These Are The Midterm Races To Watch On Election Day

Americans are heading to the polls for the first time since the election of President Donald Trump in 2016. Democrats are confident that they will pick up enough seats to take control of the House of Representatives in Tuesday's (November 6) midterm elections. According to RealClearPolitics, there are 39 toss-ups in the House and seven in the Senate. 

While FiveThirtyEight predicts the Democrats have an 85% chance to take control of the House, the party that controls Congress for the next two years will likely be decided by just a handful of races across the country. These are some of the most competitive races that you need to keep an eye on as people across the country head to the polls.

Virginia's 5th and 7th districts should give poll-watchers an early indication of how the night will go for both parties. In the 7th district, Rep. Dave Brat (R) has just a two-point lead over Democratic challenger Abigail Spanberger (D) in a district that President Trump won by seven points in 2016. In Virginia's 5th district, Democrat Leslie Cockburn is facing off against Republican Denver Riggleman, to fill the seat vacated by Tom Garrett  (R). Cockburn is clinging to a slim 1 point lead as voters head to the polls. If Democrats prevail in those two races it could be a sign the Republicans are in for a long night.

Another extremely close House race is Kentucky's 6th district. The district leans heavily Republican, but Amy McGrath  (D) has moved into a tie with GOP incumbent Andy Barr ahead of election day. 

Moving West, Democrats are hoping to pick up a seat in the 32nd district in Texas. Incumbent Pete Sessions (R) is trying to fight off a challenge from Democrat Colin Allred who has been gaining traction and has a lead that is within the margin of error. 

If you live on the East Coast, you can expect a late night because there are five toss-ups across California. The most watched race is the 39th district where Republican Ed Royce decided not to run for re-election. Former state Assemblywoman Young Kim (R) is hoping to take his place, but she is facing a tough challenge from Democrat Gil Cisneros, who has taken a one-point lead. California Democrats are also hoping to pick up a seat in the state's 45th district where Katie Porter (D) holds a small lead over Republican incumbent Mimi Walters (R).  

In the Senate, the most talked about race is between Texas Senator Ted Cruz (R) and Beto O'Rourke (D). While Cruz is expected to take the election, the Democrats have spent heavily in the state and continue their efforts to turn Texas blue. 

In a more competitive race, Claire McCaskill (D) is attempting to thwart Josh Hawley (R) from unseating her as Missouri's senator. Polls show the two going back and forth, with neither candidate able to gain much traction. Hawley is hoping to see a boost following a campaign rally with President Trump and conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. 

Nevada Republican Dean Heller is the only Senator running for re-election in a state that Trump lost in 2016. He is locked in a close battle with Jackie Rosen (D) who has a slim lead that falls within the margin of error.

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