The 2024 presidential election is officially underway, with early voting kicking off in key swing states on Saturday, October 27th. Florida, Michigan, New York, and New Jersey are all crucial battlegrounds, and the outcome of these elections could determine the next president of the United States.
Michigan: A Tight Race in the Great Lake State
Michigan, a state that shocked the nation by narrowly backing former President Trump in 2016, has become a Democratic stronghold in recent years. However, the 2024 race is shaping up to be incredibly close. Recent high-quality polls have shown the race within the margin of error.
President Biden won Michigan in 2020 by a comfortable margin, but Trump will need to reclaim the state for a statewide win in 2024. Winning Kent County, home to Grand Rapids, is crucial for any candidate looking to secure victory in Michigan. The race for the Senate seat in Michigan is also expected to be competitive. Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow has decided not to seek re-election, leaving the seat open for the taking. House Representative Elissa Slotkin hopes to maintain the seat for Democrats, but she faces a tough challenge from former Representative Mike Rogers, the Republican candidate.
Key House Races in Michigan
Michigan has several competitive House races, including:
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Michigan’s 7th District:
This district is a toss-up, with two former state senators vying for the seat: Democrat Curtis Hertel and Republican Tom Barrett.*
Michigan’s 8th District:
This race is also a toss-up, with Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet and Republican businessman Paul Junge competing to replace retiring incumbent Dan Kildee.*
Michigan’s 10th District:
Republican incumbent John James has the advantage in this district, but he faces a challenge from Democrat Carl Marlinga.
New Jersey’s Tightest Race
New Jersey’s 7th District is the only competitive House race in the state. Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. is facing a challenge from Democrat Sue Altman in this district, which includes Trump’s Bedminster Golf Club and a significant number of wealthy, suburban areas.
New York’s Diverse Districts
New York has a number of competitive House races, including:
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New York’s 1st District:
This district on Long Island is politically diverse, encompassing both affluent Hamptons suburbs and farming communities. Republican incumbent Nick LaLota is facing former CNN anchor and Democrat John Avlon.*
New York’s 4th District:
This ultra-competitive district includes Long Beach, Garden City, and Uniondale, where Trump held a rally last month. The race pits incumbent Republican Anthony D’Esposito against Democrat Laura Gillen.*
New York’s 17th District:
This Hudson Valley district is expected to be extremely close, as it was decided by less than 2,000 votes in the midterms. Moderate Republican Mike Lawler is running for re-election against former Democratic incumbent Mondaire Jones.*
New York’s 18th District:
Moderate Democrat Pat Ryan is facing a challenge from Republican Alison Esposito in this mid-Hudson Valley district.*
New York’s 19th District:
This district is another toss-up, with incumbent Republican Marc Molinaro facing Democrat Josh Riley.*
New York’s 22nd District:
Republican incumbent Brandon Williams is facing Democrat John Mannion in this district, which includes Syracuse and Utica.
How to Vote in Key Swing States
For comprehensive and up-to-date information on voter eligibility, registration processes, and deadlines, please visit Vote.gov and the official election websites for Florida, Michigan, New York, and New Jersey.
The early voting period will continue through November 3rd in New York and New Jersey. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 26th for New York, October 29th for New Jersey, and November 1st for Michigan.
With so much at stake in the 2024 election, every vote counts. Make sure you are registered to vote and exercise your right to have your voice heard.
