The 2024 election cycle is kicking into gear with the first wave of early voting commencing in seven states. This includes Minnesota and Virginia, both considered competitive states, as well as Arkansas, Idaho, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming. While Minnesota leans blue, it has a significant portion of White working-class voters and deep red rural areas, making the outcome unpredictable. Virginia, with its heavily populated blue northeast and ruby red southwest, sees key battlegrounds in Virginia Beach and Chesterfield. The article also highlights key down-ballot races in these states, focusing on competitive U.S. Senate, House, and Governor contests.