The 2022 midterm elections aren't until November but the primaries start in March with Texas. We highlighted some key races to watch that could turn State Capitols blue or change the balance in Congress.
Here are our races to watch. Which races are you watching in your state?
Texas: March 1st will be a rematch between incumbent House Democrat Henry Cuellar and progressive Jessica Cisneros who gave the incumbent a run for the money and held him to 51.8% in 2020. Will redistricting make this district ripe for Republican picking?
North Carolina: The state Supreme Court postponed the primaries from March to May because of two pending lawsuits that challenged legislative district maps. The U.S. Senate race has candidates on both sides vying for November since incumbent Richard Burr will not seek reelection. Will North Carolina turn blue?
Maryland: Republican Governor Larry Hogan is term-limited and the June 28th primary will be crowded including former DNC Chair, Tom Perez and state Comptroller, Peter Franchot. Will Democrats be able to keep this deep blue state blue?
New York: Andrew Cuomo is out of the picture but his replacement, Kathy Hochul, faces primary challenges from Representative Tom Suozzi and former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio. Will New Yorkers disenchanted with the Biden administration turn the Empire State red?
Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis will face Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, one of only a few Democrats in the Republican run state, or former Governor and current House Democrat Charlie Crist. Can Republican Marco Rubio win a third term against House Democrat Val Demings?
Georgia: Stacy Abrams is back in the Governor race. Georgians are hoping for a Rocky-style knockout against Governor Kemp in November. Can Senator Raphael Warnock stave off a challenge from former NFL player Hershel Walker?