Tuesday’s elections will be shaped by the politics of abortion. Here are the major races to watch

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The upcoming off-year general election on Tuesday will be significantly influenced by the politics surrounding abortion. This election will play a pivotal role in determining the next governor in two states and shed light on the impact of abortion rights on American politics.

In Kentucky, voters will decide whether to grant a second term to Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, in a predominantly Republican state. On the other hand, Mississippi’s Republican Governor, Tate Reeves, is seeking re-election, facing a challenge from a relative of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley.

Abortion access has emerged as a prominent issue in these and other races across the nation. In Ohio, voters will cast their ballots on a constitutional amendment supported by abortion rights groups, aiming to protect access to abortion services. Meanwhile, both Democrats and Republicans in Virginia have campaigned vigorously for control of the state legislature, with abortion policies serving as a central point of contention.

Let’s take a closer look at these key races:

Kentucky Governor:
Governor Beshear is running for a second term in a state that strongly favored Donald Trump in two presidential elections. The GOP nominee, Daniel Cameron, previously served as the state attorney general. Beshear has criticized Kentucky’s restrictive abortion laws, particularly for their lack of exceptions in cases of rape and incest. He also vetoed a proposal that sought to ban abortions after 15 weeks. In contrast, Cameron supports the state’s existing abortion law but has indicated a willingness to sign a bill amending it to include exceptions for rape and incest, though specifics have at times been unclear. Beshear’s election in 2019 marked a narrow victory over the incumbent GOP governor, Matt Bevin. If Cameron wins, he would become the first Black Republican governor since the Reconstruction era.

Ohio Constitutional Amendment on Abortion:
Ohio voters will decide on a crucial constitutional amendment aimed at safeguarding access to abortion services. This measure would establish the right to make and implement one’s reproductive decisions, covering areas such as abortion, contraception, and fertility treatment. It would also permit abortion bans once it’s determined that the fetus can survive outside the womb, except when a physician deems that continuing the pregnancy would jeopardize the patient’s life or health. Notably, a previous measure attempting to impede this abortion proposal was rejected by voters in August, underscoring the significance of reproductive rights in the state.

Virginia General Assembly:
Control of both chambers of Virginia’s state legislature hangs in the balance, with Republicans holding a narrow majority in the state House, while Democrats lead in the state Senate. The outcome of these elections could potentially give Republicans full control of state government, paving the way for Governor Glenn Youngkin to implement a ban on abortions after 15 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, and situations where the mother’s life is at risk. Democratic candidates have placed substantial emphasis on this issue in their campaigns.

These major races reflect the critical role that abortion politics plays in shaping the electoral landscape. In addition to these pivotal contests, 346 races in 12 states will be closely watched, with notable elections in Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and several mayoral races, each carrying its unique significance in the political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about abortion politics

More about abortion politics

• Kentucky Governor’s Race
• Ohio Abortion Amendment
• Virginia General Assembly Control
• Mississippi Governor’s Race
• Pennsylvania Supreme Court Seat
• Rhode Island U.S. House District 1 Special Election
• Mayoral Races in Houston, Uvalde, Bridgeport
• New York City Council District 9 Race