WASHINGTON _ Democrats will get some early signals on election night of whether they should start breaking out the champagne or gird for disappointment.
Bellwether competitive House districts in the Eastern time zone stretch from upstate New York to Florida and include economically struggling former industrial hubs, affluent suburbs and diverse urban regions. Some are must-wins for Democrats to have a chance at flipping the House, while the results in others would provide a glimpse into whether there'll be a "blue wave" that convincingly sweeps Republicans out of power in Congress.
Democrats need to win 23 House districts now held by Republicans. Polls, including President Donald Trump's low approval ratings, fundraising and history give them strong odds of success.
No single race will determine which way the House will fall, and the outcome may not be known until well after Election Day ends. There also are as many as 65 House seats in play on Nov. 6, including at least seven in California, and there are bound to be surprises.
But below are some key races that'll provide early signs of where the votes are going on Election Day.
