On Politics

Thu Feb 22 2024

Sudiksha Kochi | Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter

@KochiSudiksha

Hey OnPolitics readers! While all 435 House seats are up for grabs in the 2024 elections, just a small fraction of them will be competitive races that determine which party takes control of the lower chamber next year.

The stakes are particularly high in 2024, as Republicans have the narrowest of majorities in the House, USA TODAY's Ken Tran reports. GOP lawmakers' razor-thin command has made it difficult for them to pass conservative priorities, thanks to a handful of Republican rebels.

Here's a look at some of the tight races to keep an eye on this year:

🔴 Republican seats in Joe Biden's districts: Much of the focus in this year's House races will be on the 17 Republicans representing districts President Joe Biden won in the 2020 presidential election. Republicans will have to defend most if not all of these seats if they hope to keep their slim majority – or expand it.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

🗳️ Democratic seats in Donald Trump's district: There are currently five Democrats representing districts former President Donald Trump won in 2020. If Republicans want to keep their majority and get a little more breathing room to pass legislation, then capturing some of these seats is almost essential.

❓What are some other races at play? Races in Michigan and California could also make or break a House majority. In Michigan, Democratic Reps. Elissa Slotkin and Dan Kildee are leaving their competitive districts, potentially opening up seats for Republicans' taking. Democrats also have a chance to flip California's 41st congressional district from red to blue.