In Washington, D.C., all eyes are waiting the outcome of the 2018 midterm elections on November 6, 2018. Many predict the Democrats will pick-up approximately 40 seats in the House and take the majority. In the Senate, majority control will be determined by several toss-up elections in Florida, Missouri, Floria, Indiana, Nevada, and Arizona. Republicans should maintain, and potentially expand, their majority in the Senate thanks to a favorable electoral map.
If Democrats take control of the House, key committees and leadership positions will be reorganized by the new party in power. Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) is widely expected to become the next Speaker. It is unknown who House Democrats will appoint as chairs in key committees but based on seniority, likely contenders for the most powerful chairmanships are Representatives Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) for the Agriculture Committee, Nita Lowey (D-New York) for the Appropriations Committee, Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) for the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona) for the Natural Resources Committee, and Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) for the Energy & Commerce Committee.