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On the 8th of November, voters all around the United States will take to the polls to elect their representatives in the congressional midterms. This midterm season is crucial for incumbent president Joe Biden as it could have a major impact on the remainder of his term and the legislative power of his party.
These elections take place every two years in the middle of a presidential term and will see senators, governors, and congressional representatives up for election. During this midterm election, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats will be contested, alongside 39 state and territorial governors.
But which of the seats up for election are the most important this year?
Arizona Governor: Katie Hobbs (Democrat) vs Kari Lake (Republican)
This race will see Arizona Secretary of State, Katie Hobbs, take on former news anchor, Kari Lake, in a traditionally Republican seat. This seat opened up this year after incumbent governor, Doug Ducet, became ineligible to run for a third term due to term limits.
Arizona has become a key state for both parties after Joe Biden managed to carry the state in the 2020 presidential election, with Democrats keen to extend their victories and Republicans eager to reclaim the state.
To make this election even more interesting, figures such as former president Donald Trump and Floridian Governor Ron DeSantis have endorsed Lake, meaning that a win here could spell the return of the controversial politics seen under Trump. However, Hobbs is not lacking in endorsements , with former president Barack Obama and Republican representative Liz Cheney backing her to be the next governor.
Current polling shows a steady lead for Lake, with a recent poll showing the Republican leading by 2.5%. Hobbs is facing a loss, not having led in the poll since the beginning of October.
Georgia Senate: Raphael Warnock (Democrat) vs Herschel Walker (Republican)
This race sees incumbent senator, Raphael Warnock, take on Republican challenger and former NFL running back, Herschel Walker. This seat is crucial for both parties as the Democrats are fighting to keep hold of this seat won in a special election in 2021, while the Republicans will seek to win back the seat.
Like Kari Lake, Walker has attracted high-profile endorsements by the likes of Donald Trump and far-right Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. However, that does not mean that Walker is short of endorsements, with individuals such as Democratic Georgia governor candidate Stacey Abrams and Oprah Winfrey backing the incumbent.
Current polling promises a very close result when polls close, with only 0.2% between Warnock and Walker in a recent poll. All eyes will be on Georgia tomorrow, where control of the Senate will be decided for the next 2 years.
Pennsylvania Senate: John Fetterman (Democrat) vs Mehmet Oz (Republican)
Pennsylvania is home to one of the most high-profile senate races in these midterm elections. This race will see Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor, John Fetterman, face celebrity doctor, Mehmet Oz.
Like most elections this season, Trump and his Republican allies are bound to have a strong influence. Oz has received significant endorsement from the former president and his allies. Fetterman too has the support of many of his Democrat colleagues, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Fetterman is currently recovering from a stroke he suffered in May of this year. This has left some questioning his ability to hold elected office. He is currently undergoing speech therapy appointments and taking medication to help him recover, and is reportedly expected to make a full recovery and be able to serve in public office.
Polling in this race is tight, with no clear winner emerging. In a recent poll, Fetterman took a very small lead: 0.1% over Oz.
These are just three of the most competitive races in this midterm cycle. Many voters are seeking a change from Biden, whose disapproval rating has reached 57%. However, many Americans are still angry over the stance on abortion taken by the Republicans. These races could make or break the Biden administration's ambitions if they lose either - or both of - the Houses of Congress. These midterms have the power to influence the course of American politics until the next presidential election in 2024.