About 50 districts will determine control of the US House of Representatives
In the United States, about 50 of the 435 House of Representatives races are considered competitive ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections. Their outcome could determine whether Democrats win the three seats needed to regain control of the chamber, which is currently controlled by Republicans. This was reported by Reuters in an article published by the Jerusalem Post.
Competitive districts in Arizona and California
In Arizona, Democrat Amish Shah, a former state legislator and emergency room doctor, and Republican Jay Feely, a former National Football League kicker, are competing for an open district in the northern suburbs of Phoenix. In a district based in Tucson, Democrat JoAnna Mendoza, a retired Marine Corps drill instructor, is running against incumbent Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani.
In California, state authorities led by Democrats redrew district boundaries last year in response to similar actions by Republican-controlled states. Analysts estimate that this could allow Democrats to win up to five of the state's 52 seats from Republicans. Republican David Valadao is facing Democrat Randy Villegas in a Central Valley district. Republican Jim Desmond and Democrat Marni von Wilpert are competing for the seat of Republican Darrell Issa, who decided not to seek re-election. Democrat Adam Gray, who won the previous election by 187 votes, is running against Republican Kevin Lincoln.
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Redistricting and campaigns of incumbent congressmen
In Texas, a new congressional district map introduced by state authorities controlled by Republicans could help the party gain up to five House seats. At the same time, three districts in the south of the state are shaping up to be competitive: Republican Tano Tijerina is seeking to defeat Democrat Henry Cuellar, Eric Flores is challenging Democrat Vicente Gonzalez, and Democrat Bobby Pulido is running against Republican Monica De La Cruz.
In Pennsylvania, Republicans Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan and Scott Perry face difficult campaigns. Their opponents are, respectively, firefighters' union leader Bob Brooks, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and former television host Janelle Stelson. In Virginia, Republican Jen Kiggans will again face Democrat Elaine Luria, whom she defeated in 2022.
Competitive races are also expected in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin. In Iowa, concerns over President Donald Trump's tariffs, as well as higher fuel and fertilizer costs linked to the US and Israeli war with Iran, have become important campaign issues.
