CNN polls show Democrats ahead in Texas and Michigan, narrow edges in Maine and Kansas Senate races

Democratic candidates are leading in four closely watched U.S. Senate races five days before the midterm elections, according to new CNN polls, though the advantages in Maine and Kansas remain within the margin of error.

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leads Republican Mike Rogers 49% to 42%, a seven-point advantage. CNN said El-Sayed has consolidated Democratic support and now holds a 19-point lead among independent voters.

Texas state Rep. James Talarico leads Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton 49% to 43%, putting Democrats within striking distance of a Senate seat in a state where the party has not won a statewide election in three decades.

The contests are tighter in Maine and Kansas. Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson leads Republican Sen. Susan Collins 49% to 45%, while Democratic pastor Adam Hamilton holds the same 49% to 45% edge over Republican Sen. Roger Marshall in Kansas. CNN said neither four-point advantage establishes a clear leader because both are within the polls’ margins of error.

Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to reach 51 and take control of the chamber, avoiding a 50-50 split in which Vice President JD Vance could cast tie-breaking votes.

The Nov. 3 elections also feature competitive Senate races in Alaska, Iowa, Ohio and South Carolina, leaving several possible paths to control of the chamber.