Politics · United States · 4 hrs ago
Nine competitive races could decide control of the US Senate
Nine competitive races could decide control of the US Senate in the midterm elections, which are just over two weeks away.
The current Senate has 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats, and Democrats need a net gain of four seats to win the majority.
Six races are rated toss-ups, with three more close in the latest power rankings.
The contests include Maine, where Republican Senator Susan Collins is running against Democrat Troy Jackson.
Republicans are defending seats in six of the nine competitive races, while Democrats are defending seats in Michigan and New Hampshire.
Inflation, high gas prices and President Donald Trump's approval ratings may weigh on Republicans, who traditionally lose seats in midterm elections.
The results will show whether Democrats can take the Senate or Republicans can hold their majority.
Nine competitive Senate races are expected to help determine which party controls the chamber after the US midterm elections.
Fox News Power Rankings rate six races as toss-ups and three as leaners.
The rankings project Democrats and Republicans each winning 47 seats in the midterms.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority and are defending six of the nine competitive seats.
Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control, according to Fox News.
- Who
- Democrats and Republicans are competing for control of the US Senate.
- What
- Nine competitive Senate races could determine which party holds the majority.
- When
- The races are part of the 2026 midterm elections, 15 days away as of Oct. 19.
- Where
- The races are in multiple states, including Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas and Michigan.
- Why
- Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control; Republicans are seeking to hold their majority.
Democrats
Republicans
Senate control
Democrats
Democrats are seeking a net gain of four seats to win the majority.
Republicans
Republicans are seeking to retain their current majority.
Competitive seats
Democrats
Democrats are defending seats in some of the close races, including Michigan.
Republicans
Republicans are defending seats in six of the nine competitive races.
Fox News reported that the midterm elections were just over two weeks away and identified nine competitive Senate races.
The New York Times reported that the midterm elections were 15 days away.
- Competitive races
- 9
- Toss-up races
- 6
- Lean races
- 3
- Current Senate majority
- Republicans, 53-47
- Democratic gain needed
- 4 seats
- Named toss-up states
- Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas and Michigan
3 sources
What people are saying
Nine races will determine control of the Senate, and on the polling alone, you could call any of them toss-ups.