Seven states are at the center of the fight for control of the US Senate as voters take part in midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3. The elections will renew 35 of the chamber’s 100 seats and could end the Republican majority. The Cook Political Report identifies Texas, Maine, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, Alaska and Kansas as especially competitive.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico faces state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has President Donald Trump’s support. Texas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988. Libertarian candidate Ted Brown, polling at about 3%, could also influence the close contest.
Republican Susan Collins is seeking a sixth term in Maine against Democrat Troy Jackson, a former president of the state Senate. Maine voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, but reelected Collins in 2020 while Joe Biden won the state.
Ohio’s race pits former Democratic senator Sherrod Brown, who is seeking to return after losing reelection in 2024, against Republican Jon Husted. Husted was appointed to the seat vacated by J. D. Vance when he became vice president.
Michigan is the only one of the seven states where Democrats are defending a seat. Following Senator Gary Peters’ departure, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official, is running against former Republican congressman Mike Rogers. The state, which Trump won in 2024, is a key opportunity for Republicans to gain ground.
In Iowa, Republican US Representative Ashley Hinson faces Democratic state Representative Josh Turek for the seat of Joni Ernst, who is not seeking reelection. The state, which voted twice for Barack Obama in presidential elections, has become more favorable to Republicans in recent years.
Republican Senator Roger Marshall is seeking reelection in Kansas against Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton, a Methodist pastor. The contest has become competitive despite the state’s conservative history; Kansas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932.
In Alaska, Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan faces former Democratic congresswoman Mary Peltola, as well as another candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., a retired professor with no party affiliation. The New York Times reported that members of the Democratic campaign helped recruit the candidate with the same name, potentially creating confusion for voters. Peltola and the professor deny involvement in the alleged effort.
The Trump administration opened an investigation and sought to block certification of any result that might have been affected by the confusion between the candidates. A court rejected the request.
Sources: Folha Mundo.