Democrats have fresh hope to win back the Senate after a bruising Republican primary in Texas, where Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated incumbent John Cornyn. To regain control, Democrats need to hold all their seats and flip four, a tall order but one made more plausible by favorable headwinds.
Key Battleground States
North Carolina
Former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is the likely pickup in this open seat, with polls showing him ahead of Republican Michael Whatley. The Cook Political Report calls this race lean Democratic.
Ohio
Former Senator Sherrod Brown is running again, leveraging his economic populism in a state that leans red. The race is rated a toss-up, with Brown seen as a strong candidate.
Maine
Democrat Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, is challenging longtime Republican Susan Collins. His populist message has gained traction, but controversial past comments may be a liability.
Alaska
Former Representative Mary Peltola, the first Alaska Native in Congress, is running against incumbent Dan Sullivan. Her crossover appeal makes this race competitive, though it leans Republican.
Other Races to Watch
- Georgia: Senator Jon Ossoff is expected to hold his seat, with a large campaign fund and strong polling.
- New Hampshire: An open seat leans Democratic, with Representative Chris Pappas as the frontrunner.
- Michigan: A toss-up after Senator Gary Peters retired, with a contentious Democratic primary.
- Texas: Leans Republican, but Ken Paxton's liabilities give Democrat James Talarico a slim chance.
- Nebraska and Iowa: Wildcard races where Democrats hope for upsets.
The path to a Senate majority is narrow but not impossible, with Democrats optimistic about their chances in November.
