Midterms poll tracker: The 8 Senate races you need to know about as Trump faces losing prized majority

Democrats are working to flip the U.S. Senate in November, a difficult goal given that Republicans hold a 53-47 edge. Because Vice President JD Vance breaks ties, Democrats must reach 51 seats, which means a net gain of at least four. Frustration over President Donald Trump's performance, the continuing war in Iran and higher gas prices has opened contests in states Trump carried easily in 2024. Thirty-five seats are on the ballot, 22 of them defended by Republicans, according to The Independent.

The simplest path requires Democrats to keep every seat they hold, including Georgia, Michigan and New Hampshire, then add four from Alaska, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. In Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff has gained attention with viral campaign videos and faces a weakened Republican nominee. In New Hampshire, Rep. Chris Pappas is up against former Sen. John Sununu in a tight race.

In Maine, Troy Jackson is roughly even with Sen. Susan Collins after Graham Platner left the race following a sexual assault accusation. In North Carolina, former Gov. Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley in fundraising and polls. In Alaska, Mary Peltola is challenging Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →