By Fatma Younis
Millions of Americans are voting in midterm elections that will determine control of the Senate and shape President Donald Trump's final two years in office. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take the majority, with billions spent across 35 races, though only a handful are considered toss-ups.
Alaska: Dan Sullivan vs Mary Peltola
Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola, the first Alaska Native in Congress. Controversy surrounds a second candidate named Dan Sullivan on the ballot, with Sullivan accusing Peltola's campaign of recruiting him to confuse voters. The race uses ranked-choice voting and could be a tipping point for Senate control.
Maine: Susan Collins vs Troy Jackson
Republican Senator Susan Collins, seeking a sixth term, faces Democrat Troy Jackson, a former logger and state Senate president. Collins, known for centrist positions, hopes to distance herself from Trump, while Jackson opposes Trump's tariffs and favors abolishing ICE. The race tests whether Republicans can win in a Democratic-leaning state.
Texas: Ken Paxton vs James Talarico
Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, backed by Elon Musk, faces Democrat James Talarico, a former teacher. The race is the most expensive Senate contest ever. Talarico targets Paxton's 2023 impeachment for alleged corruption, while Paxton paints Talarico as out of touch. A Democratic win could signal Texas becoming competitive in 2028.
Michigan: Abdul El-Sayed vs Mike Rogers
Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a public health official, faces Republican Mike Rogers, a former FBI agent. El-Sayed supports government-run healthcare and abolishing ICE, and would be the first Muslim senator. Rogers emphasizes military background and has Trump's endorsement. The race shifted to "leans Democrat" before the vote.
Iowa: Ashley Hinson vs Josh Turek
Republican Ashley Hinson, a former TV news anchor, faces Democrat Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair basketball. Key issues include farm tariffs and the Iran war. Hinson slightly distances from Trump on some tariffs, while Turek blames Trump's policies for "farmageddon." Democrats haven't won a federal race in Iowa in nearly 20 years.
Kansas: Roger Marshall vs Adam Hamilton
Republican Senator Roger Marshall faces Democrat Adam Hamilton, a Methodist pastor. Marshall aligns with Trump and faces scrutiny over lawsuits against patients. Hamilton campaigns on lowering costs and bridging divides. A Democratic win would break a 94-year drought and signal dissatisfaction with Trump's economic policies.
Ohio: Jon Husted vs Sherrod Brown
Republican Jon Husted, appointed to fill JD Vance's seat, faces Democrat Sherrod Brown, a former long-serving senator. The race is a referendum on Trump's trade wars affecting Ohio's manufacturing. Brown has high name recognition as a workers' champion. Husted touts business experience and Trump's praise.
