Senate races hinge on personal history

Voters in three states will decide U.S. Senate races that could shift the balance of power in Congress. The outcomes in Texas, Michigan, and Ohio depend on how voters weigh candidates' pasts and political affiliations against current policy issues.

In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton faces Democratic state Rep. James Talarico. Paxton secured the nomination with President Donald Trump's endorsement, beating incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. However, the Texas House impeached Paxton for corruption charges before a Senate trial acquitted him. A win for Talarico would install the state's first Democratic senator in over 30 years.

The Michigan contest involves Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a public health official, and Republican Rep. Mike Rogers. El-Sayed’s Muslim faith has drawn scrutiny, with Trump alleging extremist ties without providing evidence. El-Sayed has rejected those claims, stating his loyalty lies with the U.S. Constitution. Rep. Haley Stevens, who ran against El-Sayed in the primary, dropped her support for him on Sunday to back Rogers.

In Ohio, Republican Sen. Jon Husted challenges former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. Husted took the seat after J.D. Vance became vice president. Brown is seeking a return to office following his 2024 loss to Bernie Moreno. The victor will serve the final two years of Vance's original term.

These three races represent key tests for both parties as the 2026 midterm elections conclude. Each candidate must overcome specific hurdles, from legal history to faith-based criticism, to secure victory in their respective states.