Republicans have taken the lead in two key races for the U.S. House of Representatives, Breitbart reported. These congressional districts are among 18 "toss-up" races that could decide which party controls the lower chamber.
Most of the attention in the 2024 election has been geared toward worrying about who will be the next president. Meanwhile, some congressional races are shaping up to be just as consequential for the country.
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill have teamed up to identify the ones that will most likely define the 119th House of Representatives. New polling data shows that among them is a race in Alaska and another in California, both of which seem to be leaning Republican.
The Last Frontier's only congressional district could go to Republican Nick Begich over incumbent Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola by nearly five points. Meanwhile, Republican Scott Baugh has a 3% lead over Democrat Dave Min to replace Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) in California’s 47th Congressional District.
Internal polling from Cygnal has revealed that only 44.5% of voters support Rep. Mary Peltolta, the incumbent, while Republican Nick Begich receives 49.1%. The poll was posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, showing the possibilities.
AK-1 POLL: Begich (R) internal by Cygnal
RCV- Round 1
🔴 Begich: 49.1%
🔵 Peltola: 44.5%
🟡 Howe: 4.0%
🔵 Hafner: 2.4%
——
Round 2
🔴 Begich: 49.6%
🔵 Peltola: 45.5%
🟡 Howe: 4.8%
——
Round 3
🔴 Begich: 52.1%
🔵 Peltola: 47.9%#71 (2.1/3.0) | 10/14-16 | 400 LV | ±4.9… pic.twitter.com/pvhlzPK7od
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) October 21, 2024
Republicans are similarly making a surprisingly positive showing in The Golden State as well. A WPA Intelligence poll conducted last week shows that Baugh had 43% of the votes compared to Min’s 40%.
While this is within the poll's ± 4.9% margin of error, it's a promising sign for a district with a Democratic incumbent in a deep-blue state. It also reflects a five-point decrease for Min from a WPA Intelligence poll conducted in September.
Peterson believes this is a rejection of Democratic policies. "Orange County voters are rallying behind Scott Baugh to lower taxes and fix the economy, stop the violent crime wave and secure the border," Peterson said.
"Extreme Sacramento Democrat politician Dave Min has made Orange County more dangerous and more expensive, and it’s clear voters are ready for change,” he went on. Perhaps their disillusionment will carry over to the general election as the nation faces the same issues under Democratic leadership.
Democrats will have difficulty convincing voters to cast their ballots for more of the same. People are fed up with the current administration and its party, and it's likely that will drive them to the GOP in droves.
