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5 things to know about elections this fall that could change the balance of power

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter
White marble exterior of the United States Capitol, often called the Capitol Building, is the home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government.
White marble exterior of the United States Capitol, often called the Capitol Building, is the home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. | Getty Images
5. Special congressional elections

While the regularly scheduled elections for all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are not taking place until next year, several vacancies in the U.S. House have already been filled by special elections in recent weeks and more are scheduled to take place later this year.

Although the special elections are not expected to impact control of the U.S. House, any surprises in the outcomes of these races taking place in safe seats could further reduce the Republicans’ narrow majority in the House or slightly expand it. 

In Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, formerly held by Democrat Raul Grijalva, Democrat Adelita Grijalva defeated Republican Daniel Butierez by nearly 40 percentage points in a Sept. 23 special election. Harris won the district by 22 percentage points in the 2024 election.

In Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, formerly represented by Democrat Gerry Connolly, Democrat James Walkinshaw beat Republican Stewart Whitson by more than 50 percentage points in a Sept. 9 special election. Walkinshaw will represent the district, which backed Harris by 34 percentage points, for the remainder of the 119th Congress. 

In Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, formerly held by Republican Mark Green, Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn will face off in a Dec. 2 special election to determine who represents the seat, which Trump carried by 22 percentage points in the 2024 election. 

In Texas’ 18th Congressional District, formerly represented by Democrat Sylvester Turner, all candidates will appear on the same ballot for the Nov. 4 special election regardless of partisan affiliation. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes will advance to a runoff. The winner of the election is expected to be a Democrat in light of the district backing Harris by nearly 40 percentage points in the 2024 election. 

Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com

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