With the midterm elections entering their final weeks, forecasters describe a competitive map across both chambers of Congress, and several contests are drawing new attention and money.

The Cook Political Report has shifted several races toward Democrats and projects the party is positioned to take control of the House. Axios reported that House Republicans are on track to lose their majority, and The Hill catalogued the ten Republican-held seats most likely to flip. Democrats and their allied groups have accelerated spending in a range of districts, while incumbents in the tightest races are weighing their cash reserves against the shifting landscape.

The Senate map has also drawn increased attention. Interest has centered on Maine, where Senator Susan Collins is running for reelection. The Economist framed the state as a bellwether for control of the chamber, and a survey reported by The Hill showed Collins leading her race by three points.

Several other races are drawing new investment. In Kansas, Senator Roger Marshall faces Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton, and Politico reported that the main Democratic Senate super PAC is "actively thinking" about spending there. In Texas, Senator Chuck Schumer launched a new political action committee to support Democratic candidate James Talarico. The National Republican Senatorial Committee, meanwhile, requested $9 million to defend three seats it considers vulnerable, according to Axios.

Signs of internal strain have surfaced within the Republican Party. NPR reported that some Republican candidates are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump as the campaign closes. Representative Nancy Mace said Republicans would "for SURE" lose the Senate race in North Carolina. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said that "MAGA is dead" and that Trump had "betrayed" his own movement. HuffPost also reported on a focus group in which self-identified Trump voters criticized a Republican Senate nominee.

Policy disputes have added to the tension. Some Republicans have broken with the party over Iran as voters express concern about the costs of the conflict, The Hill reported. In Florida, Politico described emerging cracks in what Republicans had treated as a firewall, quoting one figure who said, "We are hemorrhaging."

Republican leaders have signaled efforts to reshape the closing message. CNN reported that Senate Republicans are planning a final push on legislation aimed at lowering costs ahead of the vote.

How these currents resolve remains uncertain. Forecasters and party strategists alike describe a competitive environment across both chambers, with control of Congress hinging on a small number of closely watched contests.

References

1. 1.Cook Political Report — race ratings shifting toward Democrats and House control projection
2. 2.Axios — House Republicans on track to lose majority; NRSC $9 million request for three seats
3. 3.The Hill — ten Republican-held House seats most likely to flip; Collins leading by three points; Republicans breaking with party over Iran
4. 4.The Economist — Maine as a bellwether for Senate control
5. 5.Politico — Democratic Senate super PAC 'actively thinking' about Kansas; Florida 'firewall' cracks and 'We are hemorrhaging' quote
6. 6.NPR — some Republican candidates distancing from Trump
7. 7.HuffPost — focus group of Trump voters criticizing a Republican Senate nominee
8. 8.CNN — Senate Republicans planning final push on cost-lowering legislation