by Jacob Rubashkin November 26, 2024 · 3:51 PM EST
The second time isn’t always the charm.
In nearly half of the most competitive House races of 2024, one or both of the major nominees were repeat candidates. But while returning House hopefuls often bring real advantages to the table — they can avoid expensive primaries, have existing donor networks, and sometimes even have residual name ID — almost all of 2024’s cohort fell short once again.
Of the 27 Democratic and Republican nominees in competitive races in 2024 who were also their party’s nominee in 2022, just four of them went from defeat to victory. A fifth, Democrat Adam Gray in California’s 13th District, remains in the hunt.
Moreover, 12 of the 27 didn’t even improve upon their 2022 performance, winning a smaller share of the vote than they had the first time.
(This count doesn’t include candidates such as Virginia’s Derrick Anderson or Wisconsin’s Rebecca Cooke, who ran in 2022 and lost in their primary before winning the nomination in 2024, or candidates such as Oregon’s Jamie McLeod-Skinner, who was the Democratic nominee in 2022 but lost the primary in 2024.)
Both parties returned roughly equivalent numbers of nominees in competitive races — 14 Republicans and 13 Democrats. And there wasn’t a clear pattern among the winners and losers. Two winners are Republicans, and two or three of the winners are Democrats, depending on the result in California’s 13th.
But on the whole, returning Republican candidates improved, increasing their vote share by 1.65 percent on average. Democratic candidates lost ground, dropping an average of 0.5 percent in vote share.
The Winners Perhaps unsurprisingly, the four successful repeat candidates were also among the most improved from last cycle.
Republicans Tom Barrett (Michigan) and Nick Begich III (Alaska), and Democrats Laura Gillen and Josh Riley (both New York) all increased their vote share by more than 2 percentage points.
Begich was the most improved candidate of the cycle, though Alaska’s unique ranked-choice system makes it more difficult to make a direct comparison to other candidates — or to his own 2022 performance.
This year, Begich defeated incumbent Mary Peltola by 2.6 points after the ranked choice voting tabulation, 51.3-48.7 percent. In 2022, Begich placed third in the general election, behind Peltola and former Gov. Sarah Palin, with just 23.3 percent. Using Alaska’s “cast vote record,” researchers at University of Colorado simulated a final round matchup between Peltola and Begich, rather than Peltola and Palin, and found that Peltola would have defeated Begich by 55.4-44.6 percent.
That means Begich increased his vote share by 6.7 percent from 2022, by far the largest increase of any repeat candidate. The difference in margin between his two races was a whopping 13.4 points in his favor.
Barrett, who won Michigan’s 7th District, increased his vote share by 4 points, from 46.3 percent to 50.3 percent. But Barrett had the benefit of running against a new candidate, former Democratic state Sen. Curtis Hertel, rather than his 2022 opponent, Rep. Elissa Slotkin. Hertel, a career politician, was less compelling than the former CIA officer Slotkin and trailed Barrett for the entire election.
Every Republican repeat candidate who ran for an open seat improved on their performance from 2022, though Barrett was the only one of that bunch to win.
Gillen, the Long Island Democrat who defeated Rep. Anthony D’Esposito on her second try, improved her share of the vote by 3 points from 48.2 to 51.2 percent.
Unlike in 2022, Gillen did not face a competitive, expensive and late primary that hamstrung her ahead of the general election. That year, Gillen raised just $1.8 million overall — this year, she raised at least three times as much ($6.1 million through Oct. 16). She also benefitted from a slightly improved political environment in New York relative to the midterms. In both 2022 and 2024, Gillen outran the top of the Democratic ticket by roughly 2 points. In 2022, when Gov. Kathy Hochul lost the district by 5.7 points, that was not enough for Gillen to win. But in 2024, Kamala Harris won a narrow plurality, enough for Gillen to flip the 4th.
Riley, the other New York Democrat, increased his vote share by 2.2 points from 2022, bouncing back from a 51.5-48.9 percent loss to Republican Marc Molinaro to a 51.1-49.4 percent victory.
Like Gillen, Riley raised significantly more money as a second-time candidate (at least $8.7 million vs. $4.2 million) and benefitted from an improved environment in New York. Hochul lost his district by 6.7 points in 2022 but Harris carried it by a fraction of a percent in 2024. And unlike in 2022, when New York’s tortured redistricting process pushed Riley to run in three different districts before settling in the 19th, the Democrat had to contend with just one minor redistricting change this year.
So Close, Yet So Far A number of candidates improved considerably from their 2022 showings but still fell short of outright victory.
In Texas’ 34th District, former Rep. Mayra Flores won 48.7 percent of the vote in her comeback attempt after winning just 44.2 percent against fellow Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in 2022, an increase of 4.5 percent.
Flores raised more money in 2024, but also received a massive boost from the top of the ticket, as Donald Trump surged to carry this district by 5 points after losing it by 15 points in 2020.
In Iowa’s 1st District, Democrat Christina Bohannan came heartbreakingly close to avenging her 2022 loss to GOP Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. While the race is officially in a recount, Bohannan trails by 796 votes.
Bohannan increased her share of the vote from 46.6 percent to 49.9 percent, even as Harris lost ground in the district relative to 2020, losing it by 8.4 points (according to elections analyst Drew Savicki). That gap means Bohannan was not only one of the most improved repeat candidates, but also one of the strongest House Democrats in the country relative to the top of the ticket.
Several of 2024’s biggest improvers were candidates whose races weren’t seen as competitive ahead of Election Day but ended up relatively close. One of the biggest House surprises in a night that largely went according to expectations was New Jersey’s 9th District, a Solid Democratic seat that may have actually voted for Trump at the top of the ticket.
Republican Billy Prempeh has been his party’s nominee three cycles in a row, losing by double digits to the late Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell in 2020 and 2022. But the combination of an open seat race and Trump’s surge among Latino voters and urban areas helped Prempeh increase his vote share by 2.3 points from 2022. He still lost to Democrat Nellie Pou, 50.8-45.9 percent.
If Republicans seriously contest the seat in 2026, they will likely look for a different candidate than Prempeh, an Air Force veteran who once posed with a QAnon flag and raised just $41,000 for his campaign.
Prempeh wasn’t the only Republican retread to post a strong performance in a district that was not on the competitive radar ahead of election day. In California’s 21st District, Michael Maher improved upon his 2022 showing against Democratic Rep. Jim Costa by 1.8 points, holding the veteran Democrat to a 4.8-point victory that took days to be called.
The Biggest Losers Colorado Democrat Adam Frisch lost the closest House race of the 2022 cycle, when he burst onto the political scene to hold controversial Rep. Lauren Boebert to a 554-vote victory in the Republican leaning 3rd District.
But in 2024, he suffered the biggest drop in vote share of any repeat candidate on the battlefield from 49.9 percent to 45.8 percent — in part because he no longer had Boebert to run against. The Republican incumbent, wary of a rematch after her close call, moved to the other side of the state to run for retiring Rep. Ken Buck’s open seat, depriving Frisch of an effective foil.
In her place, Republicans nominated Jeff Hurd, a low-key attorney who was massively outspent by Frisch but still managed a comfortable 5-point victory, 50.8-45.8 percent.
Frisch was the only Democratic repeat candidate to run for an open seat rather than against his 2022 opponent. But because Boebert had been uniquely vulnerable, Frisch didn’t see the boost that Republicans running in open seats did.
In Michigan, Democrat Carl Marlinga nearly defeated Republican John James in 2022, falling short by just 1,600 votes — a 0.5 percent margin. But in 2024, despite increased support from national Democrats, Marlinga saw his share of the vote decrease from 48.3 percent to just 45 percent, the second-largest drop of any repeat candidate this cycle.
The Republican who saw the biggest drop in support from 2022 to 2024 was Connecticut’s George Logan, a former state senator and national party favorite who won 49.6 percent of the vote against Democrat Jahana Hayes in 2022. But in 2024, Logan only managed to capture 46.6 percent of the vote, a decrease of 3 points.
The Bottom Line Running for Congress is expensive, time consuming, and taxing on candidates’ personal and professional lives.
It is difficult to run once, let alone twice in what can be a three year commitment. For most of 2024’s unsuccessful two-time candidates, two times is enough.
But for some of them, especially the ones who saw the most improvement, it might be hard to stay away. Maryland’s Neil Parrott and Michigan’s Paul Junge were actually making their third consecutive bids. Several others had made unsuccessful runs earlier in their careers.
There’s precedent for that — Iowa’s Miller-Meeks ran three times unsuccessfully before winning an open seat in 2020. The late Minnesota Rep. Jim Hagedorn lost three races to Democrat Tim Walz in 2012, 2014 and 2016 before winning an open seat race in 2018.
And some of 2024’s first time candidates who lost close races, such as Democrat Janelle Stelson in Pennsylvania’s 10th, and first-time nominees, like Cooke and Anderson, might be back again, hoping to prove that the second time might be the charm after all.
Thanksgiving is never complete without the perfect potato dish—in fact, some might argue that it can make or break the entire meal. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite recipes for this year’s holiday spread, including our best garlic mashed potatoes and a variety of ways to roast sweet potatoes. So whether you’re looking for a casserole to feed a crowd or something a bit more elaborate, like a hazelnut hasselback gratin, this list has something for everyone at the table.
And yet another reason why potatoes are the best: Most of these recipes are make-ahead friendly, and all of them can be easily adjusted to fit your guest list. If you’re looking for even more last minute Thanksgiving inspiration, check out our roundups of the best Thanksgiving side dishes and appetizers you can start cooking right now.
1. The Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Edna Lewis & Scott Peacock’s sweet potato casserole swaps marshmallows for sugar-crusted pecans, and it’s all the better for it. The base layer is equally delicious, featuring whipped, buttery sweet potatoes and a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey.
2. Baked Sweet Potatoes with Maple Crème Fraîche
It couldn’t be easier: Roast sweet potatoes at a high heat until they’re almost caramelized, then toss them in a tangy maple crème fraîche dressing that perfectly balances the sweetness. For garnish, there are plenty of options between chile flakes, lime zest, roasted peanuts, and scallions.
3. Mashed Maple Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
While you might not usually think to pair chile with potatoes for Thanksgiving, trust us: it works. These mashed sweet potatoes strike the perfect balance of smoky chipotle and sweet maple for a dish that’s both comforting and full of unexpected flavor.
4. Goguma Mattang (Candied Sweet Potatoes)
Not as sweet as caramel apples, but just as amazing. These golden bites are crispy, candied perfection, coated in a glossy sugar syrup that adds just the right amount of sweetness. While they have a dessert-like flavor, they’re still a great side for dinner and a nice contrast to other savory dishes.
5. Sweet Potato Bake
This sweet potato bake is simple but full of flavor, thanks to brown sugar and warm spices. Most of the prep time is spent waiting for the sweet potatoes to boil until tender, leaving you free time to tackle other dishes or set the table.
6. Orange Cardamom Roasted Sweet Potatoes
If you’re looking for something a bit more elevated, but still traditional enough that everyone will eat , these sweet potatoes are a great choice. The addition of orange and cardamom gives them a sophisticated touch, making them a great match for the other fall flavors on your table.
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7. Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
Layers of creamy potatoes and sweet caramelized onions make this the ultimate potato casserole—just look at the photo! It’s the kind of side that everyone will fight over, and you’ll be left wishing there were more of the next day.
8. Hazelnut Hasselback Potato Gratin
This hazelnut hasselback gratin from cookbook author Hetty Lui McKinnon is worth all the slicing, arranging, and garnishing it requires—and trust us, you’ll want to do each part. And if you’re feeling like going the extra mile, she includes the recipe for her homemade hazelnut cream that infuses the potatoes with the richest, nuttiest flavor.
9. Pre-Seasoned Mashed Potatoes
The secret to these mashed potatoes lies within seasoning the cooking water. Instead of simply salting your potatoes after, try adding a bundle of crushed garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns to the water as it boils. The herbs and seasonings infuse the potatoes with all the flavor, leaving just the mashing and the addition of butter and cream to bring it all together.
10. Scalloped Potato Stacks
If every other baking dish is in use, don’t worry—these potatoes are made in a muffin tin. These scalloped potato stacks get coated in a rosemary parmesan batter that all comes together in a food processor, which also means less dishes.
11. Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions & Goat Cheese
These potatoes are fluffy, creamy, and threaded with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and sage. Another great recipe if you want to elevate your dish without putting in too much extra time. Get maximum flavor by infusing the half and half with sage and bay leaves beforehand, and using a potato ricer instead of a traditional masher.
12. Carrot and Potato Gratin
Almost like a potato ratatouille, this dish looks far more time-intensive than it actually is—it’s all about the arrangement. Alternating carrots and white potatoes creates a festive color pattern that presents great on a Thanksgiving table, especially in a cast iron.
13. Potato Gateau
The best part of this dish is that it can be fully made and cooked ahead of time, and then simply reheated before serving—without compromising on quality. Layer buttery mashed potatoes layered with a blend of your favorite cheeses, prosciutto, and bread crumbs. It’s a bit heartier than your average side, but still light enough to enjoy alongside everything else on the table.
14. Potatoes à la Lyonnaise
Author Mimi Thorisson describes this dish as the ‘little black dress’ of side dishes, and we get why. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and chances are you already have all the ingredients— everything you could want in a Thanksgiving side.
We want to know: What is your favorite way to cook potatoes?
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Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge abandoned the big city for a goat farm and subsequently started the well-known Beekman 1802, named after their historic home.
They’ve become known for goat’s milk soaps and artisanal Blaak cheese, and soon, you’ll be raving over recipes coming from the Beekman gardens.
Discover 100 recipes for a variety of vegetables including tomato jam, refrigerator dilly beans, corn cake stacks with arugula and Cheddar; and grilled beets with ricotta, watercress, and almonds.
This No-Knead Italian Bread will accompany both meat and vegetable dishes wonderfully. Remember to start it the night before for the perfect rise.
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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Void where prohibited by law. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S., D.C. and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are at least eighteen years old at the time of entry and have internet access. Begins on 11.28.24 at 12:00 a.m. ET and ends on 12.12.24 at 11:59 p.m. ET. To enter this giveaway, submit your full name and email address on this form. Odds of winning this giveaway depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Only one (1) entry per email address per day. Sponsored by Leite’s Culinaria, Inc. For more information, visit our Official Rules. For a list of winners, check out our Very Happy Winners page. Be sure to add [email protected] to ensure notification if you are the winner.
Hundreds of brush fires and wildfires have sparked all over the New York City region. Hilary Howard, who covers climate change and the environment in the region, explains what’s happening.
Auli’i Cravalho was cast to voice ‘Moana’ when she was just 14-years-old.
Auli’i Cravalho had an embarrassing moment while working with Dwayne Johnson on Moana.
She recalled the moment of meeting the superstar for the very first time when she was only 14 years old.
The now 24-year-old actress shared that the Black Adam actor gave her flowers and wrapped her in a massive hug when they met.
Auli’i revealed that it was when he greeted her mother that she felt a wave of embarrassment and was completely shocked by what she had said.
“Dwayne hugged my mom,” she shared.
“And my mom was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to go rock climbing.'”
Completely taken aback by her mother’s comment, the Mean Girls actress stated that this moment will be engraved in her mind forever.
The American actress and singer was cast to voice Moana when she was only 14 years old but didn’t start working until she was 15.
In the Polynesian-inspired 2016 Disney film and its new sequel, Moana 2, the 52-year-old former wrestler voiced Maui, who is a demigod.
Dwayne and his younger co-star grew a stronger connection while recording and promoting the first part of the franchise and have maintained that friendship over the years.
Members are selected to represent a broad range of topics that are important to California’s farmers and ranchers, community stakeholders, citizens and the California State University and University of California academic systems.
“It’s a pleasure to have Dr. St. Hilaire as a representative to the State Board of Food and Agriculture,” said California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. “I congratulate Dr. St. Hilaire on his appointment and value his representation of the California State University System on the board.”
Fresno State alumnus Don Cameron (biology) serves as the president of the 15-member board that also includes alumnus Mike Gallo (viticulture and enology).
The board’s next meeting is on Dec. 3. Agendas for past and upcoming meetings demonstrate the board encourages public participation and input in a host of matters concerning evolving agriculture and food policy issues.
Members serve up to four-year terms and may be reappointed to the position.
“This is a special honor for me because the board works with multiple aspects of sustainable agriculture,” St. Hilaire said, “which is a concept we are equally committed to with our campus agricultural academic and research programs. California is known around the world as a leader in agricultural innovation and for trying to more effectively balance its resources among agricultural, urban and environmental needs.”
He became Jordan College dean in September 2022 after serving as a plant science faculty and department head at New Mexico State University from 1998 to 2022. He was also a regents professor, New Mexico State’s highest faculty award, and oversaw its research and extension programs.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in horticulture from Iowa State University, and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. Each degree was in the horticulture field, and he received his department’s top of the class award as an undergraduate.
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