So you're wondering who is up for reelection in 2024? Trust me, you're not alone. Last month when I tried explaining this to my neighbor, his eyes glazed over after 30 seconds – and honestly, I don't blame him. Election info can feel overwhelming. But stick with me here because I've distilled everything into plain English, just like we're chatting over coffee.
The Big Picture for 2024 Elections
2024 isn't just another election year – it's a political tsunami. We're talking about races that'll reshape Congress, state governments, and the White House. What drives me nuts? Most coverage focuses only on the presidential race while ignoring down-ballot contests that actually impact daily life. Let's fix that.
Key races happening simultaneously on November 5, 2024: Presidential election, 33 U.S. Senate seats, all 435 House seats, 11 governorships, and over 5,000 state legislative seats. Whew.
Presidential Race: The Headliner
Yep, the big one. President Joe Biden is absolutely up for reelection in 2024. He confirmed it back in April 2023. Former President Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination after a bruising primary. Third-party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could play spoiler.
Here's what keeps me up at night: We're looking at a potential 2020 rematch despite 70% of voters saying they don't want it. That disconnect between voters and the political class? Frustrating doesn't even begin to cover it.
Key Dates for Presidential Race
- Party Conventions: Democrats (Aug 19-22), Republicans (July 15-18)
- General Election: November 5, 2024
- Electoral College Vote: December 17, 2024
U.S. Senate: The Balance of Power
Democrats hold a razor-thin majority: 51-49. But guess what? Of the 33 seats up for grabs in 2024, Democrats must defend 23 seats versus just 10 for Republicans. The math keeps Senate Democrats awake sweating.
| State | Incumbent | Party | Competitiveness | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | Joe Manchin | Democrat | Toss-up | Manchin hasn't confirmed if he'll run |
| Ohio | Sherrod Brown | Democrat | Lean Democrat | GOP has strong challengers |
| Montana | Jon Tester | Democrat | Toss-up | Trump won state by 16 points |
| Arizona | Kyrsten Sinema | Independent | Battleground | Democrat Ruben Gallego running |
| Texas | Ted Cruz | Republican | Likely Republican | Democrats targeting after 2018 close race |
I've followed Senate races for 15 years, and this map favors Republicans on paper. But remember 2022? Republicans blew winnable races with weak candidates. Will they learn? Doubtful.
If you live in Arizona, buckle up. The three-way race between Sinema (Independent), Gallego (Democrat), and likely Kari Lake (Republican) could get nasty. Expect non-stop attack ads starting... yesterday.
U.S. House of Representatives: Every Seat Matters
Candidates running for reelection in 2024 include all 435 Representatives. Republicans hold a slim majority – 221 to 213 with 1 vacancy. Even small shifts matter here.
What bugs me? Gerrymandering. We'll have new district maps in these key states:
- Alabama (court-ordered redraw)
- Louisiana
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
House Races to Watch
These districts will be ground zero for control of the House:
- CA-22: Republican David Valadao (Biden won district by 13 points)
- NY-17: Democrat Mondaire Jones (open swing seat)
- OR-05: Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer (won by 2 points in 2022)
- IA-01: Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks (won by 6 points)
Governors Races: State Power Centers
Eleven states will elect governors in 2024. Incumbents seeking reelection include prominent Democrats and Republicans:
| State | Incumbent | Party | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Roy Cooper | Democrat | Term-limited | Toss-up (open seat) |
| Missouri | Mike Parson | Republican | Term-limited | Likely Republican |
| New Hampshire | Chris Sununu | Republican | Retiring | Lean Democrat (open seat) |
| Washington | Jay Inslee | Democrat | Retiring | Likely Democrat |
| Utah | Spencer Cox | Republican | Running | Safe Republican |
North Carolina's open seat has me nervous. Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein faces Republican Lt. Governor Mark Robinson – who makes controversial statements like calling Michelle Obama a man. Sigh. This race could get ugly fast.
State Legislatures: Where Policy Actually Happens
Over 5,800 state legislative seats are up. Control matters because these bodies handle:
- Abortion policy post-Roe
- Voting laws and redistricting
- Education standards and funding
- Minimum wage battles
Key states with legislature control at stake:
- Minnesota (Democrats hold trifecta by 1 seat)
- Michigan (Democrats hold trifecta)
- Arizona (Republican majority by 1 seat)
- New Hampshire (Republicans control both chambers)
I've seen how state legislatures impact daily life more than Congress. When my home state banned plastic bags? That came from the statehouse, not D.C.
How to Track Candidates Running for Reelection
Want to know exactly who is up for reelection in your district? Here's how real people do it (not political junkies):
- BallotReady.org – Type your address for personalized ballot preview
- OpenSecrets.org – See who's funding candidates
- Vote.org – Check registration status and polling place
- Local election office website (Google "[County Name] board of elections")
Bookmark these sites now. Come October, election sites crash from traffic. I learned this the hard way in 2020 when I couldn't find my polling location.
Critical Election Dates 2024
Missing deadlines is why people get locked out of voting. Don't be that person:
| Deadline Type | Federal Deadline | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Voter Registration | Varies by state | As early as Oct 7 (Alaska) or same-day (20 states) |
| Absentee Ballot Request | Varies by state | Request deadlines range from Oct 21 to Nov 4 |
| Early Voting Periods | Starts Sept-Oct | 45 states offer early voting |
| General Election Day | November 5 | Polls open 6am-9pm (local times) |
Pro tip: If you've moved since 2020, reregister NOW. I almost couldn't vote in 2022 because I procrastinated updating my address.
FAQs About Who's Up for Reelection
Can senators who were just elected run again?
Nope. Senators elected in 2022 aren't up for reelection until 2028. The senators who are up for reelection in 2024 were last elected in 2018.
Which senators aren't seeking reelection?
Several are retiring: Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Tom Carper (D-DE). More may announce by May 2024 filing deadlines.
How many House Republicans are vulnerable?
Around 18 GOP seats are in districts Biden won in 2020. Democrats need just 5 net gains to flip the House. Key targets include seats in California, New York, and Oregon.
Does the Vice President face reelection?
Kamala Harris is on the ticket with Biden. She doesn't have a separate reelection – voters decide the president/V.P. as a package deal.
Can mayors run for federal office while serving?
Yes! Several mayors are running for Congress while technically still serving. Lori Lightfoot (ex-Chicago mayor) tried this in 2023 and lost badly. Risky move.
Why Down-Ballot Races Matter More Than You Think
My wake-up call came in 2016. I ignored local judgeships and woke up to mandatory minimum sentences I hated. Politicians seeking reelection in 2024 will decide:
- Property tax rates
- School board policies
- Zoning laws affecting housing costs
- Police oversight rules
A state legislator once told me: "Congress creates headlines, we create realities." He wasn't wrong.
Predictions Worth Taking With a Grain of Salt
Based on current data (but things change fast):
- Senate control flips to Republicans (51-49)
- House remains Republican but with slimmer margin
- Democrats gain 1-2 governorships
- Voter turnout hits 65% – highest since 1908
But remember 2022? Everyone predicted a "red wave" that barely materialized. Election forecasts are educated guesswork at best.
Action Steps for Voters
Don't just read – do something:
- Check registration at Vote.org (takes 30 seconds)
- Mark calendar with state deadlines
- Research judges on Ballotpedia (they matter!)
- Make voting plan (mail? early? Election Day?)
Final thought: All this talk about who is up for reelection in 2024 means nothing if we don't participate. See you at the polls.
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