In the latest update released by the Cook Political Report on Friday (November 1st) before election day, the analysis of the American online political newsletter revealed a shift in ratings for six U.S. House races in favor of the Democratic Party and two towards the Republican Party.
While the spotlight of this year’s U.S. election is primarily on the presidential race, the battle for control of Congress is equally intense, especially considering the current close balance of power between the two parties in both chambers. It is difficult to predict which party will emerge victorious in controlling Congress after the elections on November 5th.
With just four days left until election day, the Cook Political Report has updated more House races to favor the Democratic Party.
In New York’s 4th Congressional District, the Republican incumbent Anthony D’Esposito faces his Democratic opponent from the previous election, Laura Gillen. The Cook Political Report has changed the rating for this election from a toss-up to leaning towards the Democratic Party.
In Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, Republican incumbent Don Bacon, seeking re-election, is challenged by Democratic State Senator Tony Vargas. The Cook Political Report has also shifted the rating of this race from a toss-up to leaning towards the Democratic Party, considering Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s polling advantage in the region.
In Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Angie Craig’s re-election rating has risen from leaning Democratic to likely Democratic, following her strong fundraising performance.
In Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Andrea Salinas has seen her re-election rating shift from leaning Democratic to likely Democratic, expanding her advantage over her challenger, Republican Mike Erickson.
In Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, Republican candidate Jeff Hurd is facing off against Democrat Adam Frisch. Representing this district, Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, who is seeking re-election in the 4th Congressional District this year, narrowly won her seat in the 2022 election against Frisch. The Cook Political Report has now increased Frisch’s advantage, changing the rating of this open seat election from likely Republican to leaning Republican.
In New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Maggie Goodlander is expected to win the election. After winning a competitive primary, she currently leads her Republican opponent Lily Williams in the polls, prompting the Cook Political Report to upgrade the rating of this election from likely Democratic to solidly Democratic.
At the same time, the Cook Political Report has also shifted ratings in two races in favor of the Republican Party.
In Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, two candidates are vying for the open seat as the incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin is running for Senate this year. Republican Tom Barrett, a former state senator, currently leads in the polls. The Cook Political Report noted the difficulty for Democrat Curtis Hertel Jr. to replicate Slotkin’s appeal and changed the rating of this race from a toss-up to leaning Republican.
In Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, the candidates are competing for another open seat since the incumbent Democratic Congressman David Trone has set his sights on the Senate this year. Democratic nominee April McClain Delaney is narrowing her lead in the race against former Republican state legislator Neil Parrott, leading the Cook Political Report to downgrade her election advantage from likely Democratic to leaning Democratic.
(Reference: Congressional Hill Report)