Record Early Voting Amid High-Stakes Midterm Races

With Election Day on Nov. 3 approaching, control of Congress is expected to hinge on eight competitive Senate races, and one analysis gives Democrats a 65% chance of winning the Senate. Texas opened early voting with record participation in several counties, including more than 104,600 in-person voters in Harris County; El Paso also surpassed its 2018 midterm mark, while Georgia and South Carolina reported increases. Long lines led Texas officials to add equipment and advise voters to allow extra time, though officials and analysts cautioned that early totals do not predict overall turnout or party advantage; voting continues through Oct. 30 in Texas and Oct. 31 in North Carolina. The closely watched Texas Senate contest between James Talarico and Ken Paxton and North Carolina legislative races, including incumbent Tricia Cotham’s contest, are among state races drawing attention. In Michigan, Democrat Abdul el Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers are set to face off in the final Senate debate amid concerns over polling after a firm admitted fabricating Democratic primary data. Among 36 gubernatorial races, Georgia Democrats see an opening after more than two decades of Republican control, with former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms among candidates who could make history; all 435 House seats and a closely contested Senate map will shape the balance of power and President Donald Trump’s agenda.