Ten Senate Races Decide the Midterm as Polls Open Across Key States
Voters in North Carolina, Georgia, and nine other states cast ballots in pivotal contests that will determine congressional control.
By Elena Menon ·
Polls opened Tuesday morning across ten pivotal states where voters are deciding the outcome of the midterms. The Associated Press notes that these races are central to the fight for control of the U.S. Senate. Republicans currently hold a 53 to 45 advantage in the chamber. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to claim the majority. Republicans can afford to lose only two seats to retain control.
In North Carolina, polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. local time. The race is for an open seat following the retirement of Thom Tillis. Ballotpedia lists the state as having a new congressional map. The contest features Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper against former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley. Tillis retired after clashing with President Donald Trump. The state voted for Trump by 3.3 points in 2024.
Georgia polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff is defending his seat against Republican Representative Mike Collins. Ballotpedia rates this race as leaning to likely Democratic. The state voted for Trump by 2.2 points in the 2024 presidential election. Ossoff is seeking reelection to a six year term that would begin on January 3, 2027.
Ohio polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is a special election for the remainder of the term JD Vance was elected to in 2022. Ballotpedia identifies the race as featuring Democratic former Senator Sherrod Brown against Republican Senator Jon Husted. The state voted for Trump by 11.2 points in 2024. Husted is the incumbent in this special contest.
Michigan polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The seat is open following the retirement of Gary Peters. Ballotpedia lists the race as leaning Democratic. The matchup is between Republican former Representative Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. On Sunday, El-Sayed's former primary opponent Haley Stevens endorsed Rogers. The state voted for Trump by 1.4 points in 2024.
Texas polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The race is for the seat held by John Cornyn. Ballotpedia notes the state voted for Trump by 13.6 points in 2024. The contest features Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico. Trump backed Paxton over Cornyn in the primary. The AP describes the state as having a competitive governor race as well.
Maine polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The race is rated as a toss up by all four major polling services. The matchup is between incumbent Senator Susan Collins and Democratic former state Senate President Troy Jackson. Ballotpedia notes the state voted for Harris by 6.9 points in 2024. The AP says economic strain and tariffs have made the state competitive.
New Hampshire polls are open by 11 a.m. and close no earlier than 7 p.m. The race is for the open seat of retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Ballotpedia lists the state as having voted for Harris by 2.8 points in 2024. The contest features Democratic Representative Chris Pappas against former Republican Senator John E. Sununu.
Minnesota polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The seat is open following the retirement of Senator Tina Smith. Ballotpedia notes that four candidates are in the race. Among them are Democratic Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya. Tafoya is a former sports broadcaster. The state is part of the Midwest swing region.
Kansas polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The state is reliably Republican but has become central to the Senate fight. Ballotpedia rates the race as toss up to lean Republican. The state voted for Trump by 16.2 points in 2024. Incumbent Senator Roger Marshall is running for reelection. Trump held a rally in Salina, Kansas, on Sunday.
Alaska polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The race is rated as toss up to lean Democratic. The state voted for Trump by 13.1 points in 2024. Incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan is running for reelection. The AP notes that the Trump administration filed a lawsuit related to the certification of the Senate result in this state.
Voters in these states are making decisions amid a national referendum on the president's second term. The AP reports that 35 percent of U.S. adults approve of Trump's job performance. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters stated that everything depends on turnout. DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene said the American people are angry and want change. The results of these ten races will help determine the balance of power in Congress for the final two years of the current administration.
