With control of the U.S. House at stake in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, Pennsylvania and Texas are emerging as important battlegrounds.
Pennsylvania offers Democrats opportunities to flip competitive suburban districts, while Texas presents a test of Republican efforts to redraw congressional boundaries to gain seats. According to Spotlight PA’s congressional election guide, three of Pennsylvania’s 17 congressional districts are rated toss-ups.
In Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District, Republican Rep. Scott Perry faces Democrat Janelle Stelson in a rematch of their 2024 contest. Perry, a former Freedom Caucus chairman and close ally of President Donald Trump, has faced criticism for his role in efforts to challenge Pennsylvania’s 2020 presidential election results. Stelson, a former local television news anchor, is focusing on the economy and affordability to attract moderate voters. Perry narrowly defeated Stelson in 2024, making the rematch a significant opportunity for Democrats. (Associated Press candidate background; Spotlight PA’s coverage of their economic platforms).
Pennsylvania’s 1st District is another competitive race. Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a former FBI special agent known for his bipartisan approach, faces Democrat Bob Harvie, a Bucks County commissioner. Fitzpatrick has won reelection in the politically divided district by attracting crossover voters, but Democrats are targeting the seat as they seek to regain the House majority. (CBS News’ race analysis).
Texas presents a different challenge. Republican lawmakers redrew congressional districts in 2025 to improve the party’s chances of gaining seats. However, concerns about affordability and changing political attitudes among Hispanic voters have made some races more competitive than Republicans anticipated. (The Texas Tribune’s 2026 congressional election guide).
In Texas’ 23rd District, Republican Brandon Herrera, a gun-rights activist and YouTube personality, faces Democrat Katy Padilla Stout, a San Antonio attorney and former teacher. Herrera’s controversial public comments have drawn scrutiny, while Padilla Stout is emphasizing healthcare and middle-class concerns. Although Trump won the district by 15 percentage points in 2024, the contest has become competitive. (The Texas Tribune’s candidate profiles).
The outcomes in both states could determine whether Republicans retain their House majority or Democrats regain control of Congress.