Cobb voters weigh open governor seat as national split emerges

Voters in Cobb County are heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for a midterm election that determines control of Congress halfway through President Donald Trump's second term. In Georgia, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to Ballotpedia. Residents in Sandy Springs, Marietta, and other county towns are casting ballots for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and state executive offices. The state also has three ballot measures on the ballot regarding conservation property taxes, probate judges, and a new 9-1-1 fund.

Georgia voters are facing a significant choice for governor, as the seat is open with no incumbent running. According to the Associated Press, Republican health care executive Rick Jackson is challenging Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. This race is part of a broader national trend where 19 of the 36 governor races are open seats. Fifteen governors are term limited, while Iowa's Kim Reynolds, Minnesota's Tim Walz, and Wisconsin's Tony Evers chose not to run. Rhode Island's Daniel McKee lost his primary, leaving his seat open as well.

The national landscape shows a precise split in governorships. Heading into this election, Republicans hold 26 governor's offices and Democrats hold 24. Of the 36 offices on the ballot, each party holds 18, according to Ballotpedia. Democrats need a net gain of two governorships to achieve a nationwide majority, a status Republicans have held since 2010. This balanced slate makes every state race critical for shifting the overall balance of executive power across the country.

Nine states are considered battlegrounds for the governor's office, including Georgia. Other competitive races are underway in Alaska, Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, and Wisconsin. In Georgia, the state voted for Trump in 2024 by a 2.2 point margin, making the race for the governor's mansion particularly close. In Nevada, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo faces Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford. In Ohio, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is running against Democrat Amy Acton.

Beyond the governor's race, Georgia voters are also deciding the fate of U.S. Senate seat held by incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. He is running against Republican Representative Mike Collins. The Associated Press notes that this is one of the key matchups in a Senate race where Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control. Republicans hold 53 Senate seats, while Democrats hold 45, plus two independents who caucus with Democrats. Eleven senators are not running again, including four Democrats and seven Republicans.

Across the nation, 35 of 100 Senate seats are up for grabs. This includes 33 regular elections and two special elections for the rest of the terms Marco Rubio and JD Vance were elected to in 2022. The Associated Press reports that 13 races are considered battlegrounds. In Maine, Senator Susan Collins faces Democratic former state Senate President Troy Jackson. In Michigan, Republican former Representative Mike Rogers is running against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging Democrat James Talarico.

The mood in the country is described by the Associated Press as a referendum on Trump's second term, with voters struggling with high prices and anger over an unpopular war with Iran. AP-NORC polling indicates that 35% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance, while about seven in 10 say the country is heading in the wrong direction. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states.

Republican committees have outraised and outspent Democratic committees, helped by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents. The Associated Press analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated that everything depends on turnout, while DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene said the American people are angry and want change.

A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan it says would prevent noncitizen voting on Monday. Critics argue this risks disenfranchising eligible voters and infringes on states' authority over elections. The U.S. Postal Service added hours and staff to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. In Georgia, voters can find their polling place at vote.gov, and anyone in line when polls close is entitled to vote.

The stakes for this election extend beyond Congress. If Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries would be the first Black speaker if Democrats take the House. A strong Democratic night could also boost potential 2028 candidates like Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg. Republicans attempted to beat the midterm pattern with redistricting, but new districts in states like Florida and Texas may not vote as drawn. The results will also impact investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations, according to Reuters.