Here are the 6 races you need to watch tonight

HOUSTON – Election Day is here, and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you weren’t part of the record turnout during early voting, you’ll need to head to your designated polling place or a voting center, depending on your county, to cast a ballot.

From the U.S. Senate to governor to county judge, you’re deciding races and issues at all levels of government.

Here are the six biggest races that you’ll need to keep an eye on as results start coming in from election officials.

Republican incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz is facing Democratic challenger U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and Libertarian challenger Neal Dikeman. Cruz has served as a senator since 2013. O’Rourke has served as a representative since 2013.

Democrat Lizzie Fletcher is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. John Culberson for the 7th Congressional District seat, which includes places like Bellaire, West University Place, west Houston, the Energy Corridor and Jersey Village.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, is facing Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez and Libertarian challenger Mark Tippetts. Abbott has served as governor since 2015. 

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican, is facing Democrat Mike Collier and Libertarian Kerry McKennon in this race.

Republican incumbent Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces challengers Justin Nelson, a Democrat and Michael Ray Harris, a Libertarian. Paxton has served as the state’s attorney general since 2015.

This heavily debated issue will decide whether the pay for Houston firefighters will be made similar to the pay scale of the city’s police force. Proponents have said the measure would help keep top talent in Houston, while opponents have said the city does not have the money necessary to cover the cost.

Remember, all results are unofficial until they are certified by election officials. To view results from all of the races, go to click2houston.com/politics.