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Key US midterm races to watch - and when to watch them

Americans began casting votes early today to determine the balance of power in the US Congress
Americans began casting votes early today to determine the balance of power in the US Congress

If you plan to stay up late tonight to follow the midterm elections in the US, here are some interesting races to watch.

Americans began casting votes early today to determine the balance of power in the US Congress and shape the future of US Donald Trump's presidency.


Florida - Polls close at midnight Irish time

Florida is always an important state in US elections and this time is no different. Democrat Andrew Gillum is hoping to become the state's first African American governor.

His Republican opponent is Ron DeSantis, a conservative backed by US President Donald Trump. The outgoing Governor of Florida is Republican Rick Scott. He’s running for Senate against the Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.


Georgia - Polls close at midnight Irish time 

In Georgia, Democrat Stacey Abrams is hoping to become the first African American woman to be elected governor in the US.

Her Republican opponent Brian Kemp is Georgia's Secretary of State and oversees the state's electoral system. He's been accused of voter suppression but at the weekend he launched an investigation into claims that Democrats were being investigated for trying to hack the state's voter registration system.


Indiana - Polls close at midnight Irish time

The incumbent Democratic Senator Joe Donnelly is under pressure from his Republican challenger Mike Braun.


Texas - Polls close at 1am Irish time

In Texas, Democrats are hoping to win their first Senate seat in 30 years. Their candidate is the very high profile Beto O'Rourke and he's taking on the incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz.


Missouri - Polls close at 1am Irish time

The incumbent Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill is seen as vulnerable and may lose her seat to her Republican challenger Josh Hawley. Mr Trump is fighting hard for this seat and chose Missouri as the location for his final campaign rally.


Nevada - Polls close at 2am Irish time

Nevada has the only sitting Republican Senator up for re-election in a state won by Hillary Clinton. His name is Dean Heller and his Democratic challenger is Jacky Rosen.


Montana - Polls close at 3am Irish time

The incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Tester is in a battle for survival against his Republican opponent Matt Rosendale.