Democrats aim to flip four U.S. Senate seats as primaries near

With President Donald Trump in the White House and a Republican vice‑president holding the tie‑breaking vote, Democrats need to win four Senate races to take control of the chamber. Republicans acknowledge a narrow majority is possible, but say they will retain the Senate.

The most competitive contest is the open seat in North Carolina, where former Governor Roy Cooper (D) faces former RNC chair Michael Whatley (R) after the retirement of Sen. Thom Tillis. Cooper leads in polls and fundraising, while Republicans point to voter‑registration advantages.

Other toss‑up races include Alaska, Maine, Michigan and Ohio. Senate primaries are seeing a rise in socialist and younger outsider candidates, prompting Republicans to stress centrist, low‑tax policies. The final outcome remains uncertain as primary votes continue to be counted.