WorldPosted at: Nov 3 2026 7:32PM


Democrats eye Senate gains as US midterm elections put Trump's presidency to test

Washington, Nov 3 (UNI) Democrats are hoping to regain control of the US Senate in Tuesday's midterm elections, with several closely contested races potentially reshaping Congress and posing a major political challenge to President Donald Trump during the final two years of his second term.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 of the 100 Senate seats are being contested, with Republicans seeking to defend their narrow congressional majorities and Democrats aiming to take control of one or both chambers.
Opinion polls suggest Democrats could flip several Republican-held Senate seats, with as many as eight potentially changing hands. However, Republicans retain significant financial advantages and are counting on their strength in traditionally conservative states to hold their majority.
Trump's declining approval ratings, voter concerns over inflation and the cost of living, and dissatisfaction with his administration's policies, including the war with Iran, have created headwinds for Republican candidates.
North Carolina, Ohio, Alaska, Maine and Texas are among the most closely watched Senate contests, with Democrats seen as having strong chances of making gains.
In North Carolina, former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is challenging Republican Michael Whatley, who has struggled to match his opponent's statewide recognition. The retirement of Republican Senator Thom Tillis, following disagreements with Trump over Medicaid cuts, has further complicated the party's prospects.
In Ohio, former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown is seeking a return to the Senate against Republican incumbent Jon Husted. Brown, who narrowly lost his 2024 re-election bid, has focused his campaign on Husted's previous support for data centres and their potential impact on electricity costs.
Alaska is another potential Democratic pickup, with former Representative Mary Peltola challenging Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. Rising fuel prices and concerns over healthcare costs have emerged as major campaign issues.
In Maine, Democratic candidate Troy Jackson is challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has sought to distance herself from Trump on several major policy issues. Although polls indicate Jackson has an advantage, Collins has previously defied pre-election surveys, including in 2020.
Texas could also witness a major political shift, with Democrat James Talarico seeking to defeat Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Democrats have not won a Senate election in the state since 1988.
Talarico's campaign has benefited from Republican divisions and growing Democratic enthusiasm, while changing voter demographics and the influence of Latino voters could prove decisive.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz has warned that the contest is extremely close, saying, "Texas is excruciatingly close. Understand we could lose Texas."
Michigan is another closely watched race, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed is challenging Republican Mike Rogers for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Gary Peters. El-Sayed is seeking to become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
The campaign has been marked by sharp exchanges over El-Sayed's political positions and allegations concerning his links to the Muslim Brotherhood, which he has faced from Republican opponents.
In Iowa and Kansas, Democrats are seeking to capitalise on discontent among farmers over trade policies, high fuel costs and the impact of the war with Iran on energy prices.
Democratic candidates Josh Turek and Adam Hamilton are challenging Republicans Ashley Hinson and Roger Marshall, respectively, in states that Trump won comfortably in 2024.
South Carolina and Minnesota also present potential opportunities for both parties. In South Carolina, Democrat Annie Andrews is challenging Republican Darline Graham in a race following the death of longtime Senator Lindsey Graham. In Minnesota, Republicans are seeking to capitalise on a public benefits fraud scandal that has put pressure on Democrats.
Beyond the Senate contests, Latino voters are emerging as an influential bloc in several competitive House and Senate races, particularly in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida and Texas.
An October poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that six in 10 Hispanic adults disapproved of Trump's overall performance, while roughly seven in 10 disapproved of his handling of the economy.
Meanwhile, voting was disrupted in parts of New York's Westchester County after technical problems prevented ballot-scanning machines from operating at several polling locations.
The outcome of Tuesday's elections will determine the balance of power in Congress and could significantly affect Trump's ability to advance his legislative agenda.
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