These six House races are ones to watch in this year’s election

WASHINGTON (AP) — Resources are pouring into the few truly competitive congressional races expected to help determine the balance of power in Washington next year.

Democrats need to flip just four seats to take back control of the House, while Republicans hope to expand their majority and make it easier to get priorities over the finish line, something they have struggled to do in a divided government.

While the most hotly contested House races tend to involve newer incumbents still building their name recognition, a few long-time veterans of Congress are facing competitive contests as well due to demographic shifts in their districts.

Overall, House control is likely to come down to the 16 Republican-controlled districts that Democratic President Joe Biden carried in 2020 and the five Democratic-controlled districts that Republican Donald Trump won. Such districts are rich targets for both parties.

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Here’s a look at six of these toss-up races to watch this fall.

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