Can Democrats win the US Senate? 10 key midterm races to watch

Democrats need a net gain of at least four seats in the November midterm elections to take control of the United States Senate from Republicans, who currently hold a 53-47 majority. Voter discontent with President Donald Trump, the Iran war, and rising prices have heightened competition in several once-safe Republican states.

Here is an overview of key races across the country that could decide control of the Senate:

• Alaska: Republican Senator Dan Sullivan is seeking re-election against Democratic former US Representative Mary Peltola and an independent candidate sharing his name. The state uses ranked-choice voting, and recent polls suggest a narrow lead for Peltola.
• Iowa: Following Republican Senator Joni Ernst's decision not to seek re-election, Republican US Representative Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Representative Josh Turek are contesting the open seat amid agricultural pressures and rising costs.
• Kansas: Republican Senator Roger Marshall is facing Democrat Adam Hamilton in a race shaped by agricultural challenges, immigration disputes, and campaign spending.
• Maine: Republican Senator Susan Collins faces Democrat Troy Jackson in a close contest where affordability and judicial appointments are central issues.
• North Carolina: With Republican Senator Thom Tillis retiring, former Governor Roy Cooper is running against Republican nominee Michael Whatley in an open race influenced by fundraising disparities and economic concerns.
• Ohio: Democrat Sherrod Brown is running against US Senator Jon Husted, who was appointed after JD Vance assumed the vice presidency, in a heavily contested Rust Belt race.
• Texas: State Representative James Talarico is challenging Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton for the seat previously held by John Cornyn, drawing significant outside spending.
• Georgia: Democratic US Senator Jon Ossoff is facing Republican US Representative Mike Collins in a race where Ossoff has maintained a fundraising advantage.
• Michigan: Progressive outsider Abdul El-Sayed and Republican former US Representative Mike Rogers are competing for an open Senate seat amid economic impacts from tariffs.
• New Hampshire: Democratic US Representative Chris Pappas is facing former Republican Senator John Sununu for the open seat left by retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen.