Control of the US Senate is on the line in a series of closely watched midterm elections, with a handful of races across the country poised to determine the balance of power. Democrats need to gain four seats to secure control, which would empower them to limit President Trump's legislative agenda, block judicial appointments, and potentially launch investigations into his administration.
Billions of dollars are being invested in the 35 Senate races, but a select few are considered toss-ups by independent analysts like the Cook Political Report. These races feature a diverse range of candidates, including a Paralympian and former TV news anchors.
Alaska Senate Race
In Alaska, Republican Senator Dan Sullivan faces a challenge from Democrat Mary Peltola. The race has been complicated by the presence of a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the ballot. Peltola denies accusations from Sullivan's campaign that her team sought to confuse voters by introducing his namesake.
Peltola, the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, is running on a platform of "fish, family, freedom." Sullivan, a former Marine Corps reservist and Alaska's attorney general, has questioned Peltola's campaign ties to the ballot confusion controversy, which is under state investigation.
Alaska's unique ranked-choice voting system adds another layer of uncertainty to the outcome, and past polling in the state has often underestimated Republican support.
Maine Senate Race
Incumbent Republican Susan Collins, who voted to convict President Trump in his first impeachment trial, is facing a challenge from Democrat Troy Jackson. Collins, seeking her sixth term, has often positioned herself as a moderate, while Jackson, a former lumberjack and state senate president, aims to connect with blue-collar voters.
Collins has been a target for some Republicans due to her impeachment vote, but she has historically performed well in the Democratic-leaning state. Jackson's campaign gained momentum after a controversy involving the initial Democratic nominee.
Both candidates oppose Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods, recognizing their impact on Maine's economy. However, Jackson supports abolishing the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, a stance that differs from Collins.
Texas Senate Race
Democrat James Talarico is attempting to break a decades-long electoral drought for his party in Texas. His race against Republican Ken Paxton has become the most expensive Senate contest ever. A Democratic win in Texas could signal future viability for the party in the state, potentially influencing the 2028 presidential election.
Paxton, the incumbent, faces scrutiny over a 2023 impeachment by the Republican-controlled state House on corruption and bribery allegations, though he was acquitted by the state Senate. Talarico, a former teacher, has targeted Paxton's impeachment, while Paxton's campaign has sought to label Talarico as a liberal out of step with Texas values. Tech mogul Elon Musk has reportedly funded Paxton's campaign significantly.
Michigan Senate Race
In Michigan, a closely contested race features Democrat Abdul El-Sayed against Republican Mike Rogers. El-Sayed, a doctor and former public health official, is one of the most progressive Senate nominees this cycle, advocating for a government-run healthcare system and the abolition of ICE.
Rogers, a former FBI agent, has sought to maintain Trump's support while diverging on issues like trade tariffs and the conflict with Iran. El-Sayed could become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. His campaign has faced attacks linking him to the Muslim Brotherhood, which he denies, and has drawn criticism from Trump.
Iowa Senate Race
The Iowa Senate race pits Republican Ashley Hinson, a former local news reporter, against Democrat Josh Turek, a Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair basketball. President Trump has actively campaigned in the state, highlighting its importance.
Key issues in Iowa include farming, tariffs, and the ongoing conflict in Iran, which Turek argues has driven up costs for farmers. Hinson has sought to portray Turek as an "East Coast liberal," while Turek criticizes Trump's tariffs for negatively impacting Iowa's agricultural sector.
Kansas Senate Race
In Kansas, Republican Senator Roger Marshall is facing a challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton, a Methodist pastor. A Democratic victory in Kansas would be historic, as the state has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932.
Marshall has aligned himself with Trump and focused on issues relevant to farmers. Hamilton is campaigning on a message of lowering costs and protecting healthcare access, aiming to bridge partisan divides. Marshall has criticized Hamilton's progressive stances as "too woke" for the conservative state, while Marshall himself has faced criticism regarding his past lawsuits against patients unable to pay medical bills.
Ohio Senate Race
Ohio's Senate race features Republican Jon Husted against Democrat Sherrod Brown. Husted, appointed to the Senate seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance, is emphasizing his business background to attract voters. Brown, a long-serving senator with high name recognition, is known for his advocacy for workers and economic populist policies.
The race is seen as a referendum on Trump's economic policies, particularly trade wars that have affected Ohio's manufacturing and auto industries. Despite Ohio becoming increasingly Republican in recent elections, the tight race suggests a potential shift or dissatisfaction with the current political direction.