Democrats Target Key Battlegrounds to Flip U.S. Senate
Democrats seek a net gain of four U.S. Senate seats amid competitive races in Texas, Alaska, and other key battleground states.
Democrats are pursuing a net gain of at least four seats to seize control of the United States Senate from Republicans in the November midterm elections. While Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, voter discontent over rising prices, the war in Iran, and the leadership of Donald Trump has made traditionally Republican states like Iowa, Kansas, Alaska, and Texas competitive.
In Texas, the election cycle is the most competitive in years for both the state Legislature and U.S. Congress. Democratic incumbents Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez are fighting to retain House seats in districts redrawn by the Texas GOP to favor Republicans, while Democrats are targeting Republican Representative Monica De La Cruz in District 15. In the Texas Senate, Democratic state Senator Taylor Rehmet faces a rematch against Republican Leigh Wambsganss in District 9.
Republicans are countering by targeting Democratic-held seats in Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire. The races are marked by massive spending from outside groups and super PACs, including a $158 million contribution from Elon Musk to a Republican super PAC supporting Ken Paxton's race in Texas. In agricultural states such as Kansas and Iowa, voter sentiment is being heavily influenced by conflicts over immigration crackdowns and trade tariffs.
