A handful of House seats currently held by Democrats could potentially flip in the 2024 elections, providing Republicans with an opportunity to strengthen their majority in the chamber. With all 435 House seats up for grabs, the GOP is focusing on winning districts that traditionally favor right-wing candidates, particularly those previously won or narrowly lost by Republicans.
Currently, Republicans hold a slim 218-to-213 majority in the House, a number expected to decrease further with the upcoming departure of Wisconsin GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher on April 19. The Cook Political Report has identified 11 Democrat-held seats as 'Toss Up' races for this cycle, with several of these districts aligning with former President Donald Trump's performance in the 2020 election.
Among the key House seats that could flip in 2024 is Maine's 2nd Congressional District, currently represented by Democrat Rep. Jared Golden. Despite facing tough voter demographics, Golden, a Marine Corps veteran and co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, has managed to secure the seat in the past three elections.
Ohio's 9th Congressional District, represented by longtime Democrat Rep. Marcy Kaptur, is another target for Republicans in the upcoming election. Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in Congress, is set to face off against Republican challenger Derek Merrin, endorsed by former President Trump.
In Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, Democrat Rep. Matt Cartwright is seeking re-election against Republican Rob Bresnahan Jr., emphasizing different policy priorities such as the economy, immigration, and crime.
Washington's 3rd Congressional District, represented by Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, is also a battleground seat labeled as a 'Toss Up' by the Cook Political Report. Perez faces multiple Republican challengers, including U.S. Army veteran Joe Kent.
Alaska's at-large congressional district, currently held by Democrat Rep. Mary Peltola, is another seat Republicans are eyeing. Peltola, a moderate Democrat and co-chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, is up against Republican candidates Nick Begich and Nancy Dahlstrom in the upcoming primary election.
Michigan's 7th Congressional District, an open seat due to Rep. Elissa Slotkin's Senate run, is closely watched by both parties. Former Michigan state senators Tom Barrett and Curtis Hertel Jr. are vying for the seat in the 2024 election.
Additionally, Virginia's 7th Congressional District, held by Democrat Rep. Abigail Spanberger, is being contested by numerous Republicans and Democrats in the primary elections. Former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret Derrick Anderson leads the Republican contenders.
While Republicans see potential gains in the House, the Cook Political Report also identifies 11 GOP-held seats as 'Toss Up' races, indicating a competitive landscape for both parties in the upcoming elections.
