Democrats gain ground in Trump-won states as Senate control hangs in balance
Donald Trump is campaigning in ten states he carried by double digits in 2024 as Democrats show unexpected strength in several Senate races. The contests could put Republican control of the Senate at risk, and the article links the party’s concerns to rising costs and Trump’s low approval ratings.
In Kansas, which Trump won by 16 points, Democrat Adam Hamilton has narrowly moved ahead of Republican Senator Roger Marshall in recent polling. Democrats are also competitive in Ohio, Alaska, Iowa, Texas, Florida, Nebraska, Mississippi, South Carolina and Kentucky; Republicans hold a 53–47 Senate majority and need to defend seats in Trump-won states while Democrats seek four pickups. Republicans retain a fundraising advantage, spending millions more in some races, while GOP senators have acknowledged that higher fuel costs are squeezing households.
- Trump is campaigning in ten states he won by double digits.
- A Democrat has narrowly overtaken Kansas Senator Roger Marshall in recent polling.
- Republicans’ Senate majority faces pressure from competitive races and rising costs.
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The US Senate is one of two chambers of Congress that makes federal laws. Each state sends two senators, making 100 total, and whichever party holds 51 or more seats controls the chamber's agenda. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats to Democrats' 47.
Senate races are taking place in states that President Trump won by large margins in 2024. Democrats are running competitively in several Republican-leaning states, particularly Kansas, where recent polling shows a Democrat ahead of the Republican incumbent senator. This is notable given Trump's decisive victory in such states just two years ago.
If Democrats win enough seats, they can shift control of the Senate and change which party shapes the chamber's agenda. Democrats need to gain four seats to take the majority, whilst Republicans must defend their current advantage. Republican senators have acknowledged that rising costs are a concern voters are weighing during these elections.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Red-state panic as Trump scrambles to defend TEN strongholds he won in landslides – and Democrats seize lead in shock state”.