Seven Senate Toss-Ups Could Decide 53-47 Control as Democrats Chase 4 Seats
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 28
Seven Senate Toss-Ups Could Decide 53-47 Control as Democrats Chase 4 Seats
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 28
Summary
Seven toss-up Senate races are poised to decide control next week, with Democrats needing four pickups and holding a clear edge only in North Carolina among Republican-held seats.
Poll averages show Democrats narrowly ahead in all seven toss-ups—mostly within the margin of error—even though Trump carried six of those states in 2024, five by double digits.
Republicans still dominate late spending in most battlegrounds, including $159.1 million in Texas, $71 million in Ohio and $23.5 million in Michigan, while Democrats hold spending advantages only in Iowa and Kansas.
Texas and Ohio have become especially high-stakes tests: Ken Paxton is locked in a costly race with James Talarico, while Sherrod Brown is trying to reclaim an Ohio seat now held by Jon Husted.
If Democrats sweep the seven toss-ups and favored races, they would secure their biggest Senate majority since Obama; if Republicans sweep them, they would preserve their 53-47 edge.