U.S. Midterm Election Polls Close: Voters Decide on Governor and Congress Races

California Leadership and Redistricting Shifts

California is navigating a significant leadership transition as Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited. The gubernatorial race has become a crowded field with more than 60 candidates, following the decision of several prominent Democrats—including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Alex Padilla, and Attorney General Rob Bonta—not to run.

Current polling suggests the contest may come down to two Democrats: Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer. Steyer has contributed more than $213 million of his own fortune to the race and is supported by the group Our Revolution. Polling also shows Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host endorsed by President Trump, following closely behind the Democratic front-runners.

The political landscape in California has also been altered by Proposition 50, approved last November. This measure allowed state Democrats to redraw congressional maps, resulting in five previously Republican-held districts now leaning Democratic. This shift has created intense competition, such as the race between Rep. Ken Calvert and Rep. Young Kim, and has led Rep. Kevin Kiley to run as an independent.

Iowa’s Strategic Battlegrounds

In Iowa, the Democratic Party is viewing certain races as a potential roadmap to controlling Congress. Democratic voters have selected state Rep. Josh Turek to compete in a key Senate race against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who has the endorsement of President Trump. Turek, a two-time gold medal paralympian, won the nomination against state Sen. Zach Wahls.

The race for governor in Iowa is the state’s first open contest for the office since 2011, as sitting Governor Kim Reynolds is not seeking reelection. While Rep. Randy Feenstra is the only Republican candidate endorsed by Trump, newcomer Zach Lahn is also a contender. If no candidate secures at least 35% of the vote, the nominee will be decided at a Republican convention.

Competition in New Jersey and Montana

In New Jersey, Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, won the primary for the competitive Congressional District 7. She will face the uncontested Republican Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. In the general election. Kean has missed more than 100 House votes since March 5, citing unspecified medical issues.

Montana is also seeing unexpected shifts as Republicans Senator Steve Daines and Representative Ryan Zinke both announced they would not seek reelection. This has opened doors for new candidates, including independent Seth Bodnar, an Iraq war veteran and former president of the University of Montana. Democrats are competing for the open seat in Montana’s 1st Congressional District, where front-runner Sam Forstag is seeking the nomination.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the unique aspect of California’s primary system?
  In California, the top two vote-getters in a primary advance to the general election, regardless of their political party.
• What happens in Iowa if no Republican gubernatorial candidate reaches 35% of the vote?
  If no candidate clears the 35% threshold, the nominee will be decided at a Republican convention by delegates.
• Who are the primary contenders for California governor?
  Recent polls suggest the race could be between Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, with Republican Steve Hilton following closely.

Which of these primary outcomes do you believe will have the greatest impact on the upcoming midterm elections?