Democrats Lead in Key Senate Races as Michigan Campaign Heats Up
New polls show Democratic leads in five of seven battleground Senate contests, while Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed raises a record $2.4 million after Rep. Haley Stevens endorsed his Republican opponent.
New polling data from the New York Times/Siena and CNN indicate that Democrats are ahead in five of seven closely watched Senate races, including North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Maine and Michigan. In Michigan, a CNN poll of polls shows Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leading Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers 50-45, and a New York Times/Siena poll gave him an 11-point advantage.
El-Sayed’s campaign reported a $2.4 million fundraising haul in a single day, the largest in his Senate bid, with an average contribution of $36.74 from more than 65,000 donors, including nearly 30,000 first-time supporters. Campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak said the fundraising surge reflects voter enthusiasm for El-Sayed’s message.
The fundraising surge follows Rep. Haley Stevens’ unexpected endorsement of Rogers, a move that drew criticism from Democratic leaders. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said the endorsement “lied to” constituents and party officials, while Rep. Debbie Dingell described Stevens’ interview with CNN as “painful” and said the endorsement was “backfiring.”
President Donald Trump, who is currently serving his second term, reiterated his intent to veto Democratic legislation if Republicans lose control of Congress. In a recent interview, Trump said, "> If Democrats win back power, I’ll become Mr. Veto and we’ll eventually have to make deals."
Trump also commented on his own eligibility for future presidential runs, noting the constitutional limits of the 22nd Amendment and expressing uncertainty about the legal language.
The broader midterm landscape includes contests for the House, Senate and governorships in dozens of states. Republicans currently hold 218 House seats and 53 Senate seats, while Democrats hold 214 House seats and 45 Senate seats, with two Independents in the Senate.
Election officials are preparing for the 2026 vote amid concerns about potential federal interference, citing statements from Trump and his allies about alleged election fraud and threats to prosecute officials they deem noncompliant.