Our news cycles are consumed with the presidential election, which isn’t unexpected, given that it’s the beginning of spring in an election year. .
When considering the impact of one's political support leading up to the November elections, focusing on local and statewide candidates for the House and Senate in battleground states holds significant importance.
While the presidential race garners substantial attention, the outcomes of local and statewide elections can have profound effects on governance and policy-making at a more immediate and tangible level.
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Significance of Local and Statewide Elections
Local and statewide candidates play crucial roles in shaping policies that directly impact communities. State legislatures have authority over issues like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, making them pivotal in addressing local needs effectively.
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Electoral College System Overview
Contrary to the understanding of many people outside the United States, an American president is not elected simply by winning more of the popular vote.
As Attorney Michael Epstein explains, “The Electoral College, comprising 538 electors, determines the President based on state-level results. Each state's electors are allocated based on Congressional representation, with a majority of 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.”
Impact on Battleground States
Battleground states hold particular significance as they can sway the overall election outcome. By supporting House and Senate candidates in these states, voters can influence policies at both state and federal levels.
The reality is that the November election will be decided by the result in six battleground states. These are the states that will ultimately determine the race to 270:
Wisconsin: A pivotal state with 10 electoral votes that could be crucial in determining the election outcome.
Michigan: With 16 electoral votes, Michigan has been a predictive state for presidential outcomes and is expected to play a significant role in the election.
Arizona: Biden's victory in Arizona marked a significant shift, making its 11 electoral votes key in the upcoming election.
Pennsylvania: A battleground state with 20 electoral votes that has historically played a crucial role in presidential elections.
Georgia: After Biden's surprising win in 2020, Georgia has become a swing state with its 16 electoral votes being highly contested.
Nevada: Another swing state with 6 electoral votes that could impact the election outcome significantly.
Local vs. Presidential Influence
Ultimately, while the presidential race captures attention, local and statewide candidates often have more direct influence on constituents' daily lives. Their decisions shape healthcare access, education quality, and infrastructure development.
About Aron Solomon
A Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer, Aron Solomon, JD, is the chief strategy officer for Amplify. He has taught entrepreneurship at McGill University and the University of Pennsylvania, and was elected to Fastcase 50, recognizing the top 50 legal innovators in the world. Aron has been featured in Newsweek, Fast Company, Fortune, Forbes, CBS News, CNBC, USA Today, ESPN, Abogados, Today’s Esquire, TechCrunch, The Hill, BuzzFeed, Venture Beat, The Independent, Fortune China, Yahoo!, ABA Journal, Law.com, The Boston Globe, and many other leading publications across the globe.
