Historic firsts and high-stakes races: What The 19th is watching on election night

Right now, Republicans control not just the White House but both chambers of Congress. At the beginning of the year, the House seemed within Democrats’ reach in the midterm elections, and the Senate seemed like a long shot. But the map has expanded, and many forecasters think Democrats could not just take the House but also net the four Senate seats they need to win control.

In addition to watching which party will control the legislative branch, The 19th is paying attention to the women who could make history this year. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the key races we’re watching. A couple of women have a chance to make history in governor’s races.

Deb Haaland is the Democratic nominee for governor in New Mexico — she’s favored to win, and she would be the first Native woman to lead any state in the United States. Two women are likely to win their contests and be the first women governors in their states: Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota, a Democrat, and Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee, a Republican. In Texas, Democrat Gina Hinojosa is locked in a tight contest with incumbent Republican Gov.

Greg Abbott; if she wins, she would be the first Latina governor of the state. And if Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms beats billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson in Georgia, she would be the first Black woman governor in the entire country. In the Senate, control could rest on two races with Native women, both Democrats.

Peggy Flanagan is facing former sportscaster Michele Tafoya. Mary Peltola is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Right now, in the Senate, two Black women are serving at the same time, for the first time ever.

Juliana Stratton of Illinois is set to make it a third in the next Congress. If Angie Nixon can unseat Sen. Ashley Moody in Florida, she’d be a fourth; she’d also be the state’s first Black senator.