Republicans' Senate majority is in doubt as Ohio and South Carolina races tighten days before the US midterms
Ken Paxton with Donald Trump, who campaigned for him at a Texas rally. Elon Musk has poured at least $158 million into the contest backing Paxton, who drew mockery after telling the crowd America celebrated its 200th…
Democrat Sherrod Brown holds a 47% to 44% lead over Republican incumbent Jon Husted in Ohio, while South Carolina's contest between Senator Darline Graham and Democrat Annie Andrews is equally close — both results falling within the margin of error. Former RNC chair Ronna McDaniel has described it as a 'tough environment' for Republicans, saying Democrats will 'probably' reclaim the House and acknowledging the Senate majority is genuinely at risk.
McDaniel also raised concerns about the $180 million directed into Texas on behalf of Ken Paxton, characterising the expenditure as an uncertain gamble.
To take control of the Senate, Democrats need to flip four more seats than they lose; wins in Ohio and South Carolina would put them well on the way to that threshold.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has called Ohio 'ground zero' for the midterms, a signal of how acutely Republicans understand what is at stake.
