The Battle over the House Majority
The 2020 election has been one of the closest and most contested elections in history. With control of the House of Representatives still up in the air, liberals are hopeful for a majority within the chamber. While it is true that lighter blue states are potentially the key to unlocking a democratic majority, it is still not certain.
As of 2020, Democrats hold a 230 to 197 majority in the House of Representatives. To gain a majority, Democrats will need to gain 17 seats in the election. Although moderating states may be more ideal for Democrats, it is the strong liberal states of Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Maine that will most likely provide the most probable gains.
In Arizona, Democrats have already picked up two House seats, with many more potentially within reach. Furthermore, Pennsylvania is a strong contender due to the possibility of winning a large number of districts. Currently, Pennsylvania elects 18 House members. There is potential for the Democrats to gain multiple seats, including two that are already considered competitive. Maine, a state that Democrats typically perform well in, also has two competitive districts that could potentially break a tie.
However, it is important to note that it is not only liberal states that are in play. Races in Georgia, Iowa, and North Carolina are also close, providing just as much opportunity for the Democrats to gain a majority. However, it should be noted that traditionally, Democrats often struggle in the southern states.
Despite the potential of the three liberal states providing the key to obtaining the House majority, there is still uncertainty surrounding the election. There are still more races to be won and with a close contest between both parties, things are sure to be unpredictable.
At the end of the day, liberals can take solace in the fact that traditionally Republican states still have competitive races that offer a possibility of shifting the majority in their favor. It may not be certain, but newfound hope is something that many are certainly grateful for.