18 races to follow for the 2018 midterms

Primary season is over and the midterm elections are approaching. Here are 18 of the most interesting and important races to follow this November.

Yes, we know that you’re probably sick to death of election season. Those election ads have invaded not only our primetime television and cable channels, but online distractions, too. Take heart, though: midterms will be done once Tuesday, Nov. 6 is over.

Even if you’re not completely down with the political hullabaloo of elections, there’s a lot to pay attention to this season. First of all, elections are an important part of American life. After all, you’re voting to pick a representative or two (or even more) to speak up for you on the federal level.

Also, this election holds some important lessons about the direction of American politics. More and more, it looks as if political polarization is the name of the game, with increasingly conservative and progressive candidates winning recognition in their races. In 2016, it looked like ultra conservative politicians were set to win it all, especially with the election of Republican Donald Trump to the White House.

Is that really what’s happening, however? As with many other midterms, it looks like the reigning political party — in this case, Republicans — have cause to be worried. Democrats and other, more progressive candidates have been gaining a lot of traction this season. So, too, have women candidates, who have formed a “pink wave” that could prove to be historic.

So, breathe, take a second to leave behind any lingering political dread, and dive in to election season. You don’t have to get into the nitty gritty of every single political contest, at least. Here are 18 of the most interesting, potentially high stakes elections that we’re likely to see this election season.