Politics

ABC News rates 16 House races as tossups before Nov. 3 midterms

NPR identifies 70 districts with six-figure final-days ad spending from both parties; Democrats need three net seats.

Updated Oct 30, 2026 · 20:14 UTC2 reports

The short version

ABC News rates 16 House races as tossups, with all 435 seats on the ballot Nov. 3.[ABC News]
Democrats must net at least three seats to take control, while Republicans hold a 218-214 advantage.[ABC News · NPR]
An NPR analysis finds 70 districts where both parties are investing at least six figures in final-days messaging.[NPR]
Cook Political Report ratings, as cited by NPR, list Democrats favored in 220 seats, though outcomes remain unsettled until voting.[ABC News · NPR]

ABC News rates 16 House races as tossups going into the Nov. 3 election.[ABC News]
Democrats must net at least a three-seat gain to take control of the House.[ABC News]
Republicans hold a narrow 218-214 seat advantage in the House.[NPR]
The Cook Political Report lists Democrats favored in 220 seats, with 17 toss-ups and 30 potentially competitive seats leaning toward the GOP.[NPR]
An NPR analysis identifies 70 districts where both parties are investing at least six figures in final-days messaging.[NPR]

The House ratings are pre-election assessments, and final control of the chamber is unknown until votes are counted after Nov. 3.[ABC News · NPR]
NPR describes Democratic control as likely in the current midterm environment, which is an analytical opinion rather than a settled result.[NPR]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.