US Midterm Elections: Key Governor and Senate Races Decide Party Control

Americans cast their final votes on Tuesday in the midterm elections, choosing governors in 36 states while control of both chambers of Congress hangs in the balance. Democrats currently govern 24 states, while Republicans control 26, and a net gain of at least two governorships would give Democrats a majority of states for the first time since 2010.

In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, and Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control. If Democrats hold all 13 of their seats up for election and flip four Republican-held seats, they will reach the 51-seat threshold for a clear majority.

“Bottoms could become the nation's first Black woman elected governor, putting Georgia at the center of a historic election.”

In Georgia, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, 56, is in a dead heat with billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson, 72, who has poured more than $200 million of his own money into the campaign. Bottoms could become the nation's first Black woman elected governor, ending a 22-year Republican trifecta over state government.

In Arizona, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs seeks re-election against Republican Congressman Andy Biggs, with water access, cost of living, immigration, border security, and abortion rights as central issues. Arizona voters approved a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights in 2024.

Other closely watched contests include governor's races in Florida and Texas, and Senate races in Mississippi, Florida, Texas, and North Carolina, all awaiting results as of Tuesday afternoon.

Record-breaking early voting activity preceded Election Day, and several Black candidates could take office for the first time in decades, or for the first time ever in American history, depending on the outcomes.