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Democrats need to gain at least four seats to take control of the 100-member Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority.
A resident votes during In-Person Absentee Voting (early voting) on October 20. (Getty Images via AFP)
The US midterm elections in November could reshape the balance of power in Washington, with 10 key Senate races emerging as crucial battlegrounds in the contest between Republicans and Democrats.
Democrats need to gain at least four seats to take control of the 100-member Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority.
US President Donald Trump’s falling popularity, public frustration over the Iran war and rising prices have made several contests more competitive, including in states he won comfortably in the 2024 presidential election.
The outcome will determine whether Trump retains Republican control of Congress for the final two years of his term or faces a stronger Democratic challenge to his policies.
Here are 10 states to watch.
Maine, Ohio And Alaska: Key Republican Defences
Maine is one of the Democrats’ strongest opportunities to gain a seat. Republican Senator Susan Collins is seeking re-election in a state Trump lost in 2024. She faces former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, whose campaign has gained ground in recent polling despite heavy spending by Republican groups.
Ohio is another closely watched contest. Democrat Sherrod Brown is attempting to return to the Senate after losing his seat in 2024. He faces Republican Jon Husted, who was appointed to the chamber after JD Vance became vice-president. Recent polls have shown Brown with a narrow lead, as concerns over living costs and the Iran war weigh on voters.
In Alaska, Republican Senator Dan Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola, a former member of the House of Representatives. Although Trump won the state by 13 percentage points in 2024, recent polls have shown Peltola leading or running level with Sullivan.
Texas And Iowa: Democrats See Openings
Texas remains a difficult state for Democrats, who have not won a statewide election there since 1994. However, James Talarico is challenging Republican Ken Paxton in a race that has attracted heavy spending. Polls have shown a close contest, offering Democrats a possible route to an unexpected gain.
In Iowa, Republican Ashley Hinson faces Democrat Josh Turek in an open-seat race following Senator Joni Ernst’s decision not to seek re-election. The contest has tightened amid concerns over tariffs, fuel costs and the Iran war.
Michigan, New Hampshire And Georgia
In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers in a competitive race shaped partly by opposition to Trump’s tariffs. Recent polls have given El-Sayed a narrow lead.
New Hampshire is another Democratic defence to watch, with Chris Pappas facing former senator John Sununu. Pappas has maintained a lead in recent surveys.
In Georgia, Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is seeking another term against Republican Mike Collins. Ossoff has held a clear polling and fundraising advantage.
North Carolina And Kansas: Democratic Opportunities
North Carolina offers Democrats a chance to gain a seat, with former governor Roy Cooper facing Republican Michael Whatley. Cooper has held a steady lead, while Republican outside spending has fallen.
In Kansas, Republican Senator Roger Marshall faces Democrat Adam Hamilton. Once considered a safe Republican seat, the contest has become more competitive, with recent polls showing Hamilton narrowly ahead.
The results across these states will determine whether Democrats can secure the four-seat gain needed to control the Senate.
Even a change in majority would not automatically allow them to enact their agenda, but it would give them greater influence over legislation, government oversight and key appointments.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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Ask News18Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the 100-member US Senate, meaning Democrats need to gain at least four seats to take control of the chamber.
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October 24, 2026, 04:54 IST
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