Polls close on East Coast, with several races expected bellwethers on who controls House

Most polls along the the East Coast were closed by 8:30 p.m., but there was clear indication which races had been won or whether Republicans appeared poised to keep control of the chamber.

Among the first signs will be the outcome of the the 7th congressional district race in Virginia, where Republican Derrick Anderson is trying to win the seat of Democrat Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is now running for governor. 

A victory there could indicate Republicans ability to add to their eight-seat edge in the 435-seat House. They have 220 seats, compared to Democrats' 212, with three vacancies. 

All 435 seats are up for grabs Tuesday, and the party holding the gavel in January will likely be decided by less than 20 competitive races.

There are also seven swing districts in New York that could determine control of the chamber. 

Five of those districts are currently held by first-term Republicans, including Long Island districts one and four, Hudson Valley districts 17, and 19 as well as the 22nd congressional district in Syracuse. Districts three and 18 are represented by Democrats.

There are six competitive races in California that will influence which party wins the majority, in districts 13, 22, 27, 41, 45 and 47.

Other races to watch include the contest between Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who is running for reelection against state Senator Tony Vargas as well as Alabama’s second district race between Democrat Shomari Figures and Republican Caroleene Dobson, both lawyers.

Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., who represents the first congressional district in the state, is fighting to hold his seat against Republican Laurie Buckhout, in a closely-watched tight race.