2-to-1, there are still pockets of conservative strength. Republicans currently hold 12 of California's 52 House seats, and about half a dozen of these races are considered toss-ups this year, many in districts that Joe Biden won in 2020.

The outcome of these competitive races could be pivotal in deciding which party controls the House next year, as the current margin between Republicans and Democrats is razor-thin: 220 Republicans, 212 Democrats, and three vacancies. Two years ago, California played a crucial role in helping Republicans secure the majority.

With Vice President Kamala Harris, a former U.S. senator and state attorney general, at the top of the Democratic ticket, elevated turnout in this presidential election year could work in the Democrats' favor. However, the impact in closely divided swing districts remains uncertain.

Democrats are defending three key congressional seats in Ohio on Tuesday, with control of the US House at stake. The primary target for Republicans is 21-term US Rep Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in House history. Kaptur, who represents the closely contested 9th Congressional District around Toledo, faces a challenge from state Rep. Derek Merrin, a Republican backed by former President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, first-term Democrats Emilia Sykes of Akron and Greg Landsman of Cincinnati are defending the seats they flipped in 2022, following the implementation of newly drawn congressional maps that favored Republicans. Although the Ohio Supreme Court had ruled the maps unconstitutional due to gerrymandering, they were allowed to stand through a court settlement for the 2024 elections, adding further complexity to the high-stakes races.

Democrats are on defense as they try to hold onto the Senate, where members serve six-year terms. Republicans need to pick up just two seats to gain control, and they are expected to win one easily in West Virginia, where Democrat-turned-independent Joe Manchin is retiring, Reuters reported.

Popular governor Jim Justice is forecast to win Manchin's seat. Republicans could secure their majority with wins in Montana, where Democrat Jon Tester faces a tough reelection, or in Ohio, where Democrat Sherrod Brown is also in a tight race.

If Republicans win several competitive races in the Midwest, they could expand their Senate majority. This would allow them to block many of Vice President Kamala Harris' initiatives if she wins the White House, or help Donald Trump push through his tax cuts if he wins. However, they are unlikely to reach the 60 votes needed to pass most legislation. In Nebraska, Republican Senator Deb Fischer faces a surprising challenge from independent Dan Osborn, who has not said if he would align with Democrats if elected.

The fate of the US Congress hangs in the balance, with elections that could shift control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, leaving Capitol Hill divided between Donald Trump's Republicans and Kamala Harris' Democrats. The outcome will be crucial in determining how easily the winner of the 2024 presidential election can govern until the next congressional elections in 2026.

Nonpartisan analysts suggest that Republicans have a strong chance of regaining the Senate, where Democrats currently hold a slim 51-49 majority. However, the Republicans' grip on the House is also at risk, as Democrats need to flip just four seats in the 435-seat chamber to reclaim control.

As with the presidential race, the outcome will likely hinge on a narrow slice of voters. The Senate battle focuses on seven key races, while fewer than 40 House contests are considered highly competitive, making Tuesday's election a pivotal moment for both parties.