Americans will soon head to the polls for the 2022 midterm elections.
Historically, when the same party occupies the White House and controls Congress, the opposite party reclaims control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Such is expected to be the case this week.
Every House race is up for grabs, and a handful of Senate races are in play as well. A shift in Congress could dramatically impact the direction of the 2023 Farm Bill.
Here are the agriculture races the RFD-TV news staff will be keeping an eye on.
There are 12 races worth watching in the U.S. House, where the majority are Democrats.
According to the Cook Political Report, Among the Democrat races that are considered a toss-up is Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07). Her opponent is Republican Yesli Vega.
Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05), with opponent George Logan.
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), with opponent Michael Lawler.
Angie Craig (MN-02), with opponent Tyler Kistner.
Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-03) is also considered to be in tossup race with opponent Matt Larkin.
Democratic races considered competitive are Rep. Tom O’Hallerin (AZ-01), with opponent Eli Craine.
Rep. Josh Harder (CA-10), with opponent Tom Patti.
Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03), with opponent Zach Nunn.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), with opponent JR Majewki.
Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03), with opponent Amanda Adkins.
Rep. Cheri Bustos (IL-17) is not seeking re-election, and her seat is considered a tossup. The Democrat is Eric Sorenson; the Republican is Esther King.
On the Republican side, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) is considered to be in a toss-up race with Democrat Tony Vargas.
Rep. Mayra Flores (TX-34), with opponent Vincete Gonzalez. All other incumbent Democrats and Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee are considered safe.
On the U.S. Senate side, the Cook Political Report says two races are worth watching. The Georgia Senate race between incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock is considered a toss-up with Republican Herschel Walker. The report suggests Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver could send this race into a runoff.
Longtime Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) is not seeking re-election. The candidates to watch are Democrat Peter Welch and Republican Gerald Malloy. All other members of the Senate Agriculture Committee who race for re-election are considered safe.
