With eight U.S. senators (more than 25 percent of the entire 2012 group standing for re-election) already announcing their retirements when the current Congress concludes, another very active campaign cycle is at our doorstep. But the Senate is not the only body that will feature a large number of open seats next year. In 2010, 43 House seats featured no incumbent, a number a bit larger than usual; but it’s possible the vacancy figure will be even higher in the coming election. Counting the dozen new seats from reapportionment, it is conceivable that the current number of 2012 open House races could soon reach 30 (12 new seats, 6 announcements, 12 potential statewide candidacies).
The PDF chart linked below shows the definite and possible open seats, as we know them today. A “possible” vacancy is one in which the incumbent has publicly verified that he or she is at least considering running for another office. No member has yet said they will retire outright.
Click the link below to view the chart re-capping the seats that are open today, and those that soon may be:
House Election Spreadsheet – 2012 Open Seat Chart.pdf
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