These are some of the biggest races on Election Day in Delaware. What to keep an eye on
This story has been updated to correct who the Republican challenger is for the U.S. House seat in Delaware.
With the general election just around the corner, many eyes are on the presidential candidates at the top of the party tickets. But Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump aren't the only two people on the ballot in the First State.
Here are some Delaware-specific races to keep an eye on this election:
1. Seat in the U.S. Senate
Three Delawareans will fight for the seat in the U.S. Senate vacated by longtime Sen. Tom Carper, who announced his retirement from politics last year. U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester launched her campaign to replace Carper one month after the announcement, with Carper publicly calling on her to run as the Democratic candidate.
If elected, Blunt Rochester would be the first Black Delawarean and the first woman to represent The First State in the U.S. Senate – and possibly the third Black woman ever in the country’s history.
Blunt Rochester faces two challengers: Republican Eric Hansen and Independent Dr. Mike Katz. Hansen is a Wilmington resident and businessman, while Katz is an anesthesiologist and former Delaware state senator. If Katz is elected, he would be Delaware's first Independent U.S. senator.
2. U.S. House of Representatives
With Blunt Rochester's running for the available Senate seat, the role of Delaware's sole representative in the House is up for grabs. And like the U.S. Senate race, the victor has the chance to make history.
Democratic state Sen. Sarah McBride would be the first transgender person elected to federal office if she wins in November, as well as the youngest elected official Delaware has sent to Washington since President Joe Biden’s U.S. Senate win in 1972.
McBride faces Republican John Whalen III, a political newcomer and Wilmington native who resides in Millsboro. Whalen retired after a 20-year career at Delaware State Police and formed a residential construction company.
3. The governor's race
The highest-ranking position within the state's government has narrowed to two candidates after a tight race for the Democratic nomination in the primaries. New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer will serve as that party's candidate and will face House Minority Leader Mike Ramone.
4. Lieutenant governor
With Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long's leaving her post for a now-failed bid for governor, two candidates with backgrounds in the state legislature will face off to replace her. Sen. Kyle Evans Gay is running as the Democratic candidate against Republican former Rep. Ruth Briggs King.
5. Statehouse races
Many races in the statehouse are uncontested, meaning the winner of the primary election – if one was even held – automatically assumes the position. Still, there are plenty of races to keep an eye on.
In the Senate, two incumbent Democrats are facing challenges for their seats. And in the House, 21 seats are contested.
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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware elections overview: key races to watch statewide