With Election Day just over a week away, two key Midwestern races—in Indiana and Illinois—are drawing attention. In Indiana, term-limited Republican Governor Eric Holcomb’s departure opens up a heated gubernatorial contest.
Republican U.S. Senator Mike Braun, leading by around nine points in the polls, promises a focus on maintaining Indiana’s current policies on gun laws and abortion.
His Democratic challenger, Jennifer McCormick, a former state schools chief, advocates for stricter gun regulations and more accessible abortion laws. Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater, polling between 7% and 9%, offers a third-party alternative.
In Illinois, U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen D of the 17th District faces a tight congressional race against retired Judge Joe McGraw R. Sorensen, who emphasizes his non-political background and bipartisan approach, highlights his record on economic and healthcare issues.
McGraw, a trained mediator, aims to address concerns about the economy, immigration, and abortion. This district race holds significant weight, as its outcome could potentially shift the balance of power in Congress.