With just over six weeks until November's midterm elections, a string of razor-thin Senate races could decide which party controls the chamber during the final two years of President Donald Trump's term.
Democrats need to gain at least four seats to reclaim the majority, and new polling shows competitive contests stretching from Alaska to Texas as Republicans try to defend a six-seat edge amid a challenging political environment for the White House.
Ten races are emerging as key Senate battlegrounds, with several surveys showing margins within the polls' typical error range. High-profile matchups in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio highlight a volatile map that could determine whether Trump faces a Democratic-led Senate or a Republican
firewall for the remainder of his presidency.
What is the latest polling saying?
Recent surveys suggest the battle for Senate control remains highly competitive, with Democrats leading in several key races while Republicans hold narrow advantages in others. Here's a look at the latest public polling in 10 closely watched contests:
- Alaska: (D) Peltola: 53% - (R) Sullivan: 47% (AARP, September 17)
- Georgia: (D) Ossoff: 49% - (R) Collins: 43% (Republican pollster Trafalgar Group, September 13)
- Iowa: (R) Hinson: 49% - (D) Turek: 45% (Emerson College, September 3)
- Maine: (D) Jackson: 48% - (R) Collins: 45% (CNN/SSRS, September 9)
- Michigan: (D) El-Sayed: 48% - (R) Rogers: 45% (The Washington Post, September 17)
- Nebraska: (R) Ricketts: 52% - (I) Osborn: 48% (Wedgewood Polls, September 16)
- New Hampshire: (R) Sununu: 45% - (D) Pappas: 43% (University of New Hampshire, August 26)
- North Carolina: (D) Cooper: 48% - (R) Whatley: 42% (Republican pollster Trafalgar Group, September 13)
- Ohio: (D) Brown: 48% - (R) Husted: 45% (Bowling Green State University, September 16)
- Texas: (D) Talarico: 47% - (R) Paxton: 46% (Emerson College, September 17)
Where is the fight for Senate control headed?
Democrats have recently gained a noticeable advantage according to national polls, Republicans remain within striking distance in several states where large shares of voters remain undecided, and the party continues to hold narrow advantages in Iowa, Nebraska and New Hampshire. In Texas, one of the nation's most closely watched races, the latest poll showsTalarico and Paxton effectively tied.
With early voting already kicking off in Virginia, both parties are expected to pour millions of dollars into advertising, voter outreach and turnout operations between now and Nov. 3, as they battle for the handful of seats likely to determine Senate control.
Control of the chamber could shape the remainder of Trump's presidency, influencing everything from judicial confirmations and executive appointments to the administration's legislative agenda.
For now, the latest polling suggests the fight for the Senate remains wide open, with a handful of closely contested races poised to determine which party emerges with the upper hand in Washington after Election Day.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who will control the Senate? New polls show tight races
