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Governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House Races
 U.S. Senate  |  U.S. House  |  Governors

                                                     this page updated November 4, 2016

Democrats' Hopes
After sustaining setbacks at all levels in 2014, Democrats are hoping for major gains in 2016.  A Clinton blowout and high turnout could help Democratic candidates in down ballot races. 
On the flip side, some Republicans are arguing the need for GOP majorities in Congress to stand up to Clinton.  Aversion among some Republicans to Trump's candidacy may be causing money that might be going to his campaign to flow to down ballot races.

U.S. Senate
At the top of their list after the White House, Democrats would like to reclaim the majority in the U.S. Senate
.  Democrats anticipate Hillary Clinton will win the White House, and a majority in the Senate would help her implement her policies (+).  Currently the balance is 54R, 44D and 2I.  Of the 34 seats up 10 are held by Democrats and 24 by Republicans.  There are about half a dozen competitive races. 

The most expensive U.S. Senate race in American history is unfolding in Pennsylvania where $113.8 million had been spent as of Nov. 4.  The next most expensive races as of Nov. 4 were in Nevada ($84.7 million), North Carolina ($56.9 million), Ohio ($49.5 million), Indiana (4$2.2 million) and Missouri ($40.9 million).

Top Outside Spenders in Senate Races - Party Committees and Other Groups
Republicans
millions
Democrats
millions
Senate Leadership Fund
$83.2
Senate Majority PAC
$59.0
National Republican Senatorial Committee
$37.8
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
$55.6
Source: Campaign Finance Institute

U.S. House
In the U.S. House the balance is 246R, 186D and 3v; Republicans are optimistic about holding on to their majority.  The most expensive races as of Nov. 4 were:

PA-8: Brian Fitzpatrick (R) v. Steven Santarsiero (D) - $14.8 million.  ...open-Mike Fitzpatrick (R)
NV-3: Danny Tarkanian (R) v. Jacky Rosen (D) - $14.7 million.  ...open-Danny Heck (R)
VA-10: Rep. Barbara Comstock (R) v. LuAnn Bennett (D) - $13.7 million.
CO-6: Rep. Mike Coffman (R) v. Morgan Carroll (D) - $12.7 million.

Top Outside Spenders in House Races - Party Committees and Other Groups
Republicans
millions
Democrats
millions
National Republican Congressional Committee
$73.3
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
$69.5
Congressional Leadership Fund
$39.5
House Majority PAC
$59.0
Source: Campaign Finance Institute

Governors

Republicans hold the majority of governorships, 31R, 18D and 1I; there are races in 12 states
.  Six of these are close, of which five are open:

IN [Pence-R]: Eric Holcomb (R) v. John Gregg (D).

MO [Nixon-D]: Chris Koster (D) v. Eric Grietens (R).
NH [Hassan-D]: Colin Van Ostern (D) v. Chris Sununu (R).
VT [Shumlin-D]: Sue Minter (D) v. Phl Scott (R).
WV [Tombin-D]: Jim Justice (D) v. Bill Cole (R).

NC: Gov. Pat McCrory (R) v. Roy Cooper (D).


More Races
Additionally many other statewide offices are up, and the control of state legislatures around the country is being contested.  Finally, voters will decide a range of ballot measures.

The Trump Effect
Donald Trump's candidacy has created difficulties for many Republican candidates around the country.  In race after race Democrats have sought to tie GOP candidates to Trump.  Republican candidates have tried to finesse the matter, saying for example that while they would vote for Trump, they would not endorse him.  The Access Hollywood recording firestorm that broke on Oct. 7 forced quite a few Republicans who had endorsed Trump to withdraw their support.  On Oct. 10 House Speaker Paul Ryan, while not rescinding his endorsement, told members of the House Republican Conference that he woulldn't defend Trump or campaign with him.



Oct. 19, 2016 - Signs in Nevada Democratic Party HQ seek to link Republican U.S. Senate nominee Dr. Joe Heck to
Donald Trump. Heck announced he was rescinding his endorsement of Trump on Oct. 8, angering Trump supporters
whose backing may prove critical in the swing state contest.


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