Tight races nationwide as Democrats seek to gain control of Congress

President Trump has held numerous rallies in red states in an attempt to energize Republican voters and counter early voting trends that show Democrats turning out in record numbers. He has vowed to veto legislation if Democrats gain control.

The Cook Political Report currently identifies seven competitive Senate races, six in states typically favoring Republicans, including Kansas and Alaska, and one in Michigan. These races are often separated by narrow margins, within 2% in polling averages.

Analysts predict Democrats could gain between 12 and 25 House seats, potentially enough to secure a majority and elevate Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to the speakership. The current Republican majority in the House is four votes, and Democrats are considered slight favorites to overcome the GOP’s 53-47 Senate majority.

Here’s a look at some key races:

**Senate**

South Carolina: Darline Graham (R) faces Dr. Annie Andrews (D). Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, acknowledged a lack of experience in a debate, stating, “I’m not that informed on national security.” A significant $750,000 investment from a Republican group has been made to support Graham as Andrews gains ground in a traditionally Republican state.

Alaska: Dan Sullivan (R) is challenged by Mary Peltola (D). Allegations of ballot manipulation have surfaced, linking Peltola’s campaign to an effort to place a candidate with the same name as Sullivan on the ballot. The Department of Justice is investigating potential legal violations.

Maine: Susan Collins (R) is competing against Troy Jackson (D). While Democrats initially hoped to unseat Collins, the implosion of Graham Platner’s campaign created an opportunity for Jackson, despite his struggles. Collins’ team responded to Jackson’s description as a logger by suggesting he was only fit to sell “a cord of wood.”

Kansas: Roger Marshall (R) is up against Adam Hamilton (D). Republicans are working to address voter concerns about high diesel prices and Marshall’s billing practices as an obstetrician.

Texas: Ken Paxton (R) is challenged by James Talarico (D). Republicans have invested nearly $400 million in the race after Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the primary. Talarico, a centrist, faces attacks from Trump, who labeled him “Talafreako.”

Michigan: Mike Rogers (R) is running against Abdul El-Sayed (D). El-Sayed, who previously led in public polls, is facing scrutiny regarding his views on Israel and family connections. Trump called El-Sayed a “jihadist,” and JD Vance labeled him a “little weasel.”

Ohio: Jon Husted (R) is competing against Sherrod Brown (D). Trump has publicly praised Husted, even as he struggles to define his message against Brown in a Republican stronghold.

Iowa: Ashley Hinson (R) is challenged by Josh Turek (D). Hinson, a former TV journalist, is a key Republican candidate, helping to counter economic challenges. Turek, a Paralympian, has used his background to frame the race as a competition in a Republican state.

Louisiana: Julia Letlow (R) is facing Jamie Davis (D). Trump endorsed Letlow over Sen. Bill Cassidy, leading to a tie in a recent Hart Research poll. Davis, a small-time farmer, is gaining support among independents and black voters.

**House**

New York-21: Anthony Constantino (R) is running against Blake Gendebien (D). Constantino, the owner of Sticker Mule, put a Trump sign on his factory roof and commissioned a statue of the president. Gendebien, a dairy farmer, is capitalizing on voter discontent with tariffs.

Ohio-7: Max Miller (R) is competing against Brian Poindexter (D). Miller released a TV ad addressing his divorce after allegations of family abuse. Poindexter has a past guilty plea for assault.

Texas-15: Monica De La Cruz (R) is running against Bobby Pulido (D). Pulido gained popularity after De La Cruz mocked his music career, leading him to perform at quinceañeras across the state.

North Carolina-9: Richard Hudson (R) is challenged by Richard Ojeda (D). Hudson utilized a campaign mailer featuring himself with a shotgun, despite the district’s strong Republican leanings.