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On November 5, US voters won’t just decide between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. They will also vote for members of Congress, thousands of state and local officials, and participate in multiple referendums on critical issues, including abortion. Here’s an overview of the key races and questions on the ballot:
Congressional Elections
House of Representatives:
All 435 seats in the House are up for election. Each representative serves a two-year term representing a specific congressional district. Currently, Republicans hold a slim majority, making the upcoming elections highly competitive and uncertain.
Senate:
Thirty-four of the 100 Senate seats are contested. Senators serve six-year terms, with two representatives from each state. Democrats currently control the Senate, but Republicans have the opportunity to flip the chamber by a narrow margin.
Implications:
If one party wins the presidency and gains control of both the House and Senate, it could significantly advance the president’s legislative agenda without needing support from the opposition.
Gubernatorial Elections
Gubernatorial races will take place in 11 states, including key contests in New Hampshire, North Carolina, Indiana, and Washington. Governors serve as the chief executives of their states, managing most state-level powers not delegated to the federal government.
Referendums
Abortion Rights:
Since the Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion in 2022, reproductive rights remain a central issue. Democrats are focusing on this debate to sway women voters away from Republican candidates.
Nebraska: Voters will decide between two competing abortion measures—one banning abortion after 12 weeks and another allowing it until fetal viability.
Other States: Approximately ten states will hold referendums on abortion rights, reflecting the ongoing national debate.
Other Key Issues:
Colorado: Voters will determine whether to ban the trophy hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynxes.
Maine: A referendum will decide if the state flag should be changed.
Local Elections
Thousands of local offices will also be on the ballot, including:
State Legislators
Judges
Mayors
City Council Members
County Officials
Sheriffs
These elections will also shape local governance and address community-specific issues across the country.
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Congressional Elections
House of Representatives:
All 435 seats in the House are up for election. Each representative serves a two-year term representing a specific congressional district. Currently, Republicans hold a slim majority, making the upcoming elections highly competitive and uncertain.
Senate:
Thirty-four of the 100 Senate seats are contested. Senators serve six-year terms, with two representatives from each state. Democrats currently control the Senate, but Republicans have the opportunity to flip the chamber by a narrow margin.
Implications:
If one party wins the presidency and gains control of both the House and Senate, it could significantly advance the president’s legislative agenda without needing support from the opposition.
Gubernatorial Elections
Gubernatorial races will take place in 11 states, including key contests in New Hampshire, North Carolina, Indiana, and Washington. Governors serve as the chief executives of their states, managing most state-level powers not delegated to the federal government.
Referendums
Abortion Rights:
Since the Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion in 2022, reproductive rights remain a central issue. Democrats are focusing on this debate to sway women voters away from Republican candidates.
Nebraska: Voters will decide between two competing abortion measures—one banning abortion after 12 weeks and another allowing it until fetal viability.
Other States: Approximately ten states will hold referendums on abortion rights, reflecting the ongoing national debate.
Other Key Issues:
Colorado: Voters will determine whether to ban the trophy hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynxes.
Maine: A referendum will decide if the state flag should be changed.
Local Elections
Thousands of local offices will also be on the ballot, including:
State Legislators
Judges
Mayors
City Council Members
County Officials
Sheriffs
These elections will also shape local governance and address community-specific issues across the country.
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