Last Update

Georgia Senate race heads to runoff, Dow slips, and history has been made in some American states

Fox News Digital is providing live updates for the 2022 midterm elections. Stay up-to-date about poll results, candidates, and other latest news events surrounding key battleground states, House and Senate elections, and more.

160Posts

incoming update…

Coverage for this event has ended.

Michigan voters elect Republican John James to US House in newly-created 10th District

Republicans won a newly created congressional district in the Detroit suburbs of Michigan on Tuesday, boosting the party’s effort to take control of the House of Representatives. 

Republican nominee John James was crowned the victor in the contest for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, The Associated Press projects.

James, who was the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018 and 2020, bested Democratic nominee Carl Marlinga.

The contest was seen as a bellwether for Republican efforts to make in-roads with suburban voters. 

Michigan’s 10th Congressional District is centered around Michigan’s Macomb and Oakland counties, major suburbs of Detroit. Former President Donald Trump narrowly carried the district against President Biden in 2020, according to Michigan’s independent redistricting commission.

While the district leaned Republican on paper, Marlinga was seen as a competitive challenger. A former probate court judge, Marlinga previously served as Macomb County’s district attorney for nearly 40 years. 

Fox News Bradford Betz and Haris Alic contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

What is a runoff? Everything you need to know about the Georgia Senate candidates

Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock will face off against his Trump-endorsed GOP challenger, Herschel Walker, on December 6 in a runoff election

The Georgia Secretary of State announced Wednesday that the Peach State's Senate race will advance on to a runoff election as neither candidate has been able to reach 50% of the vote. 

As it stands, Warnock currently leads Walker by a razor-thin margin,  49.4% to 48.5%. The Fox News Decision Desk confirmed shortly after that Secretary's announcement that the race will go to a runoff.

Georgia is unique from other battleground races in that a candidate must reach a simple majority — at least 50% of the vote — to declare victory. Read more below for Fox News Digital's breakdown on the upcoming Georgia runoff.

Posted by Sophia Slacik

Iowa House race: Republican Zach Nunn defeats Rep. Cindy Axne, flipping seat for GOP

Republican nominee Zach Nunn has unseated incumbent Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, The Associated Press projects, flipping a key House seat as the GOP fights to regain a majority in the House.

Axne was first elected to her seat in 2018 winning by narrow margins against the GOP incumbent. Axne is currently the only Democratic member of the Iowa congressional delegation in Washington, D.C.

Despite President Biden's lackluster approval rating in national polls, Axne welcomed Biden on the campaign trail in a virtual fundraiser held in October — though that has not stopped her from distancing herself from some of her party's policies, such federal spending on COVID-19 aid.

Nunn, the Republican nominee in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional district, is a U.S. Air Force who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. 

Axne made abortion a cornerstone of her campaign, pledging to codify Roe v. Wade if elected and frequently criticizing Nunn for a past debate in which he supported no exceptions for abortions — though the State Senator has walked back those positions and now supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest and medical emergencies.  

Fox News' Sophia Slacik contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

Georgia Senate race between Warnock and Walker heads to runoff, secretary of state's office confirms

The Georgia Senate election between Sen. Raphael Warnock and GOP candidate Herschel Walker will go into a runoff election, the Georgia Secretary of State's office tells Fox News.

A press conference will be held at 2 p.m.

The runoff election will take place on December 6.Walker, who won a Heisman Trophy and helped steer the University of Georgia to a college football national championship four decades ago, jumped into the GOP race to face off against Warnock in the summer of last year, after months of support and encouragement to run for the Senate by former President Donald Trump, his longtime friend.

It is the former football star's first run for office.

Warnock, the senior pastor at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church where Martin Luther King Jr. used to preach, narrowly defeated Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in a 2021 special election and was running to serve a full six-year term. 

Posted by Thomas Phippen

McCarthy sends letter to House Republicans, announces run for speaker

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy issued a letter to his Republican colleagues in the House on Wednesday and asked for support as he announced his run for speaker of the House.

"First, congratulations on your election in a critical and pivotal year," he wrote. "Over the past century, Republicans had flipped the House from Democrats just four times: 1946, 1952, 1994, and 2010. Only twice did that flip occur in four years or less. While a number of races remain outstanding, I can confidently report that we will join that list, build on our significant gains from last cycle, and achieve our goal of taking back the House."

"This is no small feat," he added. "We have ended one-party Democrat rule in Washington by effectively prosecuting the case against their failed policies while detailing our plan for a new direction with the Commitment to America. Even so, I trust you know that earning the majority is only the beginning. Now, we will be measured by what we do with our majority. Now, the real work begins. That is why I am running to serve as Speaker of the People’s House and humbly ask for your support."

In closing his letter, McCarthy said it was up to each elected Republican "to demonstrate leadership on the issues that matter most and do what is required to get America back on track."

"There is no time to waste," he said.

Posted by Kyle Morris
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Kansas Dem Gov. Laura Kelly survives Republican challenge

The Fox News Decision Desk can project that Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the Democrat, will defeat her GOP challenger, Derek Schmidt.

The race between the two candidates, both of whom held elected positions in the state for more than 10 years, pitted Kelly, who has tried to portray herself as a moderate, against Schmidt, who placed a great deal of his campaign's focus on the economy and Kelly's coronavirus recovery efforts.

Kelly and Schmidt participated in an October 5 debate hosted by the Johnson County Bar Association in Overland Park, the state's second most populous city.

The two candidates showcased their partisan differences as they clashed over education, abortion, the coronavirus pandemic and other issues.

Kelly was the only Democratic governor running for re-election in a state carried in 2020 by former President Donald Trump. The former four-term state senator from Topeka, who was elected governor in 2018, said she deserved another four years steering Kansas after working with the Republican-dominated legislature to balance the red state’s budget and increasing the state’s rainy-day fund to $1 billion.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Pennsylvania Rep. Matt Cartwright wins re-election against Trump-endorsed challenger

The Associated Press projects that incumbent Rep. Matt Cartwright has defeated Republican challenger Jim Bognet in the race to represent Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

Bognet, the Trump-endorsed Republican candidate, made his second run for congress this cycle against Cartwright, after losing to the Democrat by around 3.5 points in the 2020 race that took four days to certify.

Cartwright has represented the district in Congress since 2013.Cartwright was first elected to serve in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District in 2012. Before his time in Congress, he was an attorney at Munley, Munley & Cartwright, where he worked for 25 years.

Cartwright was re-elected in 2016 and 2020 despite Trump turning the district red in the presidential elections.

Throughout the 2022 campaign, Cartwright emphasized his bipartisan support, calling himself "the most bipartisan Democrat in Congress" in an October debate against Bognet. 

In August, Cartwright put out an ad labeled "Agree," featuring a Biden supporter who discussed Cartwright’s capping of drug prices and a Trump supporter praising Cartwright for bringing jobs back from China.

Fox News' Aubrie Spady and Alexandra Orbuch contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Marijuana legalized in these states in the midterm elections

Voters in Missouri and Maryland on Tuesday voted to legalize recreational marijuana, further loosening state pot laws for more than 12 million Americans, even though the drug is still illegal at the federal level and is classified as a Schedule 1 substance.

Maryland overwhelmingly approved the legalization of marijuana — 65% of voters were for it after two-thirds of the state's votes were counted by early Wednesday morning.

On the ballot, voters were asked, "Do you favor the legalization of the use of cannabis by an individual who is at least 21 years of age on or after July 1, 2023, in the State of Maryland?"

Missouri's ballot measure was extremely close, as votes were counted late Tuesday. However, with 99.9% of votes in early Wednesday, it passed with 53% support. That ballot measure will remove bans on the "purchase, possession, consumption, use, delivery, manufacture, and sale of marijuana for personal use for adults over the age of twenty-one."

The Show Me State's initiative will also impose a 6% tax on retail sales of recreational marijuana.

This update was provided by Fox News' Tyler Olson.

Read more about certain states that refuted measures legalizing marijuana.

Posted by Kyle Morris

GOP pointing fingers after weak midterm results, direction of party in question: 'Something was off'

Republicans Wednesday are struggling to make sense of lackluster election returns after months of predictions about a "red wave," while finger-pointing and questions about the party's future abound.

The blame game is already erupting between the pro-Trump and anti-Trump wings of the party. Other Republicans, meanwhile, say they're simply confused about what happened at the ballot box.

"Clearly something was off, I mean a target was missed," a House GOP aide told Fox News Digital early Wednesday morning. "Was it polling, was it the issues that we thought people cared about?"

"The question that should be asked,  assuming Republicans still take the House, is ‘What is our mandate and what do we do?’" the aide said. "That's what's probably going to keep me up tonight."

Republicans are expected to take the House, though with a smaller majority than expected. The Senate remains a toss-up, with results in Georgia, Nevada and Arizona so far unclear.

But that isn't stopping internal recriminations. Trump's opponents say the former president and his claims about the 2020 presidential election were likely a drag on the party that had advantages in a poor economy and low approval ratings for President Biden.

This update was provided by Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich, Mark Meredith, Tyler Olson, and Chad Pergram.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Abortion will be ‘defining issue’ in 2024 presidential election: Jim Messina

Jim Messina, the White House deputy chief of staff and campaign manager for former President Obama , reacted Wednesday to the midterm election results and the issues that affected independent voters.

"Look, lots of Democrats this morning are saying that's a lot better than we could have expected," Messina said. "One again, the polls were wrong for the fourth consecutive cycle."

"The bigger last night was democracy," he added. "We had massive turnout all over the place. That is incredibly interesting and important. People criticize Biden for steering into the democracy argument and it clearly worked with his base."

Messina said he "absolutely" believes that abortion is a deciding factor in some of the races that have yet to be called.

"I think it's partially why you saw this big, unknown wave of Democratic women voting," he said.

Posted by Kyle Morris
Developing Story

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK UPDATES: Senate races still too early to call

GEORGIA SENATE UPDATE:

Warnock continues to post strong results. The question is whether he can make up enough vote to avoid a runoff. About half of the estimated remaining vote is mail-in from the Atlanta metro. It is still possible that Warnock could get to 50%. 

NEVADA NAIL-BITER

Laxalt has a small advantage. Reports indicate that much of the outstanding vote is mail-in, and it’s concentrated in Clark County

ARIZONA TOO EARLY TO CALL

Kelly has an advantage, but the race is also too early to call. It’s not clear what the remaining vote looks like. 

ALASKA REPUBLICAN-ON-REPUBLICAN FIGHT

Tshibaka currently leads with an estimated 75% of the first round votes counted. In Alaska’s Ranked Choice Voting System , voters also put down their “second preferences.” According to our Fox News Voter Analysis, Murkowski has a very large lead among the second choice ballots, so we believe Murkowski is likely to be well positioned once preferences are distributed.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Sen. Ron Johnson survives Democratic challenge

The Fox News Decision Desk can now project that Republican Senator Ron Johnson will defeat Democratic Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes

Johnson has represented Wisconsin since 2011. With this win, he will serve a third term.

Johnson, one of the most vulnerable Senate incumbents up for re-election this cycle, was first elected to his seat in 2010 when he defeated Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold.

Johnson has blasted his Democratic opponent for his stances on criminal justice reform that he says have contributed to a spike in crime in Wisconsin.

Barnes served as a state lawmaker from 2013 to 2019 when he became the Badger State's first Black lieutenant governor.

While Barnes has denied ever supporting the defund the police movement, Johnson claimed throughout the campaign that Barnes’ previous support of "reallocating" resources for law enforcement showed otherwise.

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie and Aubrie Spady contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Marc Thiessen tears into Republican Party after midterms: 'Squandered a historic opportunity'

Fox News contributor and Washington Post columnist Marc Thiessen sounded off Wednesday on the results from the 2022 midterm elections , insisting that Republicans "squandered" an opportunity to defeat their political opposition.

"Florida was the silver lining in what was otherwise a very, very dark night," Thiessen said during an appearance on "America's Newsroom."

Thiessen said voters gave the GOP a "wake up call" Tuesday night and insisted that the Republican Party did not give voters a "viable" option in several key races.

"The Republican Party did not give [voters] a viable alternative to vote for," he said. "They were begging for a viable alternative and we didn't. In Florida, we did, we gave them viable alternatives in Florida. It's in the other states that we didn't."

"As a result, we squandered a historic opportunity," he added.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Republican Derrick Van Orden flips Wisconsin House seat red for first time in decades

Republican Derrick Van Orden has won the open House seat in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District after defeating Democratic candidate Brad Pfaff, flipping the seat red for the first time in 26 years.

The House district was left open by the retirement of longtime Democratic Rep. Ron Kind following 26 years in Congress.

Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL and Trump-endorsed candidate, previously challenged Kind in his bid for re-election in 2020, but the Democrat won by a narrow 3-point margin.

Pfaff is a state Senator in Wisconsin and former U.S. Department of Agriculture official under the Obama administration with ties to the farming community in Wisconsin. 

Van Orden received criticism for being present at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, where protestors breached the building, which Pfaff frequently brought up to attack his Republican opponent.

Fox News' Aubrie Spady and Brandon Gillespie contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Maloney concedes in historic House loss

New York Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, conceded his House race against Republican challenger Mike Lawler.

Lawler confirmed in an appearance on Fox News Wednesday morning that Maloney had called him to concede. Maloney himself then made the announcement during an address in Washington, D.C., during which he congratulated Lawler for a "good win."

This is the first time a DCCC chair has lost reelection in decades.

Maloney currently represents New York's 18th district, but he opted to run for the 17th district in the 2022 election after redistricting resulted in a drastically different map for New York. Lawler, who is from and represents Rockland County in the State Assembly, said this played in his favor.

"He doesn’t know anybody there," Lawler told "America's Newsroom" in October, stating that 75% of the 17th district is new to Maloney, while his county makes up 42% of the district. 

Maloney's switch to the 17th district is just one part of a game of political musical chairs caused by the redistricting that saw more than one current House Democrat lose primary races.Progressive Democrat Rep. Mondaire Jones currently represents the 17th district, but with Maloney moving in, he switched to run in the 10th district, which was left open when Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., decided to move from there to the 12th district. 

Jones ended up losing the 10th district primary to former federal prosecutor and House impeachment attorney Dan Goldman, while Nadler ousted House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Maloney. Goldman and Nadler both went on to win in their general elections on Tuesday.

Read more: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Maloney concedes in historic House loss

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Mehmet Oz calls John Fetterman to officially concede Pennsylvania Senate race

Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz has called Democrat John Fetterman to concede the Pennsylvania Senate race, Fox News has learned.

The Fox News Decision Desk called the race for Fetterman early Wednesday morning, and Oz made the call to his opponent just hours later, the Democrat's spokesman told Fox. The Senate race was among the most important battles in the country for the midterm cycle, with Pennsylvania being one of a handful of states that will determine control over the Senate. 

"This morning I called John Fetterman and congratulated him. I wish him and his family all the best, both personally and as our next United States Senator, " Oz wrote in a statement. "Campaigning throughout our great Commonwealth was the honor of a lifetime, and I will cherish the memories and the people I met. Pennsylvanians showed up with passion and a vision for a bright future that I found inspiring every day. I want to thank my supporters, so many of whom worked tirelessly to spread our message and support me and my family."

Read more: Mehmet Oz calls John Fetterman to officially concede Pennsylvania Senate race

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Kentucky voters reject constitutional amendment declaring no right to abortion

Voters in Republican-leaning Kentucky have rejected a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would have denied any right to abortion.

The result of Tuesday’s election comes months after the Supreme Court overturned the right to abortion  in a decision that has led to near-total bans in a dozen states, including in Kentucky.

The ballot question had asked Kentuckians if they wanted to amend the constitution to say: "To protect human life, nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion."

The outcome highlights a gap between voters and the state’s Republican-controlled Legislature, which added the proposed amendment to the 2022 general election slate a year ago in a move some thought would drive more conservative voters to the polls.

While seen as an important win for abortion-rights advocates, the amendment's defeat will have no practical impact on the right to an abortion if a sweeping ban on the procedure approved by lawmakers survives a legal challenge presently before the state Supreme Court.

Read more: Kentucky voters reject constitutional amendment declaring no right to abortion

The Associated Press contributed to this update.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Georgia Senate results: Warnock, Walker tell supporters to hang tight with race too close to call

The United States Senate race in Georgia does not have a clear winner as neither incumbent Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock nor his Republican challenger Herschel Walker have claimed an outright majority of the vote so far. 

As of Wednesday morning, the race is too close to call, according to the Fox News Decision Desk, with more than 3.8 million ballots cast and Warnock leading Walker by approximately 35,000 votes. Warnock holds 49.42% of the vote, with 1,935,464 votes in his favor, and Walker has 48.52% with 1,900,168 votes. Third-party candidate Chase Oliver has 80,895 votes with 97.94% of precincts reporting. 

"We're in a fight," Walker told the crowd at his election party Tuesday night. He urged his supporters to "hang in there a little bit longer" as the remainder of the vote is counted.  

"We got more to say," Warnock told supporters at his campaign's watch party. 

"We always knew that this race would be close. And so, that's where we are," he said. "So y'all just hang in there. I'm feeling good." 

Georgia law requires a candidate to surpass 50% of the vote to win an election, and a runoff between the top two vote-getters will be held on Dec. 6 if no candidate meets that requirement. 

Read more: Warnock, Walker tell supporters to hang tight with race too close to call

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Massachusetts election results: Democrats sweep House midterm races, holding 9 seats

Massachusetts votes are in, and Democrats held all nine House seats following Tuesday’s midterm election.

Republicans looked to  take the majority in the House after Democrats have held it since 2018, but the GOP were unable to flip any seats in the New England state. 

The closest race was fought in Massachusetts’ 9th Congressional district, where Bill Keating faced off with Republican challenger Jesse Brown. 

Though Keating was still able to swing a more than 19-point victory over Brown, who secured roughly 40% of the district's vote compared to Keating’s nearly 60%.

The next closest race was in the state’s first district, where Richard Neal beat out Republican candidate Dean Martilli by more than 23% of the district’s votes. 

Rep. Ayanna Pressley,  an incumbent candidate, secured the biggest margin of victory over her Republican challenger Donnie Palmer by landing nearly 85% of her district’s vote opposed to his 15% – a more than 69% difference in vote totals.

Read more: Democrats sweep Massachusetts House midterm races, holding 9 seats

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Alabama election results: Republican Katie Britt becomes state's first female elected senator

Republican Katie Britt has made history by becoming the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate from Alabama. 

The self-described 40-year-old "mama on a mission" is projected by Fox News’ Decision Desk to defeat Democrat Will Boyd after, so far, capturing around two thirds of the vote. 

"You are going to see headlines about me being the first woman ever elected to the United States Senate from this state of Alabama. You’ll hear that I may be the youngest Republican woman in history elected to the U.S. Senate," Britt told supporters in Montgomery. "Or maybe that I’m the only Republican female with school-aged children in this Senate -- these are all kinds of firsts." 

"I am humbled, I am honored and grateful. I want you to know I understand what a tremendous responsibility these milestones carry and I do not take that lightly," she added.

Read more: Republican Katie Britt becomes Alabama's first female elected senator

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Stacey Abrams, after election loss, vows 'I won’t stop running for a better Georgia'

Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams lost to Gov. Brian Kemp for the second time on Tuesday, but indicated that she does not plan on exiting the political arena.

Abrams gave a concession speech on Election Night  after results showed that she had lost to Kemp in a race that was not particularly close.

"Tonight, I am doing clearly what is the responsible thing, I am suspending my campaign for governor," she said, according to The Hill. "I may no longer be seeking the office of governor, but I will never stop doing everything in my power to make sure the people in Georgia have a voice."

Abrams famously declined to formally concede to Kemp in 2018 after a narrow defeat, claiming at the time that the election was rigged by voter suppression. This time around, she made no such claim and only looked to the future.

"While I may have not crossed the finish line, that doesn’t mean that I won’t stop running for a better Georgia," she said. "Even though my fight — our fight — for the governor’s mansion came up short, I’m pretty tall."

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Michigan voters pass measure protecting abortion rights, other pregnancy-related decisions

The people of the state of Michigan voted in favor of a new measure that protects abortion and other decisions related to reproduction and pregnancy.

Proposal 3 amends the state constitution by adding rights to abortion and contraception. It states that everyone has a "fundamental right to reproductive freedom," defining this as including -- but not being limited to -- "prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care."

The measure also allows the state to regulate abortion after the time a fetus becomes viable.

The approval of the proposal came months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which gave states the power to protect or ban abortion. The decision in June lead to near-total bans in a dozen states and was a hot topic leading up to the midterms.

The passing of the proposal puts a definitive end to a 1931 ban on abortion that had been blocked in court, but could have been reviewed.

Opponents to the measure said protecting abortion rights could have far-reaching effects on other laws in the state, such as one requiring parental notification of an abortion for someone under age 18.

Legal experts said changes to other laws would only happen if someone sued and won, a process that could take years and has no certainty of success, The Associated Press reported.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Republican George Santos flips Democratic House seat in New York

Republican George Santos flipped New York’s 3rd Congressional district Wednesday and secured another House seat for the GOP. 

Santos defeated Democrat Robert Zimmerman, who was vying to fill the Long Island seat after Democrat Rep. Tom Suozzi announced he would be retiring to take a stab at New York governor.  

Suozzi came in a distant third in the Democratic primaries in the governor’s race, but Santos secured his place in Congress by running on cutting taxes, boosting border security and rallying against cashless bail. 

The Associated Press called the race shortly after 1:30 a.m. once the Republican held a lead of 54.2% of the vote over Zimmerman’s 45.8%, with 90% of the votes already counted.

The Santos-Zimmerman race was the first time two openly gay men ran against each other in a congressional election.

Santos took to Twitter to champion his success and said, "We did it! NY03 has spoken!" 

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Fox News Voter Analysis: Control of the Senate hangs in the balance

With a 50-50 Senate  heading into the election, record campaign spending, and 35 seats up for grabs, the battle for control of the U.S. Senate came down to tight races in states across the country. Republicans were defending 21 seats versus 14 held by Democrats. 

As states in several pivotal states continued counting votes, Election Night 2022 came to a close with control of the upper chamber unclear.

Key governor’s races – with major implications for election administration, abortion and education – came down to the wire as well.

The Fox News Voter Analysis, a survey of more than 90,000 voters nationwide, conducted October 31 through November 8. It highlights the central themes and demographic groups that defined these important races.

Read more for analysis of this year’s Senate races, including too-close-to-call contests in Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Georgia.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Vermont elects second Democrat senator in state history

The state of Vermont elected Rep. Peter Welch to be its next U.S. senator, making him only the second Democrat to hold that office in the state’s history.

Welch won the election with approximately 67% of the vote to Malloy's 27%, with 99% reporting.

Beginning with Sens. Solomon Foot and Jacob Collamer in 1854, Vermont was a devout Republican stronghold state. The Green Mountain State had not elected a Democrat to the Senate until Patrick Leahy was first elected in 1974. Leahy announced in November 2021 that he would not run for what would have been a ninth term, opening a path for Welch.

Vermont’s other senator, Sen. Bernie Sanders, is a self-described democratic socialist who caucuses with the Democrats, but he is a registered independent.

Vermont voters also chose Tuesday their first woman to serve in the state’s Congressional delegation. The state is the only one in the country that has never sent a woman or a member of a minority group to represent it in Congress.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

‘Squad’ rolls to easy victories in House races

The progressive House members collectively known as the “Squad” easily won reelection in their respective elections on Tuesday.

Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Cori Bush, D-Mo., and Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., were all projected by The Associated Press as winning by wide margins.

Bowman, who represents New York's 16th Congressional District comprising parts of the Bronx and Westchester County, had the slimmest margin of victory and yet still was leading 65%-34% against Republican challenger Miriam Flisser, with more than 91% of results reporting.

Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pressley, and Tlaib were the founding members of the "Squad," who gained notoriety as freshman lawmakers after the 2018 election for pushing the Democratic House conference to the left. Bush and Bowman joined the informal group after winning election in 2020. 

"Thank you to every member of our community and every grassroots supporter for entrusting me with the great responsibility of representing NY-14 in Congress," Ocasio-Cortez wrote in a victory message on Twitter. "We do this with small dollars, every time. I remain grateful to all of you who make a new kind of governance possible."

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Nebraska passes voter photo ID measure for upcoming elections

The people of the state of Nebraska voted Tuesday to have a voter identification rule in place for future elections.

The measure made the ballot due to Marlene Ricketts, mother of Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts and the initiative's main financial backer.Ricketts claimed the 2020 election revealed that "people had concern about the integrity of our voting systems." However, there was no evidence of widespread fraud in Nebraska, which supporters acknowledged. They contended the law was needed to prevent future abuse. 

Two thirds of states already require some sort of identification to vote, but not necessarily a photo ID.

Nebraska legislators would be expected to flesh out the details of the requirement. So far, it is expected that people voting by mail —would have to provide their date of birth and either a driver’s license number, state identification number, last four digits of their Social Security number.

Republicans had been pushing for Nebraska to take this step for years, while Democrats have claimed that voter ID measures are meant to decrease turnout from minority voters – who tend to vote for Democrats – because they may have difficulty getting an ID.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

GOP red wave turns into trickle as election results come in: 'The red wave did not happen'

Promise of a GOP red wave in the midterm elections did not pan out Tuesday night as Democrats beat back Republicans in close races across the country, leaving both the House of Representatives and the Senate up for grabs.

Republican Rep. Mayra Flores of Texas, who won a shocking special election earlier this year but lost on Tuesday, said her party needed to face reality.

"The RED WAVE did not happen," tweeted Flores. "Republicans and Independents stayed home. DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE RESULTS IF YOU DID NOT DO YOUR PART!"

Conservatives have already begun pointing fingers at former President Donald Trump for the lackluster performance. Many of Trump's endorsed candidates lost their races in key battleground states.

Posted by Paul Conner

South Carolina's McMaster wins re-election, will be state's longest serving governor

Republican South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has been re-elected for the state’s top job for the second time Tuesday, which will make him the state’s longest serving governor if he completes another full term.

Governors serve a period of four years per term before being required to seek re-election or retire if they have already been elected twice.

But McMaster will have served 10 years by the time he finishes up his governorship, making him the state’s longest-serving governor.

McMaster’s unusually long tenure is down to the fact that he was tapped to fill in for former Gov. Nikki Haley in January 2017 when she was chosen by Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

He was elected for his first full term in November 2018.

The South Carolina governor faced some opposition from Democratic challenger Joe Cunningham.

Though Cunningham was only able to achieve 40.6 percent of the state’s vote while McMaster secured just over 58 percent. 

Posted by Lawrence Richard

Fox News Voter Analysis: Battle for the House down to the wire

Despite widespread voter discontent and frustration, particularly over the economy, the 2022 midterm elections stretched late into the night without a clear indication of Congressional control. 

Senate control came down to races in Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania – while the potentially decisive contest in Georgia appeared headed for a runoff. 

As states continued counting votes in pivotal swing districts, control of the House remained unclear as well. Political history did not favor the Democrats, as the sitting president’s party has lost seats in the House in all but three midterms over the last century. 

As in recent elections, voters divided sharply by gender, education, and type of community. Men backed Republican candidates for Congress by 10 percentage points, women broke for Democrats (+4 points). Noncollege voters (+10 points) and rural residents (+28 points) went for Republicans, college graduates (+9 points) and city dwellers leaned Democratic (+30 points).

The Fox News Voter Analysis (FNVA), a survey of more than 90,000 voters nationwide, highlights the election’s main themes and central demographic groups – and, when compared to FVNA results from the 2018 and 2020 elections, shows key changes that generally favored the GOP. 

Republicans got strong base support, particularly from White evangelicals, rural voters, Whites without a college degree, and conservatives. 

Most demographic groups shifted rightward compared to the 2020 election. Some of the most consequential shifts came among groups that backed Biden two years ago. Women, for instance, voted for Biden by 12 points in 2020 and for Democrats this year by just 4 – an 8-point shift to the Republicans. Other notable GOP gains included voters under age 30 (12-point shift), Black voters (+15 points), Hispanics (+10 points), college graduates (+11 points), moderates (+11 points), and suburban voters (+9 points). 

Posted by Lawrence Richard

Massachusetts election results: Democrats comfortably keep all nine seats

Several Massachusetts incumbents successfully won re-election during Tuesday’s contests, the Associated Press called early Wednesday morning.

Reps. Richard Neal, Lori Trahan, Seth Moulton, and Bill Keating, all Democrats, won their respective contests. 

Neal won re-election in Massachusetts' 1st Congressional District. He is the Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee.

Trahan won re-election in the 3rd district. 

Moulton won re-election in the 6th district.

And, Keating won re-election in the 9th district.

Moulton took to Twitter shortly after his race was called, thanking supporters for their “continued confidence.”

“Thank you for your continued confidence in me. I will work harder than ever to decrease inflation, bolster national security, protect reproductive rights, and ensure that the interests of the 6th district are represented in Washington,” he tweeted.

The Democrats were each favored in their respective races and Democrats won all nine congressional districts in the state. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Posted by Lawrence Richard

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy starts his quest to become Speaker

Republicans may be heading for a majority in the House of Representatives, somewhere in the 220s for next year. Such an outcome would have House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy eyeing an expected run to become the chamber's next leader, taking the gavel away from current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The entire House elects the Speaker. The successful candidate must have an outright majority of the entire House. In other words, 218 votes if the House is constituted at 435. The Speaker is not just who won the most votes.

Heading into Tuesday, McCarthy probably had a range of 7-10 Republicans who would not support him for Speaker no matter what. That number could grow.

McCarthy may be able to command the votes so long as he can keep former rival Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on his side (remember, Jordan ran against Kevin McCarthy for Leader in 2018) and if the California Republican stays within the good graces of former President Trump.

The House must vote repeatedly until it elects a Speaker. A vote for Speaker has not gone to a second ballot since 1923. 

Posted by Lawrence Richard

Michigan election results: Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin defeats Republican in key contest

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin has defeated her GOP challenger Tom Barrett in the race to represent Michigan's 7th Congressional District in the House, the Associated Press projects.

Both Slotkin and Barrett have experience with U.S. Military operations. Slotkin served as a CIA analyst and served three tours in Iraq alongside the military, while Barrett served in the Army and has served deployments in Iraq, Kuwait, Guantánamo Bay, and South Korea.

Throughout the race, Slotkin, who is seen as one of the more vulnerable House Democrats seeking re-election, attempted to maintain her distance from President Biden felt by those in Michigan and around the country.

Slotkin, who currently represents Michigan's 8th Congressional District, and Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., skipped President Biden's September trip to Detroit.

Asked in October during an appearance on NBC News' "Meet the Press" whether she would support President Biden in 2024 if he sought re-election, Slotkin said she would support "the sitting president" if he chooses to run because that followed precedent. But she quickly called for new leadership "across the Democratic Party."

Fox News' Kyle Morris and Lawrence Richard contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Sen. Graham expresses disappointment about the midterms: ‘Definitely not a Republican wave’

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., expressed disappointment Tuesday night at the lack of Republican wins in the midterm elections. 

"Definitely not a Republican wave, that is for darn sure," Graham said in an interview on NBC News. "I think that we are going to be at 51,52 when it is all is said and done in the Senate."

NBC anchor Lester Holt asked whether the Republican Party’s mediocre performance in the midterm was a result of the "Donald Trump effect," where association with the former president may have hurt Republican candidates. 

Graham responded "not really," still suggesting that the midterm was a "referendum on Biden," adding "If we take back the House, and we get the Senate majority, that is a very good night. A wave would have been New Hampshire and Colorado."

Read more about Graham's reaction to the election results.

This update was provided by Fox News' Alexander Hall.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Ohio Democrat Emilia Sykes wins competitive House race

Democrat Emilia Sykes, a four-term state lawmaker, won the election for Ohio's 13th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press, defeating Republican Madison Gesiotto Gilbert. 

The 13th district was one of the most competitive House races in Ohio, leaning slightly in President Biden's favor during the 2020 election.

Sykes defeated Madison Gesiotto Gilbert, an attorney and conservative commentator who was endorsed by former President Trump.

Sykes, whose parents both served in the state legislature, stepped down last year as leader of the Ohio House Democratic caucus to enter the race. 

"I entered this race because I believe that Ohioans deserve good-paying union jobs, affordable and quality health care, and safe communities," Sykes said in a statement after her victory. "Today, the voters made a clear choice."

Fox News' Paul Best contributed this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Here are the outstanding Senate races that could determine the balance of power

Here are the outstanding Senate races yet to be called by Fox News' Decision Desk that could determine the balance of power in Congress' upper house.

A party must reach 51 seats in order to secure a majority in the 100-seat body. A split of 50-50 will leave Democrats in control with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking vote.

Wisconsin

Incumbent Republican Sen. Ron Johnson is hoping to fend off a challenge from Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes in a race where both sides have focused heavily on policing and crime.

Georgia

Republican Herschel Walker is looking to unseat incumbent Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock in one of the most highly-watched races of this election cycle. If no candidate obtains 50% of the vote, then the two candidates will head to a runoff election.

Nevada

Republican Adam Laxalt is hoping to flip this seat from Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who is seeking a second term. Polling has shown the race in a dead-heat, with Laxalt being slightly favored.

Arizona

Incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly is looking to fend off a challenge from Republican Blake Masters in a race that tightened in the final weeks leading up to Election Day. National security was major issue for both campaigns with both sides sharply criticizing the Biden administration over its handling of the border crisis.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Kevin McCarthy declares GOP will take majority in the House, push out Pelosi as speaker

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy declared victory on Tuesday saying that Republicans had secured enough seats to flip control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I want to thank the millions of supporters across this country," said McCarthy, R-Calif. "It is clear we are going to take the House back."

McCarthy told a throng of supporters at a victory party in Washington, D.C, that the feat was possible because of the diverse array of candidates Republicans had recruited this cycle.

"If you believe in freedom, hard work and the American dream these results prove there is a place for you in the Republican Party," said McCarthy. "We are expanding this party."

This update was provided by Fox News' Haris Alic.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Nebraska Republican Don Bacon holds on to US House seat, defeating State Senator Tony Vargas

Republican Rep. Don Bacon has won re-election for the U.S. House seat in Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, defeating State Senator Tony Vargas, the Associated Press projects.

Bacon was first elected to Congress after unseating incumbent Rep. Brad Ashford in 2016 by just over 1%, defeating him by a margin of 48.9% to 47.7%.

Despite Nebraska's 2nd District voting for President Biden by over 20,000 votes in 2020, voters in the district re-elected Bacon by a margin of 50.8% to 46.2% for the Democrat, Kara Eastman.

Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District is considered the state's only competitive U.S. House seat. 

Both of the state's other two Congressional districts are occupied by Republicans.

Fox News'  Bradford Betz and Adam Sabes contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Longtime GOP Rep. Steve Chabot defeated by Democrat Greg Landsman in Ohio House race

The Associated Press projects that longtime GOP Rep. Steve Chabot has been unseated by Democrat Greg Landsman, a battleground win for the Democrats in Ohio's 1st Congressional District. 

Chabot has represented Ohio's 1st District since 1995, despite a brief interlude in 2008 when he was unseated for a single term before reclaiming the House seat in 2010.

Democrats have criticized Chabot for voting against certifying President Biden’s 2020 election win over then-President Donald Trump in the aftermath of the January 6th riot on the U.S. Capitol.

Landsman is a fifth-term member of the Cincinnati City Council and a former public school teacher.

Republicans sought to tie Landsman to President Biden's policy agenda and have claimed that he is "too liberal" for the district; Chabot has said that his constituents "can't afford" Landsman.

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie and Sophia Slacik contributed this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Rep. Frank Mrvan wins Indiana House race against GOP challenger

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan has defeated his GOP challenger, Jennifer-Ruth Green, in the race to represent Indiana's 1st Congressional District in the House, The Associated Press projects.

The race between the two candidates pitted Green, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, against Mrvan, a Democrat who formerly served as the North Township Trustee and represented the district in Congress since 2021.

The race also featured a great deal of controversy when the Congressional Black Caucus endorsed Mrvan, who is White, over Green. "The hypocrisy in this decision is so incredibly clear," Green said during an October appearance on "Tucker Carlson Tonight."

"We see this is about power and about policy. This is about process. This is not about progress," Green added.

Fox News' Kyle Morris contributed this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Democrat Hillary Scholten wins election to US House in Michigan's 3rd District

Democrat Hillary Scholten will win the race for Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, The Associated Press projects, flipping a seat from red to blue in a tough election year for Democrats. 

Scholten beat GOP opponent John Gibbs for the seat, which is open after Gibbs topped incumbent Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Mich., in a primary. Meijer voted to impeach former President Donald Trump last year, leading the former president to endorse Gibbs' run nearly a full year before Election Day.

Gibbs also picked up some unexpected support in his primary from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which spent money to support him over Meijer.

The DCCC and other Democratic groups boosted candidates like Gibbs, who backed Trump and made false claims about the 2020 presidential election, with the expectation those candidates would be easier to beat in a general election. 

Fox News' Tyler Olson contributed this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Fox News Voter Analysis: Republicans make significant inroads with Hispanic voters

Hispanic voters made a significant shift in the midterm election away from Democratic candidates compared to 2020, according to Fox News Voter Analysis.

The Fox News Voter Analysis election survey showed that 56% of Hispanic voters cast their ballot for the Democratic candidate in their congressional district, an 18-point difference compared to the 38% of Hispanic voters who voted for a Republican candidate. In 2020, 63% Hispanic voters backed President Biden compared to the 35% who voted for former President Donald Trump, a 28-point margin.

Much of the movement appeared to come among Hispanic men who voted for Democratic candidates by a margin of 51% to 44%. That was a shift relative to 2020 when 59% of Hispanic men voted for Biden compared to the 38% who backed Trump.

Hispanic women also shifted support toward Republicans, voting in favor of Democratic candidates by a 26-point margin of 60% to 34% in the midterm election. The same demographic voted for Biden by a margin 34 points with 66% supporting the president.

"I think that this could be a paradigm-shift election, where Republicans are not only making inroads with the Latino vote, but they’re now making inroads with the African-American vote," John Anzalone, a former top pollster for Biden's campaign, told The Wall Street Journal ahead of the election.

This update was provided by the Fox News Polling Unit.

Read more about the inroads Republicans have made with Hispanic voters.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Incumbent Democrat Chris Pappas wins re-election in bellwether New Hampshire’s House seat

Democratic incumbent Rep. Chris Pappas won re-election on Tuesday in New Hampshire’s first congressional district by defeating Republican challenger Karoline Leavitt.

Incumbent Pappas, the first openly gay member of Congress from New Hampshire, formerly served in the New Hampshire state House of Representatives and on the New Hampshire Executive Council. 

He has represented this district since 2019. Pappas' GOP opponent, 25-year-old Leavitt, is a former assistant press secretary for the Trump administration and former communications director for House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik.

Inflation was a centerpiece of the race, as Leavitt blamed household budget concerns and high electricity bills on Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Biden’s agenda.

Fox News' Aubrie Spady contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: WI Gov. Tony Evers defeats GOP challenger

Fox News can now project that Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, the Democratic incumbent, has defeated GOP challenger Tim Michels. With this win, Evers takes a second term in office.

Evers was first sworn in as the 46th Governor of Wisconsin in 2019 and sought re-elections in the midterms this fall.

Michels, a self-proclaimed "political outsider," was the GOP candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump in the gubernatorial race.

Crime was an issue of importance throughout the race, after Wisconsin saw 321 homicides in 2021, a 70% increase from 2019, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

A Marquette University poll, conducted from Sept. 6-11 with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points, found that 88% of Wisconsin residents are either somewhat or very concerned about crime in their state.

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie and Aubrie Spady contributed to this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Democrats hold key toss-up suburban district in Minnesota

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Angie Craig will win re-election against retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and Republican candidate Tyler Kistner in Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, The Associated Press projects.

Throughout the hotly-contested campaign for the toss-up Minneapolis suburban district, Craig argued Kistner was too extreme for a toss-up district and leaned into her positions supporting abortion and more-restrictive gun control measures.

She also criticized Kistner for his support of former President Trump. "You're pro-life, you're pro-Trump and you're pro-guns," Craig remarked during an October debate with Kistner.

"Now, you get up here and you pretend to be the boy next door, but you are too extreme for Minnesota's 2nd District," she said.

Kistner, on the other hand, focused on economic issues facing Minnesotans including inflation and high gasoline prices. He said he was against abortion, but supported exceptions for rape and incest and when the health of the mother was at risk.

"Congress needs to serve our children and future generations with schools that educate, not indoctrinate," Kistner said during the campaign. "And we also need to serve hard-working everyday Americans with an economy that grows while cost of living and gas prices don’t."

Fox News' Thomas Catenacci contributed this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Karl Rove: In a way, it was never going to be a 'red wave'

Fox News contributor and Republican strategist Karl Rove said Tuesday that Republicans would likely come out of the midterm elections with fewer seats in the House than anticipated, but still with "reasonable" gains. The numbers projected for control of the House is not what was projected or what Republicans hoped.

Rove argued "there never was going to be" a "red wave" because of the gains Republicans already made in previous elections, as well as the "natural ceiling" in terms of number of seats the party could ever expect to reach. Rove stated this is so far a reasonable number for this year, but will not be the red wave that was expected. He states that due to redistricting, Republicans will likely be somewhere in the 230s in Congress.

Rove also discusses some of the key states and his take on the 2022 election so far.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Democrat Janet Mills to remain in office, beating GOP challenger Paul LePage

Fox News can now project that Democrat Janet Mills will remain the Governor of Maine. She beats GOP candidate and former Governor Paul LePage.

Mills, who became Maine’s first female governor, previously served as the state’s attorney general before securing her position in 2018.

LePage, the former mayor of Waterville, Maine, served two terms as governor beginning in 2011, before being ousted by Democrat incumbent Mills in the 2018 election.

The pair faced off in four debates this fall, sparring over crucial midterm issues like inflation, education, abortion and COVID-19. 

"I have been there. I've done it once, I can do it again. I am the guy that's got a business background," LePage said touting his economic records as governor during the final debate.

Fox News' Bradford Betz , Aubrie Spady and Alexandra Orbuch contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Texas Republican Monica De La Cruz beats Democrat Michelle Vallejo in new district

Republican Monica De La Cruz narrowly beat her Democratic opponent Michelle Vallejo in the race for the newly-drawn 15th Congressional District in Texas, The Associated Press projects, marking a key win for the GOP in a race where border security was a top campaign issue.

The seat was recently redrawn following the 2020 Census, and includes a region of South Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley.

The race was seen as the most competitive race in Texas and saw a clash between two competing narratives — Texas turning blue and Hispanics leaning Republican.

Both candidates had embraced their respective bases. De La Cruz had touted the endorsement of former President Donald Trump and ran on issues like border security, pro-life issues and rejecting "woke culture."

"South Texas is not woke, but they are awakened," De La Cruz said in an interview with Fox News Digital last month.

Fox News' Adam Sabes and Adam Shaw contributed this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Fetterman defeats Oz in Pennsylvania

We have a projection to make in Pennsylvania. Democratic Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman will defeat the Republican and former daytime TV host Mehmet Oz. This is a pickup for the Democrats.

Fetterman replaces the retiring Republican Senator Pat Toomey, who announced he would not be seeking a third term in office, leaving the Republican-held seat open and vulnerable as one of the best pickup opportunities for the Democratic Party this fall.

Democrat Fetterman was the mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania for 13 years before being sworn in as lieutenant governor in 2019. Fetterman suffered a stroke in May, causing clear auditory processing issues that evidently effected his speaking abilities in the months leading up to Nov. 8.

Oz, a well-known television personality and surgeon, was the Republican nominee in the Keystone State's Senate race having won the GOP primary in part due to former President Donald Trump's endorsement.

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie and Aubrie Spady contributed to this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Democrat Vicente Gonzalez beats Mayra Flores in hotly-contested Texas House race

The Associated Press projects that Rep. Mayra Flores, the first Mexico-born congresswoman, has been unseated by her Democratic opponent, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, concluding a short tenure in the House that follows a high-profile special election victory in June. 

"The RED WAVE did not happen. Republicans and Independents stayed home. DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE RESULTS IF YOU DID NOT DO YOUR PART!" Flores, R-Texas, tweeted Tuesday night.

 

Despite Flores' win earlier this year, the newly-elected congresswoman was in for an uphill battle to hold onto her seat since day one, as her district was redrawn to include greater swaths of Democrat-voting San Antonio.

In Flores' special election race, the congresswoman ran under previous district lines where Biden won by +4 percentage points in 2020, however under new district lines, the +16 Biden district is far more friendly to Democrats than before. 

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar wins re-election in Texas border district

Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar will win re-election Texas' 28th Congressional District, The Associated Press projects, defeating Republican challenger Cassy Garcia.

As the only remaining pro-life Democrat serving in the House, Cuellar, who been in Congress since 2005 and presented his views in a moderate fashion, is viewed among many of his Democratic peers as an outcast.

In the Democratic primary to represent the district, Cuellar was faced with a challenge from Jessica Cisneros, who espoused views that were anything but moderate and received endorsements from the likes of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

Nonetheless, Cuellar narrowly defeated Cisneros in the primary election, garnering 22,901 votes to Cisneros' 22,612.

Fox News' Kyle Morris contributed to this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Democratic Gov. Grisham defeats GOP candidate

The Fox News Decision Desk can now project that Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will defeat the GOP candidate and local news weatherman Mark Ronchetti. President Biden visited New Mexico for a rally with Lujan Grisham just days ago.

Polls had suggested a tightened race in the weeks leading up to Election Day as Ronchetti hammered Grisham over the Democrats' open-border policies, her soft on crime approach to criminal justice, and the handling of children's education amid a drop in performance due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ronchetti, a former meteorologist, had emphasized the importance of securing the Southern border and cracking down on the drug trade contributing to the high number of Fentanyl related deaths in the state.

Grisham, who was first elected in 2018 after serving multiple terms in Congress, focused heavily on the issue of abortion and spent a portion of the campaign defending herself over allegations of sexual harassment against a former staffer. 

Fox News' Paul Best and Brandon Gillespie contributed to this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee survives challenger

The Fox News Decision Desk is also projecting that Republican incumbent Mike Lee will hold on in the Utah Senate race. He defeats independent candidate Evan McMullin, who also failed in his 2016 presidential bid.

The Utah Senate election became an unexpectedly tight race as Lee, who was first elected in the Tea Party wave of 2010, faced a challenge from former CIA agent and one-time never-Trump presidential candidate Evan McMullin, who ran as an independent.

McMullin sought to capitalize on anti-Trump sentiment, pointing to the former president's denial of the 2020 election while Lee focused his campaign on tying President Biden to high inflation and the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Public opinion polls showed Lee ahead of McMullin by anywhere between 5 and 20 points ahead during the midterm election cycle and. And though Lee outraised McMullin, the independent candidate received a boost from tech industry donors late in the race.

McMullin promised if he was elected that he would not caucus with either Republicans or Democrats in the Senate, but his campaign paid Democrat-aligned firms throughout his campaign and he raised funds through the Democratic Party's fundraising organization ActBlue.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Democrat Sen. Patty Murray wins re-election in Washington state

The Fox News Decision Desk can now project that Democratic Senator Patty Murray will take a sixth term in Washington. Republicans had high hopes for GOP challenger Tiffany Smiley, but she will not prevail.

Murray, who has held the state's Senate seat since 1992, was originally projected to solidly win. New Fox News Power Rankings in late October showed the race shifting from "Solid D to Likely D," with Smiley cutting into Murray's lead. 

Smiley told "America’s Newsroom" Tuesday that she is pulling Democratic voters because she’s connecting to them on common ground."

These issues aren’t Democrat or Republican, they’re American issues," she told hosts Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino.

Fox News' Amy Nelson contributed to this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: GOP Rep. Ted Budd wins N.C. Senate race

The Fox News Decision Desk can now project that North Carolina GOP Congressman Ted Budd has defeated the Democrat, former state Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.

Budd’s victory is a key win for Republicans who hoped to keep this seat in GOP-control as they fight to regain a Senate majority.

Budd is currently in his third term serving as the U.S. representative for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District.

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Budd last year and recently campaigned alongside the congressman in September.

Beasley attempted to tie Budd to Trump and paint him as an election denier, though Budd has rejected such claims on multiple occasions.

In August 2020, Beasley expressed her support for tearing down the current criminal justice system and rebuilding it. 

North Carolina has become a competitive state with numerous battleground races in recent years, though a Democrat hasn’t been elected to the Senate since 2008.

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie and Sophia Slacik contributed to this update.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem takes aim at Biden after landslide re-election win

South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem emerged from Tuesday's gubernatorial election triumphant, energized, and with crosshairs trained on President Biden, declaring her intention to build on the achievements of her first term and asserting that South Dakota is the model of successful Republican governance.

Noem comfortably sailed to re-election  Tuesday, defeating Democratic state House Minority Leader Jamie Smith. Addressing supporters gathered at the Downtown Hilton Garden Inn in Sioux Falls, the governor's victory speech drew a stark contrast between her record in South Dakota and "Joe Biden's America." She extolled the virtues of limited government, freedom, and opportunity while savaging the "extremist agenda" of Democrats in Washington, D.C., calling Biden a "figurehead" controlled by the radical left.

"Americans across the country are looking to South Dakota as a Shining City on the Hill. In states across the country tonight, they’re electing Republican Governors because they want their state to look more like South Dakota," Noem said.

A rising star in the Republican Party, the 50-year-old Noem earned national appeal within the GOP by opposing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that would have closed businesses and schools. On the campaign trail, she's attributed South Dakota's thriving economy to her decision-making, observing that her state has the fastest growing incomes of any state in the nation and is experiencing rampant population growth.

This update was provided by Fox News' Chris Pandolfo.

Read more of what Noem had to say following her election victory on Tuesday.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Republican Jen Kiggans unseats Democrat Elaine Luria in Virginia congressional race

The Associated Press projects that Republican state Senator Jen Kiggans has unseated Democrat incumbent Rep. Elaine Luria, flipping Virginia's 2nd Congressional District red in one of the most competitive House races of the 2022 midterm elections.

The Virginia race for months has been considered a "toss-up" competition between the two military veterans.

Just two weeks before election day, a Wason Center poll turned up the heat in the already competitive race, revealing that the two candidates were evenly tied, 45% to 45% in voter support.

Luria, a retired naval commander, initially won the seat in 2018 and flipped the seat blue in a big win that cycle for the Democratic Party. The Democrat is also a member of the Jan. 6 committee that was formed to investigate the January 2021 Capitol riot.

Kiggans, former Navy helicopter pilot, served as a state Senator in Virginia since 2020, representing parts of Virginia Beach City and Norfolk City.

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie and Aubrie Spady contributed to this post.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALLS: Democrats win in Michigan, New York governors' races

MICHIGAN GOVERNOR'S RACE

Fox News can project that Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer will prevail over Republican former TV host Tudor Dixon. 

The race garnered national attention following Whitmer gaining near-celebrity status in the Democratic Party amid the coronavirus pandemic, and most polls showed her leading Dixon in the days and weeks leading up to the election.

Throughout the campaign the two clashed over Whitmer's handling of coronavirus-related lock-downs of businesses and schools, for which she was sharply criticized by Republicans nationally, as well as abortion and the teaching of gender and sexual orientation topics in the classroom.

NEW YORK GOVERNOR'S RACE

We can also project that New York Governor Kathy Hochul will win her first full term in office, defeating Republican House Rep Lee Zeldin. Hochul replaced former Governor Andrew Cuomo after a series of scandals. 

Hochul was competing against GOP nominee Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., who ran a competitive race against the incumbent Democrat, but did not secure enough votes to oust the Democrat, who led her opponent in public opinion polls for most of the cycle.

Zeldin gained ground mid-October and began nearing his Democratic opponent in support among voters, according to several recent polls.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Dem Rep. Kaptur captures another term, staves off GOP challenger Majewski in Ohio House race

Ohio Democrat Rep. Marcy Kaptur has won re-election against Republican challenger JR Majewski, The Associated Press projects.

The Ohio Democrat ran on a platform of creating jobs and affordable housing, highlighting President Biden’s infrastructure bill, Wall Street accountability, and campaign finance reform to repeal the Citizens United court decision.

Kaptur also highlighted her legislative wins and broke from other Ohio Democrats in that she embraced Biden’s presence on the campaign trail while others shied away.

However, that embracement was not for long, as in August, Kaptur began to advertise her "fighting back" against the Biden administration in Congress and that she "doesn't work for Joe Biden."

Majewski’s "America First" platform was centered around conservative policies, including voter identification, taking on Big Tech, and energy independence, and gave Kaptur a run for her money in the Ohio race.

Fox New's Houston Keene authored this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Blackburn predicts 'good night' for GOP as enthusiasm drives previously unengaged voters to polls

FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Marsha Blackburn is predicting a "good night" for the Republican Party just hours after polls started closing on the East Coast, citing high enthusiasm from previously unengaged voters.

Blackburn, who is speculated to be a potential 2024 presidential contender, has been traveling across the country to stump for GOP candidates, including Kari Lake in Arizona, Herschel Walker in Georgia, Adam Laxalt in Nevada, Sen. Chuck Grassley and Rep. Ashley Hinson in Iowa, Donald Bolduc in New Hampshire and Tedd Budd in North Carolina.

"I think what you're you're seeing is going to turn out to be a good night for the country and a good night for the Republican Party," Blackburn told Fox News Digital on election night. "And people have shown up at the polls. They have cast their vote. The issues of inflation, crime, parental right to border - securing that border. All of these are issues that have played into the decisions that voters have made."

"I think what you're going to see is Republicans take control of both the House and the Senate," she said.

Blackburn, who isn't up for re-election until 2024, told Fox News Digital that inflation and the border are top issues on voters' minds.

This update was provided by Fox News' Kelly Laco.

Read more of what Blackburn had to say on Election Day.

Posted by Kyle Morris
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Georgia Gov. Kemp wins over Democrat Abrams

Fox News can now project that Georgia Republican Governor Brian Kemp will retain his seat, defeating Democrat Stacey Abrams.

The showdown was a rematch of the 2018 governor’s election in Georgia, when Kemp narrowly edged Abrams, a former state Democratic legislative leader, voting rights champion, and rising star in her party.

While Abrams enjoyed a large fundraising advantage over Kemp during the entire election cycle, the governor consistently held the lead over Abrams in most public opinion polling during the campaign.

Kemp touted his record in office as he ran for re-election and continuously highlighted the issue of crime.

Fox News' Paul Steinhauser and Paul Best contributed to this post.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Rhode Island House race call: Democrat Seth Magaziner defeats Republican Allan Fung

Democrat Seth Magaziner has defeated Republican nominee Allan Fung in the race to represent Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, The Associated Press projects.

Fung, the former mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island and the first mayor of Chinese ancestry in the state, previously ran for governor in the state's 2014 and 2018 gubernatorial races, and sought to make more history by breaking the Democrats' win streak in the district.

He received a number of high-profile endorsements as the campaign progressed, including from former Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and National Republican Congressional committee chair Rep. Tom Emmer, who all joined him on the campaign trail earlier in the race.

Millions of dollars were poured into the race for Fung, who describes himself as a moderate but fiscally conservative Republican.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: JD Vance wins Ohio Senate race

Fox News Decision Desk projects that Republican candidate and author JD Vance will defeat Democratic U.S. House Rep. Tim Ryan in the Ohio Senate race.

Vance will replace retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman and keep Ohio in the GOP's column as the Senate is expected to remain close to its already 50-50 split going into Tuesday's midterm elections.

Early in the race, polls showed Vance trailing behind Ryan, who painted himself as a moderate Democrat and often tried to distance himself from President Joe Biden and his dismal approval rating among Ohioans. 

Vance closed that polling gap in the final weeks of the race, leading Ryan to further distance himself from Biden, specifically on issues like the ongoing crisis at the U.S. southern border.

The two clashed over the issue at a debate in October, with Ryan saying he disagreed with some of the Biden administration's policies, and Vance accusing the Democrat of purposely allowing mass migration in order to alter national elections in Democrats' favor.

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie contributed to this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Sen. Maggie Hassan survives GOP challenge in New Hampshire

The Fox News Decision Desk projects that New Hampshire Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan will retain her Granite State seat, defeating Republican Senate candidate Don Bolduc

The race is among a handful across the country that will determine if Republicans win back the Senate majority in the midterm elections.

Hassan, a former governor and first-term senator, heavily emphasized her support for abortion rights and spotlighted her bipartisan chops and her policy differences with President Biden’s administration as she ran for re-election. 

Hassan also targeted Bolduc over his stance on abortion, Social Security and Medicare, and claimed that the GOP nominee was too extreme for New Hampshire voters.

Running as an outsider and MAGA-style Republican candidate, Bolduc narrowly edged a more mainstream conservative in September in the state’s GOP Senate primary. 

Fox News' Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK calls Oklahoma governor's race for Republican incumbent

OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR'S RACE CALL

Republicans can also breathe a sigh of relief in Oklahoma. Our Decision Desk can project that incumbent Republican Governor Kevin Stitt will hold for another term, defeating his Democratic rival Joy Hofmeister.

A first-term governor, Stitt's time in office has been rocked by feuds with tribal nations and members of his own party, finds himself in a surprisingly tough reelection campaign against Democrat Joy Hofmeister.

Hofmeister, 58, the two-term state superintendent of public schools who switched parties to run against Stitt, has been blasting Stitt for his voucher-style plan to divert public education money to private schools.

She launched a 50-stop bus tour through 27 counties in the last week of the campaign to hammer the message, emerging from the coach to the 1970 Three Dog Night hit "Joy to the World."

Stitt boasts of record-level state savings and funding for public schools under his watch, and the state's rapid emergence from pandemic-related closures that helped the economy rebound quickly and keep the state's unemployment rate low.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Democratic Rep. Spanberger wins Virginia House race

Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger was re-elected to the House of Representatives Tuesday night according to The Associated Press, beating GOP opponent Yesli Vega to serve a second term representing Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in what was a competitive race. 

Spanberger, a former CIA officer, was first elected to Congress in 2018.

Vega was endorsed by former President Donald Trump — support Spanberger warned Virginians about, saying voters are "exhausted" by Trump’s "division, lies and hyper-partisanship."

Vega, a military spouse and former police officer who currently serves on the board of supervisors in Prince William County, accepted Trump’s endorsement, but didn’t focus on it, stressing that she had received many endorsements and saying that the race was "between myself and my opponent, not anybody else."  

Spanberger also seemingly distanced herself from President Biden, who has seen plummeting approval ratings, despite winning Virginia over Trump in 2020. Spanbeger, instead, hit the campaign trail with Virginia’s Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK UPDATE: Some West Coast governor's races too early to call

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR RACE CALL

Fox News Decision Desk can project that Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom will easily win another term, just one year after he survived a recall.

Newsom ran against California state Sen. Brian Dahle, his GOP opponent who was seeking to unseat the first-term California Democrat.

OREGON GOVERNOR'S RACE

In the Oregon Governor’s race, the Fox News Decision Desk believes that Democratic challenger Tina Kotek is locked in a tight race with GOP rival Christine Drazan. This race is too early to call.

WASHINGTON STATE UPDATE

We begin in Washington, where the Fox News Decision Desk says that Democratic Incumbent Patty Murray has a lead over Republican challenger Tiffany Smiley. This race is too early to call, and may not be called tonight.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Biden says he's been calling Election Night winners

President says he has been calling to congratulate various Election Night winners and is encouraging those voters still in line to vote to remain in place.

"Just got off the phone with some of tonight’s winners — including some folks I saw on the road this year. If you’re in line to vote, remember to stay in line!" he tweeted.

The tweet included a photo of himself on the phone at the White House.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Fox News Voter Analysis: Majorities blame Biden for rising consumer prices

Majorities of voters blamed President Biden for rising consumer prices and said the issue was the single most important issue for them when casting their ballot in the midterm election, according to Fox News Voter Analysis.

The Fox News Voter Analysis election survey showed that 51% of voters nationwide characterize increasing prices for gas , groceries and other goods as the single most important factor in deciding how to vote. Another 42% said rising prices are an important factor, but not the most factor.

Of the voters who said inflation is the largest factor, 63% backed the Republican candidate in their House district while 33% voted for the Democrat.

In addition, 54% of voters said Biden's policies were more to blame for inflation and 81% of them went for the Republican. Among the 46% blaming factors beyond Biden’s control, 83% supported the Democrat.

Ahead of the election, Republicans across the country made inflation a major part of their platform. Democrats including Biden largely argued that inflation is slowing down and Republicans' plans would make it worse.

This update was provided by Fox News' Thomas Catenacci.

Read more about how voters feel Biden has largely contributed to the rise of inflation.

Posted by Kyle Morris

THREE STRIKES: Once highly-touted Beto O'Rourke loses third election in a row

The third time was not the charm for Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke on Tuesday as voters in the state got a front row seat to see his latest attempt at higher office come crashing down.

O'Rourke, a former congressman, fell short in his race to unseat incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott the Fox News Decision Desk projected, marking his third loss in just four years after running for U.S. Senate in Texas in 2018 and president in 2020.

Although O'Rourke was highly touted by Democrats in each of his campaigns, he consistently failed to gain traction with voters following his 2018 run for Senate, and ultimately became parody-worthy for Saturday Night Live over his perennial, lackluster runs for office.

Read more about Beto O'Rourke's failed campaigns.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Democrat Josh Shapiro wins PA governor's race

Fox News can project that Democratic Attorney General Josh Shapiro will defeat Republican challenger Doug Mastriano.

Shapiro was ahead with 56% of votes counted compared to to Mastriano's 42.3% when Fox News Decision Desk called the race.

The Pennsylvania governor's race was open since current Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf reached his term limit and was barred from seeking re-election this fall.

Shapiro is currently serving as Pennsylvania's attorney general, competing against Mastriano, a combat veteran and Trump-endorsed candidate, for the open seat.

The two candidates have made crime a centerpiece of their campaigns, vowing to crack down on the issue that is greatly impacting the state and its citizens. 

"We're going to take back this state. And it's very important: It's just not another gubernatorial race — I believe the future of the nation is hinged upon the outcome in Pennsylvania at the governor level," Mastriano told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" last week.

Fox News' Aubrie Spady contributed to this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Laura Ingraham on DeSantis, Rubio wins: 'Tour de force' performance

Fox News host Laura Ingraham reacted Tuesday to the Fox News Decision Desk's projection that GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis defeated Democrat Charlie Crist.

"Florida is still the model for the country, I think," Ingraham said. "The coalition of new voters, younger voters, Latino voters..."

Ingraham said DeSantis' victory over Crist and incumbent GOP Sen. Marco Rubio's victory over his Democratic challenger, Rep. Val Demings, was a "tour de force" performance.

"To me, that is a great light for the Republican Party," she said. "They know how to count votes, tabulate absentee ballots, and count mail in ballots so it can work."

"It worked in 2020 and it seems to be working now for the Republicans and the state has some certainty.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Ron DeSantis: 'This was the best run campaign in the history of Florida politics'

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke to supporters Tuesday night following his major re-election victory over Charlie Crist in the 2022 midterms.

"You know, over these past four years we've seen major challenges for the people of our state," DeSantis said. "We saw freedom and our very way of life, and many other jurisdictions in this country, wither on the vine. Florida held the line."

"We chose facts over fear. We chose education over indoctrination. We chose law and order over rioting and disorder," he added as he stood alongside his wife, Casey, during an election night gathering.

"Florida was a refuge of sanity when the world went mad," he added. "We stood as the citadel of freedom for the people in this country and indeed across the world."

DeSantis insisted that Florida "faced the tasks" and "took the hits" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"We stood our ground and did not back down," he said. "We had the conviction to guide us and the courage to lead."

Posted by Kyle Morris
Developing Story

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK UPDATES: Too early to call Nevada, Utah Senate races

NEVADA RACE UPDATES:

In the Nevada Senate race , the Fox News Decision Desk believes Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican challenger Adam Laxalt are locked in a tight race, and it’s too early to call.

Cortez Masto is a former two-term state attorney general who made history in 2016 as the first Latina elected to the Senate, as she succeeded longtime Democratic Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, who served eight years as Senate Majority Leader.

Laxalt, who succeeded Cortez Masto as state attorney general, is an Iraq War veteran, grandson of the late Nevada governor and senator Paul Laxalt, and the 2018 GOP gubernatorial nominee who narrowly lost to now-Gov. Steve Sisolak.

And in the Nevada Governor’s race, the Decision Desk says it’s too early to call this very close race between Democratic Governor Steve Sisolak and Republican Sheriff Joe Lombardo.

UTAH SENATE UPDATE:

We also believe Republican Senator Mike Lee has a solid lead as he seeks a third term, but it’s too early to say whether he will defeat independent challenger Evan McMullin.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet wins

The Fox News Decision Desk can now project that in Colorado, Democratic Senator Michael Bennet will defeat Republican businessman Joe O’Dea.

The Colorado Senate race became an unexpected pickup opportunity for the Republicans, though the state has trended toward Democrats in recent years.

O'Dea, a moderate Republican businessman, gained attention as he rose in the polls in the summer while other GOP candidates appeared to be struggling in their campaigns.

Bennet, who has served in the Senate since 2009, maintained a lead in public opinion polls throughout the midterm election cycle.

Bennet received a boost from President Biden in October when the 46th president designated Camp Hale, the WWII-era training ground for the 10th Mountain Division, as a national monument.

Biden made a stop in Colorado to announce the designation, which Bennet had pushed for in the environmental bill known as the CORE Act that has stalled in Congress.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Fox News Voter Analysis: Fetterman-Oz race sees differences in enthusiasm

Now turning to a Senate race everybody’s watching, Pennsylvania, where Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz are in a tight race.

Fetterman has been reaching out to White noncollege voters — but so far a majority of them in our Fox News Voter Analysis are choosing Oz.

Fetterman’s supporters , on the other hand, are more enthusiastic about their candidate — 51%.

That is compared to only 40% who say they are enthusiastic for Oz.

This update was provided by the Fox News Polling Unit.

Read more on how voters feel about the Pennsylvania Senate candidates.

Posted by Kyle Morris
Breaking News

'Squad' member AOC cruises to re-election in New York

Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will win re-election in New York's 14th Congressional District, The Associated Press projects.

Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) became the youngest female ever to be elected to Congress in 2018, has been known to champion far-left views, sponsoring Green New Deal legislation and supporting the Defund the Police movement. 

She is one of the founding members of the progressive group known as "the Squad."

Weeks before her election, the congresswoman held a town hall where she was condemned by anti-war protestors for her support of sending weapons to Ukraine.

Ocasio-Cortez was ahead of GOP challenger Tina Forte by a large margin when the AP called the race.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Brit Hume: DeSantis' big night sharpens competition with Trump

Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume broke down the apparent tension between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump Tuesday night.

"We've got this brewing competition between Trump and Mr. DeSantis, which has, you know, been obvious in the last couple of days," Hume said. "If it's a big, big night for DeSantis and his running mate is in Florida, that would sharpen that completion and give Trump something to think about."

"It's out there," Hume added, referring to the growing competition between the two men who are considered to be likely 2024 GOP candidates.

In a wide-ranging interview with Fox News Digital on Monday, Trump said that while there was no "tiff" with DeSantis, the Florida governor would be making a "mistake" by running and would anger the GOP base.

During a rally in Pennsylvania over the weekend, Trump mocked DeSantis and referred to him as "Ron DeSanctimonious" in what some suggested was a sign of growing tension between the two over 2024. The following day, Trump gave his support to DeSantis, who is in a competitive gubernatorial race, and urged voters to cast their ballots for him.

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this update.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Trump's impeachment manager wins House race in New York

Democrat Daniel Goldman wins election to U.S. House in New York's 10th Congressional District, The Associated Press projects.

Goldman represented the Democrats in the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump.

Goldman gained an easier path to his party's nomination after one of his opponents in the Democratic congressional primary for New York's 10th district announced she would not run with a different party.

In a video posted to Twitter Tuesday night, New York Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou broke the news to her followers that she will not run on the Working Families Party line, claiming she lacked the resources to continue.

Trump mockingly endorsed Goldman in August, saying in a TRUTH Social post that "Lawyer Dan Goldman is running for Congress, NY-10, and it is my great honor to Strongly Endorse him."

Fox News' Ronn Blitzer contributed to this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Maricopa County: AZ judge denies GOP lawsuit to keep polls open in county after ballot 'hiccups'

An Arizona court ruled against a Republican-backed lawsuit to keep polls open for provisional ballots in Maricopa County after "hiccups" with some vote tabulators earlier in the day caused confusion at polling places.

"The court does not have evidence there was a voter who was precluded the right to vote from what was presented," the judge said minutes before polls closed Tuesday.

"From what I've seen they all got a collection of their vote," the judge said as the lawyer for Blake Masters' campaign argued before the court. Masters' campaign, the Republican National Committee and the campaign for Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake were behind the lawsuit.

"Under the Maricopa County protocols, it's ultimately processed," the judge also said.

Maricopa County's lawyer also argued that it is "simply not true" that some voters were denied the chance to vote. Ballots that could not go through the tabulators at polling places, they said, were put in a box and sent to a central counting location to be tabulated.

This update was provided by Fox News' Tyler Olson.

Read more about the GOP lawsuit to keep polls opened in Maricopa County.

Posted by Kyle Morris
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALLS:

NEW HAMPSHIRE: In New Hampshire, the Fox News Decision Desk can project that Republican Governor Chris Sununu will win a fourth term

"All across this country, people care and they vote on kitchen table issues: inflation, energy, electricity. This stuff, this unfair nonsense that's happening — arbitrary picking winners and losers out of Washington, depending on your political party," said Sununu to Fox News earlier this year. "It's nonsense, you and I know it. But believe you me, the American voters are smart and there's going to be a reckoning come November… Stay the course. Do not get caught in the trap of talking about the issues that Democrats want to distract from."

CONNECTICUT: Over to Connecticut, where Democratic incumbent Governor Ned Lamont will defeat GOP candidate Bob Stefanowski.

Also in Connecticut, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal wins a third term, by defeating Republican businesswoman Leora Levy.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Gov. Abbott wins Texas race against Beto O'Rourke

The Fox News Decision Desk can project that Gov. Greg Abbott will remain in the Governor’s mansion for a third term. He defeats high-profile Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke.

O’Rourke, the former congressman from El Paso who grabbed national attention for nearly upsetting conservative Sen. Ted Cruz in the state’s 2018 Senate showdown before launching an unsuccessful bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, was trying to become the first Democrat to win a gubernatorial election in Texas in over three decades. 

He showcased his proposals promoting public education and reducing gun violence, in the wake of the horrific Uvalde, Texas, shooting where 19 elementary school students and two teachers were fatally shot, during his gubernatorial campaign. He also criticized the governor for last year’s electricity grid failure across the state and for signing an extremely strict abortion law.

Abbott, the conservative former longtime state attorney general, touted the state’s economy, his tough stance on the issues of border security and illegal immigration, and crime, and targeted O’Rourke for his pivots on issues such as gun control, as he ran for re-election.

Fox News' Paul Steinhauser and Adam Sabes contributed to this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Developing Story

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK UPDATES: Several governor's races too early to call

MICHIGAN : The Fox News Decision Desk says that in Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has a slight lead.. but that race is too early to call.

WISCONSIN: In Wisconsin, the race between Governor Tony Evers and his opponent Tim Michels is too early to call. Just like in the Senate, this is another very tight race.

TEXAS: In Texas, our Decision Desk believes that Republican Governor Greg Abbott has a lead. That’s according to the Fox News Voter Analysis.

KANSAS: In Kansas, Republican challenger Derek Schmidt and Democratic Governor Laura Kelly are locked in a very tight race.

NEW MEXICO: In New Mexico, there’s not enough data to call the race. This is a showdown between Democratic incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican candidate Mark Ronchetti

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Developing Story

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK UPDATES: Arizona races too early to call

ARIZONA: We begin in the battleground state of Arizona, where the Fox News Decision Desk says Democratic Senator Mark Kelly and Republican venture capitalist Blake Masters are locked in a tight race.

In another high profile Arizona contest -- it is also too early to call the race between Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and Republican Kari Lake.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Developing Story

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK UPDATE: Democratic New York Gov. Hochul leads against Lee Zeldin

NEW YORK: Moving to New York. The Fox News Decision Desk says incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul has a lead against GOP House Rep. Lee Zeldin.

Nobody thought this race in the Empire State would even be close until polling showed crime was by far the number one issue among Republican voters.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Fox News Voter Analysis: Most voters dissatisfied or angry with government

We’re well underway with the midterm elections – and voters are unhappy.

Our Fox News Voter Analysis survey finds three-quarters are dissatisfied or downright angry at the way government is working.

This sentiment is strongest in the Rocky Mountain and northern Plains states. Wyoming lodges the highest rate of disapproval - with 87% saying they're unhappy.

That could be bad news for incumbents. In Georgia, one of them – Sen. Raphael Warnock, the Democrat – is fighting for re-election, facing Herschel Walker, who's been backed by former President Donald Trump.

This update was provided by the Fox News Polling Unit.

Read more about the concerns of voters and their beliefs about the workings of government.

Posted by Kyle Morris
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALLS: Gov. Pritzker wins second term

The Fox News Decision Desk says that Democratic Governor JB Pritzker will win a second term. He prevails over GOP challenger Darren Bailey.

Decision Desk also projects that Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth will defeat Republican attorney Kathy Salvi. Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

In Illinois, which sets no term-limits on the governor's seat, the two battled it out during several debates and Bailey pressed Pritzker on various critical midterm issues.

During the last debate of the cycle, Bailey blamed the Democrat incumbent for the rise of violent crime in the state, specifically in one of the country's crime hotspots, the city of Chicago.

Fox News' Aubrie Spady and Paul Best contributed to this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Pennsylvania mail-in ballots may be 'path to victory' for John Fetterman

Poll workers in Pennsylvania have been processing as many as 1.4 million mail-in ballots throughout the day on Tuesday.

About 70% of all mail-in ballots were sent to registered Democrats across the state, a number that could benefit Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman once all the ballots are counted.

Officials say the count could take several days due to some count security procedures to catch double votes.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Larry Kudlow addresses inflation as economy looms large in the midterms

Fox Business host Larry Kudlow joined Fox News' Election Day coverage Tuesday night to discuss how inflation has embedded itself into the U.S. economy leading up to the 2022 midterm elections.

"Inflation is number one for good reason," Kudlow told Fox News hosts Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier. "Too much spending, too much money printing, too much regulating, the war against fossil fuels - all these things contributed to a big rise in inflation, really by the middle of 2021."

Kudlow said that "inflation has become embedded into the economy" and it has "become embedded into wages."

Kudlow also suggested that "refined petroleum products permeated this economy."

Posted by Kyle Morris
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Sarah Huckabee Sanders wins Arkansas governor's race

ARKANSAS: Republican candidate and former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is projected to win the governor’s race. She replaces term limited Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson.

She replaces term-limited Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson. Sanders will be Arkansas' first female governor.

Sanders served in former President Trump's administration from 2017 to 2019.She defeats Democrat Chris Jones, who is a nuclear engineer and ordained Baptist minister.

After Sanders voted in Little Rock on Tuesday, she told reporters that she doesn't think she ran a divisive campaign and focused on tax cuts as well as other issues that could unite Arkansas residents 

Fox News' Adam Sabes contributed to this report.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Florida's Miami-Dade County turns red for DeSantis: First GOP gov to win in two decades

Miami-Dade County in South Florida had a change of heart Tuesday and went red as voters supported Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis who is projected to be the first GOP governor to win the county in two decades. 

The county's shift from blue to red was part of a predicted successful evening by the GOP in an effort to take back full control of Congress. The Fox News Decision Desk projected Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican, will defeat Democrat Val Demings. 

In 2002, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush became the last to-date Republican gubernatorial candidate to win the heavily populated and diverse Miami-Dade County in South Florida.

Read more about Republicans capturing Miami-Dade county.

This update was provided by Fox News' Louis Casiano.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Twitter users knock MSNBC analyst for casting doubts on Georgia election: 'Denialism, man'

Social media users quickly descended on MSNBC analyst Jason Johnson’s claim that he "can’t say" whether the Georgia midterm elections will be "fair and equitable" thanks to its election law. 

Johnson suggested on "Deadline: White House" hours before polls were set to close that Gov. Brian Kemp’s, R-Ga., 2021 voter security law acts as a form of "voter suppression" that prevents him from calling the election "fair" or "equitable."

"The level of voter suppression is beyond anything that we saw in 2018. So I think it’s completely up in the air. There has been youth turnout at levels we haven’t expected. Democrats feel confident, Republicans I’ve spoken to feel confident. But we can’t say that whatever happens tonight is a fair and equitable election, because there have been too many laws passed by election deniers to keep people from expressing themselves," Johnson said.

Read more about MSNBC's Jason Johnson casting doubts on Georgia's midterm elections. 

This update was provided by Fox News' Lindsay Kornick.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie
Developing Story

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK UPDATES: New Hampshire, Pennsylvania races too early to call

NEW HAMPSHIRE: It’s also too early to call  the New Hampshire Senate race between incumbent Democrat Maggie Hassan and Republican Don Bolduc. Hassan won this seat by just over a thousand votes in 2016, making her the most vulnerable Democrat up for reelection this cycle.

PENNSYLVANIA: In Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro has a strong lead against Doug Mastriano based on the Fox News Voter Analysis but it’s also too early to call.

Shapiro, AG in PA, is the Democratic candidate. He played a prominent role in fighting Trump’s litigation over the 2020 contest. Shapiro promised to combat "right-to-work" laws and preserve the state's "union way of life" in a campaign speech in early November.

Pennsylvania is a swing-state Americans are closely watching. Today, a judge in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, ordered polls in the county to stay open until 10 p.m. ET after voters reported some polling locations running out of paper for voting machines.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK UPDATE: Pennsylvania Senate race too close to call

In the critical battleground of Pennsylvania where the Fox News Decision Desk says it's too early to call this race. Pennsylvania is another historically "slow counting" state, so it could be a long night for both Doctor Oz and John Fetterman. we will keep you updated.

“I am increasingly optimistic of Dr. Oz’s chances,” said Senator Pat Toomey earlier tonight on Fox News. Today in PA, ballot workers processed nearly 1.4 million mail-in ballots from residents all over the state.

Fetterman said on Fox News Digital, "Whether it's rising crime or rising costs, we need leaders who actually understand the problems we’re going through here in Pennsylvania, and who have the experience and the ideas to do something about it. I know we need to tackle crime because I live in a community with a serious crime issue."

"I know that costs are too high because I see it with my own eyes when I’m at Costco. I get these issues because I’ve lived these issues," he added.

Dr. Oz would be the first Muslim American senator if PA votes in his favor.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALLS: Republicans Gov. DeSantis, Sen. Rubio win re-election

In Florida, the Fox News Decision Desk projects GOP Governor Ron DeSantis will defeat Charlie Crist.

Fox News Decision Desk can also project Republican Senator Marco Rubio has defeated Democratic Rep Val Demings, with millions of votes in.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Maricopa County: Blake Masters, Kari Lake and RNC sue after 'hiccups' at Arizona voting locations

The campaigns for Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters and the Republican National Committee are suing Maricopa County, Arizona, over issues with voting tabulation machines. 

The GOP lawsuit seeks to keep polls open until 10 p.m. M.T. in the county. It also asks the state court to, "instruct the inspector at every polling location that voters whom the e-pollbook have recorded as having previously voted in this election must be permitted to complete and cast a provisional ballot."

Fox News previously reported Tuesday that many polling sites in the county were experiencing problems.

"Unfortunately we've had some hiccups with about 20% of these tabulators," Chairman to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Bill Gates told Fox News.

The GOP lawsuit said the issues hit "at least 36% of all voting centers." 

This update was provided by Fox News' Tyler Olson.

Read more about the GOP candidates' lawsuit against Maricopa County.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Nevada Gov. Sisolak announces closures of state offices due to weather, sparks questions from GOP

Governor Sisolak of Nevada announced closures of some state offices in northern Nevada this evening due to snow storms and "potentially dangerous road conditions," according to a statement from the governor's office. Some state GOP officials are calling foul play claiming this is a thinly veiled attempt to discourage Nevadans from getting to the polls.

Nevada polls in the region were scheduled to remain open with more than two hours remaining before polls close.

Sisolak's office released the following statement regarding state office closures in Nevada:

"All State executive branch offices will close, effective at 3:30 p.m. today in Carson City, Washoe County, Storey County, Lyon County, and Douglas County. This order does not apply to essential public safety or corrections personnel, nor does it apply to employees whose job duties involve administering elections and/or elections security or support."

Posted by Sophia Slacik

Trump reacts to Arizona voting machine problems, predicts GOP will do 'very well' in 2022 midterms

Former President Donald Trump spoke briefly with Fox News at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida Tuesday night as Election Day polls closed around the country.

Trump expressed concern over mishaps with voting in Arizona and predicted a GOP 'majority in both' chambers following the midterm elections.

"Did they get the machines working in Arizona," Trump asked members of the press. Upon hearing that the elections team was "working on it," Trump responded, "That's not good."

"I think they're gonna do good tonight," Trump said. "I'm just concerned about Arizona with the machines."

"We're gonna see what happens, but we're gonna have a very big night," Trump added.

Trump was also asked what victory looks like for him in tonight's midterm elections.

"Well, I'd say certainly a majority in both. I think we're gonna do very well in the House and I hope we're gonna do very well with the Senate."

Fox News' Griff Jenkins contributed to this update.

Posted by Kyle Morris
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK UPDATES: Too early to call Ohio, North Carolina Senate showdowns

OHIO: In Ohio, the Fox News Decision Desk says GOP candidate JD Vance has a slight lead based on our Voter Analysis, but the race is too early to call . He is up against Democratic House Rep. Tim Ryan.

NORTH CAROLINA: And in North Carolina, it’s also too early to call the race between Republican House Rep. Ted Budd and former State Chief Justice Cheri Beasley. They are locked in a very tight battle.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: Ohio GOP Gov. Mike DeWine easily wins second term

OHIO: The Fox News Decision Desk can project that Republican incumbent Mike DeWine will easily win a second term, defeating Nan Whaley.

DeWine, 75, has faced off against Whaley for the second time. Already well-known, DeWine became a household presence during months of daily briefings at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. DeWine said he did his best to balance household needs while also considering advice from medical experts during lockdowns in Ohio. "These are my decisions, so I'm not going to pass the buck to the medical community or anybody else," he said on Bill Hemmer Reports during the bulk of the pandemic. More recently, he helped break ground on a huge new Intel computer chip facility.

Ohio voters decided today on statewide ballot issues involving whether to prohibit noncitizen voting and whether judges should be required to consider a criminal suspect’s threat to public safety when setting bail.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Fox News Voter Analysis: Economy the top concern of most voters by far

It’s election night and we’ve been asking voters around the country, over one hundred thousand, how they voted and why. This is our first look tonight at our new method to analyze their decisions, our Fox News Voter Analysis.

The top concern to voters tells the story of this election.

Nearly half, 47%, say the economy is the most important issue facing the country.

That’s nearly 5 times as many as any other issue such as abortion (10%), immigration (9%), climate (9%), crime (8%), health care (7%), gun policy (6%), foreign policy (2%), and coronavirus (2%).

This update was provided by the Fox News Polling Unit.

Read more about what voters are saying about the current state of the economy and its impact on the 2022 midterm elections.

Posted by Kyle Morris
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK RACE CALL: S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster wins second term

In South Carolina, the Fox News Decision Desk can project that Republican Governor Henry McMaster will win a second term in office defeating Joe Cunningham.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK SENATE RACE CALLS: GOP Sens. Tim Scott, Rand Paul win re-election

SOUTH CAROLINA: In South Carolina – our Decision Desk can project that Republican Senator Tim Scott will win a second full term, defeating Democrat Krystle Matthews.

KENTUCKY: In Kentucky, we are projecting that Republican Senator Rand Paul will cruise to a third term, defeating Democrat Charles Booker.

INDIANA: We can also project in Indiana -- Republican Senator Todd Young will win his second term . He defeats Democrat Tom McDermott, the Mayor of Hammond.

VERMONT: And in Vermont, Fox News projects that Democrat Peter Welch will replace retiring Senator Patrick Leahy as the next senator for the Green Mountain State.

Posted by Thomas Phippen
Breaking News

FOX NEWS DECISION DESK: Georgia Senate race too early to call; Gov. Kemp leads Abrams

GEORGIA: We begin with the battleground state of Georgia, where the Fox News Decision Desk says Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker are locked in a tight race. It’s too early to call.

In Georgia,  Fox News says Governor Brian Kemp has a slight lead against Stacey Abrams, but this race is too early to call. It’s not yet clear whether he can reach more than 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Back to Georgia when we have updates.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Republican wins first House delegate election in Guam since 1993

For the first time in nearly 30 years,  Guam elected a Republican as its non-voting U.S. Congressional delegate on Tuesday.

James Moylan, a senator in the island’s legislature, defeated Democrat Judith Won Pat by 1,648 votes out of 32,502 votes cast, according to the Pacific Daily News. The results are partial and unofficial.

He was the first Republican elected to the position since 1993 and only the second since 1972, when the seat was created, the newspaper reported.

As an island in the western Pacific Ocean, Guam was the first midterm contest decided on Tuesday.

This update was provided by Fox News' Brie Stimson.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Maricopa County, Arizona election officials say solution found to voting machine problems

Officials in Maricopa County, Arizona say they have found a solution after roughly 20% of their polling sites were experiencing "issues" with tabulation machines just hours after Election Day polls opened.

The county’s election department said it had identified the solution for the tabulation issues at about 60 Vote Centers.

"This solution has worked at 17 locations, and technicians deployed throughout the county are working to resolve this issue at the remaining locations," the Maricopa County Elections Department tweeted Tuesday afternoon.

The county said technicians have changed the printer settings and the issue appears to have been resolved.

This update was provided by Fox News' Bradford Betz.

Read more about the voting "issues" out of Maricopa County on Election Day.

Posted by Kyle Morris

WATCH: Arizona officials report tabulator issue

The Maricopa County, Arizona elections division is reporting that 20% of the tabulation machines across the county are malfunctioning and not counting ballots.

The means that a contingency plan has gone into affect, and that ballots from the affected locations will be moved in secure boxes to a central downtown Phoenix location to be counted.

This will not stop people from voting at the affected locations or their ballots from being counted.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

How do I track election results with Fox News?

Fox News Digital is reporting live election results  across the country for the 2022 midterm elections. Republicans and Democrats are going head to head for control of Congress. Politicians across the country have spent months campaigning for seats in the House and Senate. Some of the most important states to watch results for are Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Voters across the United States have ran to the polls today to case their votes. Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Arizona are experiencing issues at voting locations. Maricopa County officials said about 20% of voting locations are experiencing "hiccups" and Champaign County in Illinois is reporting a cyber attack. Polls on the East Coast started closing at 6 p.m. ET and results are expecting to flow in shortly after.

Follow along with Fox News Digital and tune into Fox News Channel for live election coverage and analysis as results are reported.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

PA county runs out of paper in some voting locations, judge orders polls to stay open until 10 p.m.

A judge in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, ordered polls in the county to stay open until 10 p.m. ET after voters reported some polling locations running out of paper for voting machines

"Voters in Luzerne County through no fault of their own, were disenfranchised and denied the fundamental right to vote," Judge Lesa S. Gelb said in an order Tuesday. 

To rectify the problem, Gelb said, "voting hours in Luzerne County are hereby extended until 10:00 p.m." 

Other polling locations in Pennsylvania will close at 8 p.m. ET.

“This is your last chance to do something about it; the polls are still open,” said Senator Pat Toomey. “I think we could have a very good night for Republicans,” said Toomey. The Senator said he and his wife waited over an hour to vote in Lehman County, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has one of the closely watched races this midterm cycle.

The Senate race between Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and GOP nominee Mehmet Oz is one of the most contentious in the nation, and could determine which party controls Congress' upper chamber for the last two years of President Biden's term.

This update was provided by Fox News' Tyler Olson and Rebekah Castor.

Posted by Thomas Phippen

Missouri Republicans Hawley and Schmitt say Senate GOP needs new leadership: 'Not Mitch McConnell'

Incumbent Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Missouri Senate hopeful Eric Schmitt each said Monday that if Republicans take control of the U.S. Senate, they won't support Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for another term as leader.

At a rally for Schmitt in Springfield, Missouri, Hawley told a gaggle of reporters that he prefers a fresh face for leader, citing disagreements with McConnell on funding Ukraine's defense against Russia and spending legislation.

"I don't imagine I will, no," Hawley reportedly said when asked if he would support McConnell.

"I'm not sure if any other senator will run or not. Nobody's indicated they would. But my view is that we need new leadership in that position," he added.

In the final weeks of the Republican Senate primary in July, Schmitt told reporters he wants either Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas or Mike Lee of Utah to lead the Republican conference. "Mitch McConnell hasn’t endorsed me and I don’t endorse him for leadership," Schmitt said at the time.

Asked Monday how he would vote in the next leadership election, Schmitt told reporters, "I said what I said, and I stand by those comments."

This update was provided by Fox News' Chris Pandolfo.

Read more about Hawley and Schmitt's opposition to McConnell's leadership in the Senate.

Posted by Kyle Morris

How can I track my ballot?

Voting by mail is extremely popular among Americans participating this year's the 2022 midterm elections. More than 15 million people have voted already in the 2022 midterm elections.

Almost every state, except for Missouri, Mississippi and Illinois, have portals where residents can track their absentee ballots and ensure that their vote was counted.

The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as new voting laws in certain states, now offer different options for voters. California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington automatically send every voter a ballot. However, some states require individuals to provide an excuse for voting early by mail. Voter turnout is considered a necessity in most functioning democracies in the world. 

During this midterm election, 34 states will hold Senate elections, but only a handful of states will decide which party holds a majority in the chamber, including Arizona, Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Typically, midterm elections have a lower voter turnout when compared to the presidential election years. This has been chalked up to a number of reasons, such as less voter interest in Congressional races compared to widely covered presidential elections. In some instances, even politically aware voters sometimes do not vote in the midterm cycle because it does not involve the president.

Track whether your absentee ballot has been counted.

Posted by Aubrie Spady

Kari Lake says she'll be media's 'worst freaking nightmare,' vows to 'reform the media'

Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, R., pledged to be the media's "worst freaking nightmare for eight years" if she's elected, saying Tuesday she would "reform the media."

Lake, a former local TV journalist known for her barbs against the press, lit into a CBS reporter after he asked if she would serve a full term if elected, noting political rumors that she would be Donald Trump's running mate if he runs for president in 2024.

"I am going to not only be the governor of Arizona for four years," she said. "I am going to do two terms. I'm going to be your worst freaking nightmare for eight years, and we will reform the media as well. We are going to make you guys into journalists again."

"So get ready. It's going to be a fun eight years," she added. "I can't wait to be working with you guys for eight years."

Lake added she would be "so thrilled" if Trump does run again, saying he needed to return to office to fix everything President Biden had "screwed up."

This update was provided by Fox News' David Rutz.

Read more of what Lake had to say on Election Day in Arizona.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Election Day: Champaign County, Illinois clerk says cyberattack causing 'connectivity issues'

The clerk's office of Champaign County, Illinois, is experiencing connectivity issues for its voting machines in what it is calling a "cyber-attack."

The Champaign County Clerk's Office announced Tuesday around midday that its systems were experiencing connectivity problems and poor server performance. The office stated it believed the issues are a result of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

"The Champaign County Clerk’s Office is aware of connectivity issues and computer server performance being impacted," the clerk's office announced Tuesday via social media. "The Clerk’s Office believes these are due to cyber-attacks on the network and servers."

The post went on to inform readers that these were not the first issues at the office, saying that the clerk's office has experienced repeated DDoS attacks for the past month.

"For the past month the Champaign County Clerk’s website has been the target of repeated D-DOS attacks, fortunately the reinforced security and response from the Clerk’s IT team has prevented these attacks from being successful and the Clerk's website has remained secured," the post reads.

This update was provided by Fox News' Timothy H.J. Nerozzi.

Read more about the alleged Election Day cyberattack in Illinois.

Posted by Kyle Morris

When will election results be reported?

Most polls on the East Coast begin closing at 6:00 p.m. ET, meaning results should start flowing in shortly after.

Each state, however, has different rules when it comes to counting ballots and reporting results which could lead to varying amounts of data being reported at different times.

It's likely that the results of some races won't be known on election night because of the varying rules by state, as well as the high number of people expected to vote by mail.

In Alaska, the implementation of ranked-choice voting means results there may not be known until later in November, while in some states, like California, mail-in ballots are accepted for the entire week following the election as long as they are postmarked by Election Day.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

What time do polls close in my state?

What time do polls close?

Here are the times that polls close on Election Day (all times are local to the state).

6 p.m.

Indiana and Kentucky

7 p.m.

Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota (poll closings range, but begin at 7:00 p.m.), Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming.

7:30 p.m

Arkansas, North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia

8 p.m.

Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.

9 p.m.

New York

Variations

New Hampshire — Poll closing times vary, but cannot be before 7:00 p.m.

Tennessee — Polling locations close at 7:00 p.m. if located in Central Time Zone, and 8:00 p.m. if located in Eastern Time Zone.

Make sure to check with your local election officials for any changes to poll closing times, or for updated polling location information or additional variations that may not be listed.

See Fox News Digital's full poll opening/closing guide here.

Fox News' Brandon Gillespie contributed to this update.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Do negative campaign ads work on voters?

The 2022 midterm election cycle saw numerous attack ads from Republicans and Democrats, raising the question of whether negative ads work on voters.

Political scientists and experts estimate that, in general, both positive and negative political ads have small effects in swaying voters, but in close elections can make a difference.

An advocacy known as Citizens for Sanity, for instance, launched the messaging campaign in multiple battleground states last month mocking progressive Democrats with phrases like "Help Charlie become Charlotte," "Mother Nature is Racist" and "Violent Criminals Deserve Our Respect."

"There’s an idea that a really good ad, or one delivered in just the right context to a targeted audience, can influence voters, but we found that political ads have consistently small persuasive effects across a range of characteristics," said Alexander Coppock, a co-author of a Yale study on political advertising.

Despite the lack of evidence that ads sway voters, campaigns still spend millions of dollars on advertising in print, mailers, TV and radio spots each cycle. 

Posted by Thomas Phippen

How many seats do Republicans need to win the Senate?

The Senate consists of 100 lawmakers serving six-year terms; every election year about one-third of Senate seats are up for grabs. The Democrats currently hold a razor-thin majority in the upper chamber with 50 seats in their party's control. Remember that Democrats only need 50 seats to retain power, because Vice President Kamala Harris casts the tie-breaking vote. In order to regain a majority in the Senate, Republicans will need to pick up two Senate seats.

Control of the Senate remains a toss-up. Fox News' Power Rankings show 47 seats going to the Democrats and 49 to the Republicans, leaving four crucial toss-up races to decide control of the Senate: Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania. 

Arizona, Georgia and Nevada are all being defended by incumbent Democrats, while Pennsylvania is an open seat due to the retirement of longtime Republican Sen. Pat Toomey last year.

Posted by Sophia Slacik

Slavery on the ballot as voters decide whether to amend language to constitution in five states

Residents in five states will have the opportunity to vote on amendments Tuesday that could remove language from their state constitution that permits slavery as a form of punishment for convicted criminals, though not everyone supports the referendum.

Ratified in 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in America, but it provided leeway for the practice as punishment for individuals convicted of a crime. Several state constitutions still have language reflecting that loophole allowing involuntary servitude for prisoners, but Tennessee, Louisiana, Oregon, Alabama, and Vermont are looking to change that this fall.

Posted by Kyle Morris

California election results expected to be delayed for days, weeks in some areas, report says

With more Californians participating in elections  through vote by mail, the results for several high-profile races in the Los Angeles area might not be called until days or weeks after Election Day, according to a report.

That includes the tightening race between Democratic Rep. Karen Bass, a longtime elected official in southeast LA, and billionaire developer Rick Caruso competing to become mayor of the second-largest city in the nation.

According to the Los Angeles Times, "Final results may take days or weeks in certain high-profile races, including a handful of nail-biter congressional contests around the state and a number of competitive Democrat-on-Democrat races in Los Angeles city and county, such as the hotly contested L.A. mayor’s race."

"We no longer have election night. We have election season," Mindy Romero, a political sociologist and director of the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy, told the Times.

This update was provided by Fox News' Danielle Wallace.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Top Voter Issues: Inflation

Inflation is top concern of voters in the 2022 midterms, consistently ranking highest on voters' list of priorities throughout the election cycle. Unlike most political issues, inflation affects every single voter making it an especially potent force in this year's midterms.

Since hitting a 40-year high in June, inflation has remained stubbornly high with prices climbing 8.2% annually in September, according to the latest report from the Labor Department.

Despite efforts from the White House to address rising prices, President Joe Biden continues to poll poorly on his handling of the economy, in turn hurting voters' perception of Democrats on economic issues. Republicans have continued to poll better on inflation, with a majority of voters trusting the GOP over Democrats to best handle the economy.

Posted by Sophia Slacik

Maricopa County officials say 20% of voting locations experiencing 'hiccups' with tabulators

Arizona officials in Maricopa County on Tuesday said that roughly 20% of their polling sites were experiencing "issues" with tabulation machines just hours after Election Day polls opened.

"Unfortunately we've had some hiccups with about 20% of these tabulators," Chairman to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Bill Gates told Fox News.

Gates said an issue has arisen when people attempt to run their ballots through the tabulator and are unable to successfully do so as their ballots are being spit back out at them.

Gates said technicians were working to solve the problem as quickly as possible.

"No one wins Arizona without Maricopa County," said Fox News Senior Correspondent Alicia Acuna.

This update was provided by Fox News' Caitlin McFall.

Read more about what Gates told Fox News regarding the "hiccups" in voting in Maricopa County.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Where is abortion on the ballot?

Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June and give the power back to the states to place or lift restrictions on abortion, registered voters in six states will have the opportunity to vote on ballot initiatives that will either amend or abolish their state's current law on abortions.

Kentucky voters will see an initiative on their ballots that if passed, would preserve the state constitution to not allow abortions or public abortion funding. In Kentucky, abortion is currently illegal at the moment of fertilization, after a trigger-law that went into effect following Roe's reversal allowed the state to place an immediate ban on abortion.

Voters in Vermont will see Article 22 on their ballots this fall, which if passed would amend the state's constitution to continue providing abortion access without limitations. "The State of Vermont recognizes the fundamental right of every individual who becomes pregnant to choose to carry a pregnancy to term, to give birth to a child, or to have an abortion," Virginia's abortion law reads, allowing no restrictions on abortion. 

In Montana, voters will see the "Born-Alive Infant Protection Act," on the ballot. If passed, the legislation would acknowledge that infants born alive, including those born alive after an abortion, are legal persons. The law would also penalize doctors who do not treat them as a living person and take the required, necessary actions to "preserve the life of a born alive infant."

Californians will see Proposition 1 on their ballots, an initiative that would amend the state's constitution to allow abortions without any interference from the state. In the Golden State , abortion is currently legal up until the point of fetal viability, the point at which the fetus can survive outside the womb, or after in the case that it would protect the health or life of the mother.

Michigan voters will see Proposition 3 on their ballots, an initiative that would amend the state constitution to allow to abortions up until fetal viability and allow the state “to regulate abortion after fetal viability, but not prohibit if medically needed to protect a patient’s life or physical or mental health.” In Michigan, it is currently legal to get an abortion up until the point of fetal viability, which usually falls around the 23rd week of pregnancy.

Posted by Aubrie Spady

Louisiana moves polling site after school receives bomb threat for second time in under a week

A polling site in a suburb of New Orleans was moved Tuesday after it received a bomb threat for the second time in five days, police say.

The Kenner Police Department says it is on scene investigating at Kenner Discovery School and "there were no children in school today due to elections."

"It was not a threat to elections, voters or election workers," John Tobler, a spokesman for the Louisiana secretary of state, told Fox News Digital.

Kenner Police say they are "trying to determine if this will be related to a bomb threat the school received on Thursday, Nov. 3."

This update was provided by Fox News' Greg Norman.

Posted by Kyle Morris

CBS journalists shocked they 'couldn't find one' Charlie Crist supporter in Florida Biden precints

"CBS This Morning" hosts were shocked that they couldn't find any supporters for Florida's Democratic gubernatorial nominee in areas that voted for President Biden in 2020.

Charlie Crist is running against Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in the purple state that seems to be turning red.

Co-host Tony Dokoupil shared meals with voters up and down the coast of the Sunshine State in areas he said voted for Biden in 2020. Floridians praised their governor as a "beast" who "doesn't BS around."

Read more about CBS' surprise on its trip to Florida.

This update was provided by Fox News' Kristine Parks.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

New Hampshire Senate showdown: Hassan charges Bolduc’s ‘casting doubt’ on election

NEWFIELDS, N.H. – Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan claims former Army Gen. Don Bolduc, her Republican challenger in battleground New Hampshire’s crucial Senate race, has been "casting doubt" on the integrity of the election.

After the senator charged that Bolduc "doesn’t think he has to accept election results," Fox News asked if she’s concerned Bolduc may not concede if he loses by a razor-thin margin.

"He has been working to cast doubt on today’s election, which is an insult to the people of New Hampshire," Hassan answered, after voting in her hometown of Newfields on Tuesday morning.

"We run some of the best elections in the country," the senator said. "That Don Bolduc is casting doubt on today’s election integrity is really disturbing. But we’re going to keep standing up for the people of New Hampshire and standing up for democracy."

Hassan has been targeted by Republicans for close to two years, as the former governor seeks a second six-year term in the Senate, and her race with Bolduc is among a handful across the nation that will likely determine if the GOP wins back the chamber’s majority in the midterm elections.

This update was provided by Fox News' Paul Steinhauser.

Read more about the New Hampshire Senate race between Hassan and Bolduc.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Election Day voters talk crime, first-time gun buyer surge

Americans are starting to take personal safety into their own hands and bringing their concerns over a nationwide crime surge to the polls on Election Day.

"There's a lot of first-time gun buyers constantly," FSS Armory owner Ross Osias told FOX Business’ Stuart Varney in a voter panel Tuesday. "They're all expressing some fear and this new wave of, ‘I need to protect myself.’"

In a town hall-style event on "Varney & Co., " voters from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania explained how their experiences with crime are impacting their decision in the 2022 midterms.

"The progressive[s] have unleashed chaos upon all of us," Glenn Vile, brother-in-law of a murdered Goldman Sachs employee, said. "It used to be fine when crime was bad in the 90s... after 8 o'clock, somebody got mugged. Now it's some lady jogging at 11 in the morning, has neck bones broken, then it's despicable."

"If you want more of something, you tolerate it," Vile continued. "And our administration, the mayor, the governor, [New York State Assembly Speaker] Carl Heastie, they're all tolerating crime, and it's chaos. It's not fair."

This update was provided by Fox Business' Kristen Altus.

Read more about Election Day voters' concerns about rising crime.

Posted by Kyle Morris

How many seats are up for grabs in Congress?

On Election Day, voters across the country will decide who fills all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 total seats in the U.S. Senate.

Members of the House serve two-year terms, meaning every seat is up for grabs each two-year election cycle.

Members of the Senate serve six-year terms, with one-third of the total 100 seats up for grabs every two-year election cycle.

Of the 35 Senate elections taking place on Tuesday, 33 are regularly scheduled elections, while one additional race in California will decide who fills the final weeks of Vice President Kamala Harris ' six-year term, and another in Oklahoma will decide who fills the remaining four years of Sen. Jim Inhofe's seat following his announced retirement earlier this year.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Trump confirms he voted for Ron DeSantis, says election will be 'exciting day' for Republicans

Former President Donald Trump confirmed that he cast a vote for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday, saying Election Day was going to be a "very exciting day" for Republicans.

Trump cast his vote in Palm Beach, Florida, alongside his wife, Melania. He went on to say that he hopes Republicans can win Congress to start tackling crime across the country and "keep taxes low." Republicans are widely expected to take the House of Representatives, but control of the Senate remains a toss-up.

"I think we're gonna have a great night. I think it's gonna be great to the country. It's an honor to be here. They've done a fantastic job, but I think we're gonna have a very big night, and it's gonna be very exciting," Trump told reporters gathered outside the polling place.

Republicans across the country centered their campaigns around the economy, inflation and rising crime, leading to a significant advantage in polls just before Election Day.

This update was provided by Fox News' Anders Hagstrom.

Read more about how Trump's potential 2024 run has caused an apparent rift between him and DeSantis.

Posted by Kyle Morris

NAACP launches new measure to stop voter intimidation as Americans head to the polls

The NAACP announced Tuesday the rollout of a measure to fight voter intimidation as Americans across the country head to the polls. 

"As our democracy hangs in the balance – this election is too important to ignore," NAACP CEO and president Derrick Johnson said in a statement. "For anyone who has not voted yet – this is the final day to get out and make sure your voice is heard."

The NAACP said "recruited and trained legal professionals" would be heading to the polls to track any voter suppression reports via the Voter Incident Report Form. The organization stated they "encouraged" anyone experiencing issues at the polls to fill out the form. 

Reports issued via the form will be reviewed by a team of legal professionals in the NAACP's Office of General Counsel, who will then determine any next steps. 

Read more about the NAACP's announced measure to fight voter intimidation.

This update was provided by Fox News' Haley Chi-Sing.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Top Voter Issues: Abortion

The Supreme Court's June decision to overturn Roe v. Wade brought abortion to the forefront of national debate this summer. Until that decision, midterms messaging was focused almost entirely on the economy and crime, but the Supreme Court leak and subsequent ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization thrust the social issue into the midterms conversation and gave new momentum to Democrats. 

Many Democrat candidates refocused their midterms messaging to abortion following the SCOTUS decision. In fact, Planned Parenthood announced a record-breaking midterm spending plan of $50 million in key races, Fox News Digital reported

Democrats saw a bump in generic congressional polling and the midterms appeared more competitive for the first time all cycle. 

Despite heightened interest in abortion, especially among Democrat voters, some political commentators question the potency of the issue come election day, worrying that Democrat candidates might be leaning too heavily on the issue at a time when inflation and crime continue to top concerns of key voter blocs

Posted by Sophia Slacik

Biden avoids public Election Day appearance, taping radio interview and calling 'lid' before noon

President Biden steered clear of public appearances on Election Day, taping a single radio interview before calling it a day early.

Biden, who has actively campaigned and rallied for Democrats in several races across multiple states, laid low on Tuesday except for an interview taped earlier in the morning with the D.L. Hughley Show, which was expected to air later in the afternoon.

The president used the radio spot to tell Americans what the Biden-Harris Administration has delivered to the Black community in less than two years in office.

The White House called a lid at 11:20 a.m. before the noon pool call time with reporters.

This update was provided by Fox News' Stephen Sorace.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Biden’s final week of campaigning plagued with gaffes: ‘What’s his name?’

President Biden gaffed his way across the campaign trail in the final week leading up to Election Day.

Biden, who turns 80 this month, appeared at an extensive list of Democratic campaign events over the past week, where he had several verbal stumbles. The president referred to General Motor CEO Mary Barra as "Amy Barrett," who is a Supreme Court justice. He called Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D.-Fla., a "friend in the Senate."

During his final campaign event Monday night in Maryland, he appeared to forget the name of the candidate he was there to endorse.

"And, of course, you got that next governor. What’s his name? Wes… Wes…," Biden said, which sparked the audience to hold up their "Wes Moore" signs.

"Wes Moore!" Biden eventually said. "The guy’s the real deal, man."

Biden’s struggles on the campaign trail included statements that are easily disproven. The president claimed to have spoken to the creator of insulin, who in reality died before he was born. He repeated his debunked claim to have traveled 17,000 miles with Chinese President Xi Jin Ping.

This update was provided by Fox News' Patrick Hauf.

Read more about some of the troubling comments President Biden made as he stumped for Democratic candidates on the campaign trail.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Lifelong Georgia Democrat votes Republican for first time, says Biden 'opened my eyes'

Americans across the nation are heading to the ballot box to cast their vote, with inflation, crime, education and border security as the top concerns.

Some voters are turning to the GOP for the first time due to the past two years of Democratic leadership. 

"I've always voted Democrat, and as soon as [Biden] took office, I opened up my eyes," one lifelong Democrat told "Fox & Friends" enterprise reporter Lawrence Jones, citing crime, the border, education and the exit from Afghanistan.

"Enough is enough. I went this morning and I voted, and I voted all Republican."

Read more about this voter's decision to vote Republican.

This update was provided by Fox News' Madeline Coggins.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Residents of 1 Utah county may be forced to vote in person after ballot mailing delays

Mailing delays in Iron County, Utah, may force voters to cast their ballots in person, sparking concern over rural and elderly citizens who now must travel to polling centers, according to a local report.

Iron County Clerk Jon Whittaker told FOX13 Salt Lake City that some county residents only received their mail-in ballots the weekend before Election Day.

"From what I understand, many — I don’t dare say most — many were delivered by last Saturday," Whittaker said.

The ballots had been printed and ready to be mailed by Oct. 14, ahead of the Oct. 18 deadline, but a packaging mishap resulted in them getting mixed up with other mail, he told the station.

This update was provided by Fox News' Stephen Sorace.

Read more about how mailing delays are impacting residents in one county in Utah amid the midterm elections.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Stacey Abrams' Election Day message: 'I intend to be the next governor' of Georgia

Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams has unequivocally declared her intention to defeat incumbent Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in an Election Day message.

"My name is Stacey Abrams and I intend to be the next governor of the great state of Georgia," Abrams tweeted Tuesday, as voters head to the ballot box. 

Abrams, who unsuccessfully ran against Kemp in 2018, has trailed the Republican governor in the polls despite record fundraising. Her campaign has hauled in nearly $98 million , according to reports filed with the state election commission, while Kemp has raised more than $69 million. 

Though she is polling behind Kemp, Abrams has argued she will win the election Tuesday if voters can overcome alleged voter suppression tactics she has accused state Republicans of enacting since her 2018 loss.

This update was provided by Fox News' Chris Pandolfo.

Read more on how Democrat Stacey Abrams has declared her spot as governor of Georgia.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Biden’s campaign stops hurt Dems and boosted Republicans, GOP operatives say

President Joe Biden’s presence on the campaign trail failed to resonate with voters, GOP strategists say, and ended up hurting his Democratic colleagues in what Biden himself has said is "one of the most important elections in our lifetime."

Biden played it safe on the campaign trail over the past week as he visited mostly Democrat-heavy areas, but he already did damage to Democratic candidates with several appearances that failed to talk about issues that voters care about. GOP strategists said the shift in polling data toward Republicans in recent weeks can be attributed, at least in part, to Biden’s lackluster performance on the campaign trail.

Brendan Steinhauser, a consultant for GOP candidates, said Biden failed to create a message that can appeal to moderate voters.

This update was provided by Fox News' Patrick Hauf.

Read more about the impact of Biden's presence on the campaign trail for Democrat voters

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Pennsylvania ballot fight could drag on long after Election Day; thousands of votes in limbo

The legal fight in Pennsylvania over mail-in ballots with missing or incorrect dates could drag on for weeks after Election Day, forcing courts to make the final decision on whether thousands of votes can be counted.

The battle is playing out in both in state and federal court against the backdrop of a very close U.S. Senate race that may decide control of the upper chamber. On one side are Democrat officials and activist groups who want to allow mail-in votes to count despite "minor errors." On the other are state, local and national Republican committees insisting on strict adherence to state law on how to fill out these ballots.

"Past experience tells us these kinds of things can drag on for what seems like an eternity," Pennsylvania Republican Party general counsel Tom King told Fox News Digital.

"What we have going on is a mad scramble as we speak," King added.

The most high-profile ongoing litigation is a federal lawsuit from the NAACP and other groups – represented by the ACLU – that seeks to force officials to count mail ballots with incorrect or missing dates, despite a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling mandating they be sequestered. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who is running against Republican Mehmet Oz, later filed a similar federal suit.

This update was provided by Fox News' Tyler Olson.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Biden DOJ sends election monitors to 64 jurisdictions, a dramatic increase over 2020

President Biden's Justice Department sent out election monitors to 64 jurisdictions in 24 states to ensure federal laws are followed throughout Election Day.

While it is common practice for the DOJ to deploy election monitors, the move represents a sharp increase over 2020, when the DOJ sent out monitors to just 44 jurisdictions, according to the Washington Post. The monitors will have an outsized presence in several key battleground states, including Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

"Since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Civil Rights Division has regularly monitored elections in the field in jurisdictions around the country to protect the rights of voters. The Civil Rights Division will also take complaints from the public nationwide regarding possible violations of the federal voting rights laws through its call center," the DOJ wrote in a statement announcing the move.

Biden's White House has warned that results may not be clear on Election Day due to the process of counting mail-in ballots, which are often tallied after the in-person ballots cast on Election Day.

This update was provided by Fox News' Anders Hagstrom.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Midterm elections: All eyes on Virginia as Democrats attempt to hold off GOP in House

All eyes are on Virginia Tuesday as Democrats look to hold onto their control over the House of Representatives amid polls that suggests Republicans may sweep the lower chamber.

Neither Republicans nor Democrats flipped any Virginia House seats in 2020, but the election of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2021 and tight races in the 2nd, 7th and 10th districts could spell trouble for Democrats.

Incumbent Democrat Rep. Abigail Spanberger and her challenger Yesli Vega, a Republican currently serving on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors, is expected to be the race to watch in Virginia’s fight for the House. 

This update was provided by Fox News' Caitlin McFall.

Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Pennsylvania Senate candidates Oz, Fetterman vote in tight race

Republican Mehmet Oz and Democrat John Fetterman have cast their ballots Tuesday in Pennsylvania’s hotly contested Senate race.

"I'm very proud of how I've run this campaign. Pennsylvanians are sending a very clear message to Washington -- we want less radicalism, and more balance," Oz told a group a reporters that had gathered Tuesday after he cast his ballot at Bryn Athyn Borough Hall in Huntington Valley, north of Philadelphia.

"So I encourage everyone to vote, it's your duty," Oz added.

Fetterman, meanwhile, did not offer comments after  casting his vote at the New Hope Baptist Church in Braddock, a Pittsburgh suburb where he used to serve as mayor.

This update was provided by Fox News' Greg Norman.

Posted by Kyle Morris

DeSantis administration says federal poll monitors 'not permitted' at Florida polling sites

The DeSantis administration warned Biden’s Department of Justice late Monday that federal Election Day poll monitors are "not permitted" inside polling places under Florida law, and said Florida will send its own monitors to "ensure there is no interference in the voting process."

On Monday, the DOJ released a list of 64 jurisdictions within 24 states in which the department plans to send attorneys to "monitor for compliance with federal voting rights laws" on Election Day. Included in that list are Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties in Florida.

Brad McVay, general counsel to Florida's Department of State, told the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department in a Monday letter that the DOJ "seem[ed] to indicate" that these monitors will be placed inside polling places. However, he said that is not permitted.

"Section 102.031(3)(a) of the Florida Statutes lists the people who ‘may enter any polling room or polling place,'" McVay wrote. "Department of Justice personnel are not included on the list."

This update was provided by Fox News' Brianna Herlihy

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel discusses possible vote counting delays

Ronna McDaniel is making a final push for GOP candidates in Pennsylvania on Election Day, which she says is when most Republicans plan to vote in the state.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) chairwoman joined "Fox & Friends" with Pete Hegseth at Eagle Diner, outside Philadelphia, to discuss Election Day and how the RNC plans to ensure election fairness. McDaniel explained why she chose Bucks County to help Dr. Mehmet Oz in his final push to win a key Senate seat.

"This is a key county. It's going to be key to Republican victories. And we've seen today that Republicans vote on Election Day in Pennsylvania. So we're coming out and making sure everybody gets out and votes today," McDaniel said.

McDaniel explained that Democrats lead in absentee ballot voting and Republicans will need to overcome the margin by turning out on Tuesday.

"I was at Oz's rally last night, I asked the audience of over 1,000 people, how many of you voted? Not a single hand went up, so we got to get it all done today, she said. He's going to have to win by close to 60%. I think he will. But everyone has to get out and vote."

Posted by Ronn Blitzer
Breaking News

Philadelphia imposes last-minute election change that will slow down vote count

Philadelphia officials voted Tuesday morning to impose a last-minute rule change that will draw out the vote-count process.

The city's three-member elections board voted 2-1 in favor of imposing poll book reconciliation, a lengthy process intended to prevent double votes, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday. The reconciliation process would flag any mail-in ballots from voters who also cast ballots in person.

City commissioners made the eleventh-hour decision at a 7 a.m. meeting on Tuesday. The board is comprised of two Democrats and one Republican. The Republican voted in favor of the change, along with one of the Democrats, while the second Democrat objected.

This update was provided by Fox News' Anders Hagstrom.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Winsome Sears: Democrats 'starting to do damage control' after moving to the left

A “Fox & Friends First” panel featuring Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and Fox News contributor David Webb discussed when election results – and which party will control the House and Senate -- will be learned.

Huckabee believes that because of early voting, states will be able to count enough ballots so that the country will have answers before Election Day comes to an end.

“I think we absolutely will,” Huckabee. “I think we’re going to know who controls the governorships, the state legislatures, as well as the U.S. Senate. And it’s going to be the Republicans.”

Sears, a Republican, added that Democrats have "damaged their brand" by moving more to the left, putting Republicans in position to succeed.

One state that may not have all of its races decided on Election Day is Georgia. The Peach State will have a runoff election for Senate if neither Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock or Republican Herschel Walker garners a majority of the votes. The general election ballot includes Libertarian Chase Oliver. In the event of a runoff, only the top two candidates from the general election will be included. The runoff  will take place on December 6, if needed.

Depending on how other states’ races go, control of the Senate may not be determined until then.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Voters in Florida, Washington discuss their key issues on Election Day morning

'Fox & Friends Weekend' hosts Will Cain and Rachel Campos Duffy spoke to voters in Florida and Wisconsin on Election Day, hearing their concerns about issues like inflation and education.

Polls have opened in Florida and many voters interviewed say they want “accountability” and give their take on who they will be voting for today as they share breakfast with old friends and strangers. They share their concerns and what they hope this election will accomplish.

Voters in Wisconsin share their take on top issues that will bring them to the polls. These voters are happy to take a break from their morning meals to share with Rachel Campos Duffy. The border, inflation, education, and “the children” are top concerns for voters as they line up at their polling locations. One voter shares about her grocery shopping experience and the impact inflation has had on her life.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Zeldin: Voters ‘don’t want to be gaslit’ on crime, issue should not be ‘laughed off’

New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Rep. Lee Zeldin encouraged voters to go out to the polls Tuesday morning, slamming incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul and other Democrats for not addressing violent crime.

This is in response to Hochul claiming that Republicans are overplaying how bad crime is in the state.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Democrats spend hundreds of millions throughout election cycle campaigning on abortion

Democrats spent a whopping $320 million campaigning on abortion this cycle, while neglecting other pressing issues such as rising inflation, the tanking economy, the crisis at the southern border and crime.

According to AdImpact, Democrats spent only $140 million on ads related to crime and $31 million on advertisements addressing inflation, despite inflation hitting a 40-year-high and the economy being of top importance to the majority of voters.

Several Democratic candidates have used the topic of abortion to drive their campaigns, running ads that attempt to smear their GOP opponent's pro-life views, but would not specify their position on abortion and what limitations, if any, they supported.

Despite making abortion a midterm focus and investing hundreds of millions of crucial campaign funds into the topic, a recent New York Times national poll found that only 5% of registered voters believe that abortion is the most important issue facing our country today, while the majority of voters, 26%, believe the economy to be the top issue.

The national poll also found that the issue of inflation was of top concern to 18% of respondents. The New York Times survey was conducted Oct. 9 to 12 with a margin of error of 4.0 percentage points. 

Posted by Aubrie Spady

What are the top voter issues in the midterms?

1. Growing Inflation

Inflation is top concern of voters in the 2022 midterms, consistently ranking highest on voters' list of priorities throughout the election cycle. Unlike most political issues, inflation affects every single voter making it an especially potent force in this year's midterms.

2. Crime and a spike in crime rates

Major cities across the U.S. in Red and Blue states have seen a surge in violent crime since the pandemic, with homicides hitting historic highs in 2020 and 2021. 

3. Abortion and abortion rights

Many Democrat candidates refocused their midterms messaging to abortion following the SCOTUS decision. In fact, Planned Parenthood announced a record-breaking midterm spending plan of $50 million in key races, Fox News Digital reported

4. Immigration and border security

The issue has remained a central theme throughout the midterms, consistently polling high on the list of voter concerns according to national polls.

5. Threats to Democracy

Threats to democracy has been an issue of top importance to Democrats in the midterms, topping out inflation and abortion in several national polls. 

Posted by Sophia Slacik

Trump-backed candidates look to defeat opposition in Tuesday midterm elections

Over the last year, former President Trump issued several endorsements for candidates who are featured on ballots in this year's midterm elections.

Trump issued a total of 493 endorsements this year, with 240 of those being primary endorsements. Trump's primary endorsements had a 92% success rate. For the general election, Trump issued 253 endorsements.

GOP Senate candidates who have received Trump's endorsement in key states include Blake Masters in Arizona, Kelly Tshibaka in Alaska, Herschel Walker in Georgia, Adam Laxalt in Nevada, JD Vance in Ohio, Dr. Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania, Ron Johnson in Wisconsin, and Dan Bolduc in New Hampshire.

Trump's endorsement in the 2022 elections had a significant impact on Republicans who previously voted to impeach him. Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington, Liz Cheney of Wyoming, Peter Meijer of Michigan, and Tom Rice of South Carolina all lost their primary elections.

One of Trump's most notable endorsements came when we endorsed Cheney's primary challenger, Harriet Hageman, in the Wyoming U.S. House race. Cheney, who serves as vice chair of the House January 6 Committee, conceded to Hageman in the state's August 16 election.

Posted by Kyle Morris

How will the midterms affect the Biden presidency?

While the presidency is not on the ballot during midterm election years, the midterms generally serve as a litmus test for the president’s popularity halfway through his term in office. 

The outcome of the 2022 midterms will set the stage for the latter half of Biden’s term in office, as well as the 2024 presidential election. If the Democratic Party can hold onto a majority in one or both chambers, Biden should find it relatively easier to achieve his political agenda with the help of a Democrat-controlled Congress. If Republicans gain House and Senate majorities, Biden will find it increasingly more difficult to pull off significant legislative victories, and will likely see Republican-led investigations launched into his presidency.

Posted by Sophia Slacik

How many seats do Republicans need to win the House?

Democrats currently hold a slim majority in the House with 222 seats, versus 213 seats in Republican control. This means that Republicans need to pick up just 5 seats in order to reach the 218 seats needed to hold a majority.

Republicans are favored to regain a majority in the House, according to most race projections. Fox News' Power Rankings forecast that Republicans will pick up 23 seats to hold a 236 seat majority in the lower chamber.

Historically, the president’s party loses 29 House seats, on average, in his first midterm election, according to a Council on Foreign Relations report.

Each midterm election cycle, all 435 seats within the House of Representatives are up for election, compared to about one-third of Senate seats. At the state level, 36 states hold elections for governor and other local officials in midterm years.

Posted by Sophia Slacik

Elon Musk encourages people to vote Republican in midterms

Billionaire Twitter CEO Elon Musk  endorsed Republicans for the midterm election cycle on Monday, telling voters to cast ballots for a Republican Congress.

Musk's announcement comes months after he first announced plans to vote Republican earlier this year. He argued Monday that having a government split between two parties is ideal, and noted President Biden's possession of the White House for Democrats before saying Congress should go to Republicans.

"To independent-minded voters: Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic," Musk wrote.

Musk's endorsement follows through on his vow to vote Republican in May.

This update was provided by Fox News' Anders Hagstrom.

Posted by Kyle Morris

How will the midterms affect the stock market?

Regardless of who holds onto or gains power from the midterm election, the result will affect investors and the stock market for weeks to come. Moreover, the rising cost of living and persistent inflation may accelerate depending on the volatility of the stock market's reaction.

By definition, the United States is already in a recession. The most widely used definition of a recession is two straight quarters of falling gross domestic product. The U.S. GDP fell at a 0.9% annualized rate in the second quarter, following a 1.6% decline in the first quarter of 2022.

Not since the midterm election in 1929 has a recession begun during a president's third year in office. To have a rough idea of how election results will affect the stock market, we must evaluate past midterm elections.

Posted by Kyle Morris

Top Voter Issues: Crime

Major cities across the U.S. in Red and Blue states have seen a surge in violent crime since the pandemic, with homicides hitting historic highs in 2020 and 2021. 

According to figures from the Council on Criminal Justice, homicides in 2022 are still 39% higher than during the same period in 2019, with property crimes, violent crimes, and drug offenses also seeing increases this year.

As the party traditionally tied to law and order, Republicans have made crime a key part of their midterms messaging, frequently calling out Democrat opponents who previously supported defunding the police in the aftermath of Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. 

Crime has continued to poll higher on voters' concerns in the final weeks of the midterms, often coming in second to inflation, with a majority of voters trusting Republicans over Democrats on crime by a 15 point margin, according to a Fox News Poll. 

Posted by Sophia Slacik

ELECTION DAY: What time do polls open and close across the nation?

Here is Fox News Digital's guide to when polls close and open across the country on Election Day.

A number of states conduct their elections primarily by mail, however voters can still vote in person within the timeframe polls are open if they choose to do so.

Make sure to check with your local election officials for any changes to poll opening and closing times, or for updated voting location information or additional variations not listed.

Posted by Ronn Blitzer

Pennsylvania voters reveal how the Oz-Fetterman debate will impact their vote

Pennsylvania voters shared differing opinions on how heavily the debate between Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman influenced their vote ahead of Tuesday's midterm election.

"It did," one woman, Yahneinpolor, told Fox News. "Because when they asked Fetterman a question, he continued to just not say the right answer."

But another woman, Karen, said "not at all."

Posted by Landon Mion

Biden says Democrats will have 'tough' time keeping House majority

President Biden told reporters on Monday that he was "optimistic" about Tuesday's midterm elections, but admitted it would be a "tough" race for Democrats when it comes to keeping control of the House.

"I'm feeling, feeling optimistic. But I'm always optimistic," Biden said as he arrived at the White House. He campaigned for Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Maryland gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore at Bowie State University earlier that day.

Biden responded less enthusiastically when a reporter asked if Democrats could keep their House majority.

"I think it's going to be tough, but I think we can," Biden replied.

"I think we'll win the Senate. I think the House is tougher," he added.

Posted by Andrea Vacchiano

DEMOCRACY 2022: Voters head to the polls with congressional balance of power on the line

President Biden predicts that Democrats will "surprise the living devil out of a lot of people" in Tuesday’s midterm elections, when roughly a third of the Senate, all 435-members of the House of Representatives, and governors’ offices in 36 of the 50 states are up for grabs.

But with Democrats facing historical headwinds — the party that wins the White House traditionally suffers major setbacks in the ensuing midterm elections — and a very rough political climate fueled by record inflation, soaring crime and a crisis at the nation’s southern border, all accentuated by his own rebounding but still underwater approval ratings, the president’s election eve forecast appears optimistic.

Republicans are aiming to regain majorities in both the House of Representatives and Senate in Tuesday’s contests, while maintaining and potentially increasing their current control of a majority of governorships and state legislative chambers.

Posted by Landon Mion

What are the key toss-up Senate races?

The Senate remains a toss-up. Fox News' Power Rankings show 47 seats going to the Democrats and 49 to the Republicans, leaving four crucial toss-up races to decide control of the Senate: Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania. 

Arizona: Blake Masters vs Sen. Mark Kelly

Tech venture capitalist and Republican nominee Blake Masters is challenging Democrat incumbent Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired astronaut, who has held the seat since defeating Martha McSally in a 2020 special election. 

Georgia: Herschel Walker vs Sen. Raphael Warnock

Democratic incumbent and Baptist pastor Sen. Raphael Warnock, who was elected in a 2021 special election, faces off against scandal-ridden, Trump-endorsed Herschel Walker on November 8.  

Nevada: Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto vs Adam Laxalt

In Nevada, Democrat incumbent Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto is facing Republican challenger Adam Laxalt in a race that many political pundits are saying will determine the majority party in the Senate.

Pennsylvania: John Fetterman vs Oz

Pennsylvania is another Senate race that has political analysts scratching their heads where a pair of atypical candidates has garnered nationwide attention. John Fetterman and Dr. OZ are on the ballot this Tuesday.

Posted by Sophia Slacik

Top Voter Issues: Threats to Democracy

Threats to democracy has been an issue of top importance to Democrats in the midterms, topping out inflation and abortion in several national polls. 

President Joe Biden has called attention to the issue in recent campaign speeches, denouncing "extreme MAGA Republicans" and the threat they pose to democracy. This point was central to Biden's "Battle for the Soul of the Nation" speech in Pennsylvania where he accused MAGA Republicans of waging an "assault on American democracy."

In Congress, Democrats have attempted to keep this issue front-and-center ahead of the midterms. The House Select Committee's investigation into the January 6th Capitol riot has held numerous public hearings attempting to prove former President Donald Trump undermined democracy in the aftermath of January 6th. Last week, House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina went as far as to say that the U.S. is "on track to repeat" Germany in the 1930's, in a recent interview with Fox New Digital.

On the trail, some Democrat candidates have pointed to their Republican opponents' refusal to accept the 2020 election results as a key sticking point in their campaign messaging, though some political analysts warn this strategy will hurt Democrats as they shift the focus off economic issues.

Posted by Sophia Slacik

Live Coverage begins here