Competitive races in dozens of states provided insights into what voters are thinking ahead of 2024
including further evidence that voters remain motivated by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which helped propel Democrats to victories in Kentucky and Virginia
Voters in the conservative state of Ohio approved two ballot measures. The first will enshrine the right to reproductive care, including access to abortion, in the state constitution
The second will legalize recreational marijuana use. Both amendments required 50% thresholds after voters rejected a measure this year to raise the threshold.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, defeated Republican state Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who has defended the state's abortion ban
In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, defeated Democrat Brandon Presley.Virginia held elections for the state Senate and House
Democrats held control of the upper chamber and flipped the state House.
The fight for control of the Senate had largely been painted as a vote on whether the state would further restrict abortion.