The presidential election this November has been the focus of most of the population’s attention. However, there are a number of other political races in the works as well. Here are five races you don’t want to forget about:

North Carolina’s governor race

North Carolina is not only a state to keep an eye on in the presidential election, but also in its race for governor. Prior to Obama's win in 2008, the state had a long history of voting Republican in the presidential election, and yet it usually elects Democratic governors. This year, there is an open seat and Republican Pat McCrory is facing off against Democrat Walter Dalton. Tax rates have become the focus of this gubernatorial race, and the polls indicate that McCrory is leading.

Read more on the race at WRAL.

Colorado’s 6th District House of Representatives

In the presidential election, Colorado is considered one of the closest battleground states. At a state level, the House of Representatives election is almost as competitive this year. Unlike past elections in this district, this year is not a surefire win for Republican Mike Coffman due to redistricting. Democrat Joe Miklosi seized on the opportunity to succeed here and has created a campaign that has placed him right behind Coffman. Both sides have increased advertising expenditures, indicating that the Republican campaign may feel threatened.  

Read more on the race at Fox 31.

Ohio’s Senate race

Ohio’s senatorial race this year is the most expensive in the state’s history. Incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown faces his biggest challenge in opponent and Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, and almost $18 million has been poured into the race in support of Mandel. Greg Sargent of The Plum Line blog said that this race will display the effects of outside spending on an election and whether or not it can be powerful enough to remove a popular incumbent from Congress. Despite the extensive spending, Brown has maintained a seven point lead in Ohio. 

Read more on the race at NPR.

Maine’s Senate race

When Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe decided to retire after this year’s congressional term, Maine became a race to watch. Independent Angus King has been the front-runner since the beginning, but Republican Charlie Summers has slowly closed the gap between them. Although King has not explicitly stated which party he would support if elected to Congress, it is largely believed he would be more sympathetic toward Democrats. The Democratic candidate, Cynthia Dill, is still far behind Summers and King in terms of polling numbers. Although it was assumed that the Democrats would benefit from Snowe’s decision, there is still an element of uncertainty around which party will win in this state.

Read more on the race at The Note.

Florida’s 18th District House Representatives

Florida has long been renowned as a battleground state during election season. In this district’s House of Representatives election, incumbent Republican Allen West is challenging Democrat Patrick Murphy. Statistically, these two candidates are tied and Democrats have intensified the race with a Democratic super PAC that invested $1 million in advertising against West. However, Donald Trump recently announced he is holding a fundraiser for Allen in October, which could affect the race. The outcome of this race could indicate which presidential candidate will win in Florida.

Read more on the race at The Huffington Post.

 

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