politics
Cook Political Report Shifts Seven House Races Toward Democrats
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report moved seven Republican-held districts into more competitive categories on Thursday. Democrats need four net gains to win House control or three to tie the current 218-212 margin.
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The Cook Political Report changed ratings for seven Republican-held U.S. House districts on Thursday, moving each one closer to Democratic reach. The affected seats are Alabama District 2, now rated likely Republican; Iowa District 2, now lean Republican; Michigan District 4, now lean Republican; Minnesota District 1, now likely Republican; North Carolina District 11, now lean Republican; Ohio District 7, now likely Republican; and South Carolina District 1, now likely Republican.
The shifts increase the number of districts Democrats view as competitive ahead of the November 2026 midterms. Democrats currently trail 218-212 in the House and would need four additional seats for a majority or three for a tie.
2nd District, the report noted that recent redistricting removed Mobile and lowered the Black population share from about 49 percent to 40 percent. The seat remains rated likely Republican. Michigan's 4th District saw its rating move to lean Republican after demographic shifts around Grand Rapids and the candidacy of state Senator Sean McCann.
Iowa's 2nd District became an open seat after Republican Representative Ashley Hinson entered the Senate race. The district is now rated lean Republican.
The president's party has historically lost House seats in midterm elections. Republicans retain structural advantages in several districts and recent redistricting gains in some states. More than a year remains before the November 2026 elections.
