NORTH CAROLINA -- Democratic hopes for control of the U.S. House of Representatives run through the Tar Heel state this midterm season. And now, some top poll-watchers say they have a good a chance at flipping at least one seat.

• Sabato’s Crystal Ball, which rates House races, has moved North Carolina’s 9th district into the “leans Democratic” column
• Democrat Dan McCready is facing off against Republican Mark Harris in what is an open seat
• In the 2nd district, Congressman George Holding is calling on his supporters to step up to the plate, warning that he is not doing well in internal polls

Sabato’s Crystal Ball, which rates House races, has moved North Carolina’s 9th district into the “leans Democratic” column. That would indicate a big change for a seat long held by Republicans, including outgoing Congressman Robert Pittenger.

This comes as a court ruling could put the future of North Carolina's congressional district lines in limbo. Federal judges in Greensboro upheld an earlier decision, striking down the district map, arguing it was gerrymandered to favor Republicans.

As it stands, in the 9th district, Democrat Dan McCready is facing off against Republican Mark Harris in what is an open seat, after Harris bested incumbent Pittenger in the primary.

The 9th district runs from the Charlotte suburbs to Fayetteville.

“Given the candidate contrast, given the fact McCready has so much more money than Harris, given the year, given that it’s an open seat, I think you put all that together and I think I’d rather be the Democrat  than the Republican in this seat,” said Kyle Kondik with the University of Virginia and Sabato’s Crystal Ball.

McCready is a Marine Corps veteran who touts his baptism in the Euphrates River in a newly released campaign ad.

“I would say McCready’s bio, in terms of being a veteran, having a small business background. That is definitely a pairing that Democrats have been looking for,” said Kyle Kondik with the University of Virginia and Sabato’s Crystal Ball.

Harris is a former Baptist preacher. Kondik says comments Harris has made about women submitting to their husbands are not likely to play well in the Charlotte suburbs, where many are already uneasy about President Donald trump.

The 9^th district is not the only race to watch in North Carolina, according to Kondik. He says the 13^th district, which sits just north of Charlotte, could also be competitive. Kathy Manning, a Democrat, is taking on incumbent Republican Ted Budd.

Manning has a fundraising advantage but it remains to be seen whether that can translate into votes.

Meanwhile, across the state in the 2nd district, Congressman George Holding is calling on his supporters to step up to the plate, warning that he is not doing well in internal polls.

While Kondik rates the 2nd district as “likely Republican,” he says Holding and others are right to be nervous.

“It’s just a tricky year to be running as a Republican even in a district that otherwise doesn’t look that competitive,” he said.

The question is, who will turn up to the polls come election day? The midterms take place Tuesday, Nov. 6.

To see the latest race ratings from Sabato’s Crystal Ball, click here.