The 2022 midterm elections are just around the corner, and political observers are already keeping an eye on several states that could decide the balance of power in Congress, state legislatures, and governor’s offices. This article highlights 10 states to watch during the elections, including traditional Republican strongholds like Arizona, Ohio, and Texas, as well as Democratic strongholds like Michigan and Pennsylvania. Other states in the list include key battlegrounds such as Florida, North Carolina, and Iowa, along with states that have been trending Democratic in recent years, like Georgia and Nevada. Overall, these 10 states are expected to be particularly important in determining the outcome of the 2022 midterm elections.
10 US States to Watch During the 2022 Midterm Elections
Midterm elections, which are held every two years, are an important aspect of the political process in the United States. During these elections, voters have the opportunity to vote for members of Congress, governors, state legislators, and other elected officials. In the 2022 midterm elections, which will be held on November 8th, voters in all 50 states will choose their representatives. However, some states are likely to be more closely contested and will, therefore, be watched more closely by political observers. Below are 10 US states to watch during the 2022 midterm elections:
1. Arizona
Arizona is an important state to watch during the 2022 midterm elections, as it has become a battleground for both parties in recent years. The state has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, but Democrats have been making inroads in recent years. In the 2020 presidential election, Arizona voted for Joe Biden, the first time the state had supported a Democratic presidential candidate since 1996. Democrats will look to build on that momentum in 2022, as they try to win a statewide office in Arizona for the first time in over a decade.
2. Florida
Florida is another important state to watch during the 2022 midterm elections. The state is a key battleground for both parties and has a history of close elections. Republicans will be looking to hold onto their narrow majority in the state legislature, while Democrats will be looking to flip seats in both the state legislature and in the US Senate. In addition, the gubernatorial race will also be closely watched, as Republican Ron DeSantis seeks re-election.
3. Georgia
Georgia is a state that has been trending Democratic in recent years, thanks in part to demographic shifts and a strong turnout among African-American voters. In the 2020 presidential election, Georgia voted for Joe Biden, the first time the state had supported a Democratic presidential candidate since 1992. Democrats will be looking to build upon that momentum in 2022, as they try to flip seats in both the state legislature and in the US Senate.
4. Iowa
Iowa is a state that has traditionally been a battleground for both parties. In the 2020 presidential election, the state voted for Donald Trump, but Democrats will be looking to make gains in the state legislature and in the US Senate. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley is up for re-election in 2022, and his seat could be a potential target for Democrats.
5. Michigan
Michigan is another important state to watch during the 2022 midterm elections. The state has historically been a Democratic stronghold, but Republicans have been making inroads in recent years. Democrats will be looking to hold onto their majority in the state legislature, while Republicans will be looking to flip seats in both the state legislature and in the US Senate.
6. Nevada
Nevada is a state that has been trending Democratic in recent years, thanks in part to demographic shifts and a strong turnout among Latino voters. In the 2020 presidential election, the state voted for Joe Biden, and Democrats will be looking to build upon that momentum in 2022. The gubernatorial race will also be closely watched, as Democrat Steve Sisolak seeks re-election.
7. North Carolina
North Carolina is a state that has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, but Democrats have been making inroads in recent years. In the 2020 presidential election, the state voted for Donald Trump, but Democrats will be looking to flip seats in both the state legislature and in the US Senate. The gubernatorial race will also be closely watched, as Republican Dan Forest seeks to unseat Democratic incumbent Roy Cooper.
8. Ohio
Ohio is a state that has traditionally been a battleground for both parties. In the 2020 presidential election, the state voted for Donald Trump, but Democrats will be looking to make gains in the state legislature and in the US Senate. Republican Senator Rob Portman is retiring, and his seat is expected to be a key battleground for both parties.
9. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is another important state to watch during the 2022 midterm elections. The state has traditionally been a Democratic stronghold, but Republicans have been making inroads in recent years. Democrats will be looking to hold onto their majority in the state legislature, while Republicans will be looking to flip seats in both the state legislature and in the US Senate.
10. Texas
Texas is another important state to watch during the 2022 midterm elections. The state has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, but Democrats have been making inroads in recent years. In the 2020 presidential election, the state had a record turnout, with Joe Biden coming within five points of winning the state. Democrats will be looking to build upon that momentum in 2022, as they try to flip seats in both the state legislature and in the US Senate.
Conclusion
The 2022 midterm elections will be closely watched by political observers across the country. While all 50 states will have elections, these 10 states are likely to be particularly important in determining the balance of power in Congress, state legislatures, and governor’s offices. Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, these are the states to watch in 2022.