The U.S. House
All 435 seats contested every cycle. Currently 220R - 215D.
Path to Majority
218 seats needed for majority
seats Dems need to flip
max seats GOP can lose
Dem-held, GOP-held
21 Democrats, 28 Republicans
Every seat, every cycle
All 435 seats are up every two years — but most are safe for one party. About 42 districts are where the outcome is actually in play. These are the races that will determine who controls the House.
Find your district's race
Use the interactive map to preview your ballot, or find your district's candidates.
How House Elections Work
Unlike the Senate, every single House seat is up for election in every cycle. Representatives serve 2-year terms, making them the most directly accountable to voters.
Why the Margins Matter
The current Republican majority is razor-thin. With 220 seats to 215, a shift of just a few seats could change who controls the House — and with it, which bills make it to the floor, which investigations happen, and how the federal budget is shaped.
Retirements Create Opportunities
49 incumbents are not seeking re-election, creating open seats that are often more competitive. Incumbents win re-election over 90% of the time, so open seats are where the action is.
House 101
The House of Representatives is the "people's chamber." Unlike the Senate, where every state gets two seats, House seats are distributed based on population. More people = more representatives.
Why Every Seat, Every Time?
With only 2-year terms, House members are always up for re-election. This is by design — the founders wanted the House to be the most responsive to the will of the people. If voters are unhappy, they can replace their representative every two years.
How Are Seats Distributed?
Every 10 years, after the census, seats are reapportioned based on population changes. States that grew may gain seats, while states that shrank may lose them.
Largest Delegations (2026)
- California — 52 seats
- Texas — 38 seats
- Florida — 28 seats
- New York — 26 seats
7 states have only 1 representative: Alaska, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming, and Montana (gained a 2nd in 2022).
Districts & Gerrymandering
Each representative serves a specific district within their state. State legislatures draw district lines, which can be controversial. Gerrymandering is when districts are drawn to favor one party — it's one of the most debated issues in American politics.
What Does a Representative Do?
- Writes and votes on legislation
- Initiates all revenue (tax) bills — only the House can do this
- Brings impeachment charges against federal officials
- Represents their district's specific needs and interests