Nine Senate Battlegrounds Could Decide Midterm Control

The November 3 midterm elections could determine control of the Senate, with Democrats needing to gain four seats from Republicans and only about nine of the 35 contests considered genuinely competitive. North Carolina is viewed as one of Democrats’ best pickup opportunities, as former Gov. Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley in the race to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis, while Whatley’s close ties to current President Donald Trump could hurt him if Trump’s low approval ratings persist. Democrats are also defending an open seat in Michigan, where progressive nominee Abdul El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers in a toss-up race amid concerns about El-Sayed’s ability to attract moderate, independent, Black and Jewish voters. Other competitive Senate contests reportedly include races in states such as Texas, Alaska and Georgia, where candidate quality, economic concerns, ideological divisions and voter dissatisfaction with the president could prove decisive. More broadly, Democrats are seeking to capitalize on historical midterm backlash against the party in power, economic discontent and favorable polling to challenge Republican control of both chambers, while House races and redistricting battles in states including Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and Wisconsin could also reshape Congress.