Republicans watch once untouchable seats crack as grim batch of polls reveal dark electoral forecast
A series of polls suggests Democrats are competitive, and in some cases ahead, in Republican-held or traditionally Republican states ahead of this year’s US midterm elections. The results have raised concerns about Republican prospects, with commentators attributing the apparent shift partly to dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump and his handling of inflation and immigration.
In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola leads Republican Senator Dan Sullivan 46% to 41% among likely voters. Democrat Roy Cooper leads Republican Michael Whatley by 15 points in North Carolina, while Texas Democrat James Talarico leads Ken Paxton 49% to 43% and Gina Hinojosa reportedly leads Governor Greg Abbott; Republicans caution that polls are only temporary snapshots.
- Democrats lead in several Republican-held states.
- Texas and North Carolina show particularly troubling figures for Republicans.
- Republicans warn that early polls are not definitive.