Local U.S. House contests to watch

Other notable U.S. House races in Southeastern Pa.

Sixth District: Incumbent Republican Ryan Costello, a first-term House member, is expected to hold off a challenge from Democrat Mike Parrish in this Chester County-based seat.

Seventh District: For a second time, incumbent Rep. Patrick Meehan will face off against Democrat Mary Ellen Balchunis, a retired La Salle professor. Meehan has raised more than $2 million to Balchunis' less than $200,000, campaign finance records show. Though considered a Delaware County-based seat, the district snakes through nearly every county in the region.

Second District: Dwight Evans, a Democrat and longtime state House member, is heavily favored over Republican James Jones in his first bid for the Philadelphia-based seat.

First District: Rep. Bob Brady is seeking his 10th term representing Philadelphia. His opponent is Republican Debbie Williams.

16th District: Being vacated by Rep. Joseph Pitts, this seat covers parts of southern Chester, Lancaster, and Berks Counties, including the city of Reading. The seat hasn't gone blue since World War II, but the race has become unexpectedly competitive, with newcomer Democrat Christina Hartman running against Republican state Rep. Lloyd Smucker.

13th District: Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Democrat, is unopposed in his bid for a second term representing a district that includes Northeast Philadelphia and lower Montgomery County.

- Justine McDaniel