New Jersey's 2nd congressional district

Democrat Zack Mullock, mayor of Cape May, defeated Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew in New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District, according to preliminary results from Decision Desk HQ. The Cook Political Report had shifted the race from solidly Republican to likely Republican shortly before Election Day, signaling late tightening in a seat Van Drew had held since winning it as a Democrat in 2018, then switching parties ahead of President Trump's first impeachment.

Van Drew conceded shortly after the race was called, telling supporters he had spoken with Mullock directly and wishing him success as the district's incoming representative for the next term.

With the 2026 midterms days away, Arkansas Democrats are betting that high prices, tariff fallout and anti-incumbent anger can make inroads in one of the nation's most conservative states. Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner, a farmer who closed her family operation amid rising costs, is framing her campaign as "Arkansas First" rather than partisan. In the 2nd Congressional District, Chris Jones, backed by the DCCC and national Democratic figures, is challenging longtime Rep. French Hill. Forecasters still rate both races solidly Republican, but Democrats point to rising Black voter turnout regionally and widespread economic frustration as reasons the contests could be closer than expected.

In deep-red Arkansas, Democrats are betting that anti-incumbent frustration and high prices can make the state's Senate and 2nd Congressional District races more competitive than forecasters expect. Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner, a former farmer, is running an "Arkansas First" campaign focused on economic pain from tariffs and trade policy, while Chris Jones, backed by the DCCC and national Democratic figures, is challenging longtime Rep. French Hill. Both races remain rated solidly or likely Republican by the Cook Political Report, but Republicans have spent heavily to defend the seats. Democrats also point to rising Black voter turnout across Southern states as a potential factor shaping midterm outcomes.

New Jersey holds its general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with voter registration closed as of October 13 and mail-in ballot requests due by October 27. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide. Top races include the U.S. Senate contest, where Democratic incumbent Cory Booker faces Republican Justin Murphy and several third-party and write-in candidates. All 12 of New Jersey's House seats are also on the ballot, with the 2nd Congressional District drawing particular attention as Republican incumbent Jeff Van Drew, who switched parties in 2019, defends his seat against Democratic challenger Zack Mullock, mayor of Cape May, and independent Ramon Mora Jr.

Utah's U.S. House race is drawing attention ahead of the midterms as Republican Rep. Celeste Maloy debated Democratic challenger Kent Udell on Friday in St. George. Maloy, who has represented Utah's 2nd Congressional District since 2023, is running this cycle in the newly drawn 3rd Congressional District following mid-decade redistricting. She secured the GOP nomination after defeating former state Rep. Phil Lyman in a June primary, triggered when neither candidate won outright at the state convention.

Udell, a retired University of Utah mechanical engineering professor, ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination. The 3rd District spans southern and eastern Utah, including Provo and St. George, and is considered heavily Republican territory, with the Cook Political Report rating it "Solid R." The debate, hosted by the Utah Debate Commission and PBS Utah, gave voters a direct look at both candidates as the race heads toward November, though the contest is not viewed as competitive for control of the House.