Cook shifts three Senate ratings, two toward Democrats

The Cook Political Report shifted South Carolina’s Senate race from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican” and Mississippi’s from “solid Republican” to “likely Republican,” while moving Minnesota from “likely Democrat” to “lean Democrat.” The changes point to more competitive contests: in South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews has outraised Republican Darline Graham, and recent polls cited in coverage show a close race, though Republicans remain favored. Campaign spending is surging, with more than $11 billion projected for midterm advertising; Democratic megadonor Michael Bloomberg has put more than $80 million into the election so far, while Elon Musk has contributed $369 million to support Republicans. Other indicators include early voting in North Carolina and a narrow Democratic lead for Sherrod Brown in an average of recent Ohio polls.