US midterms 2026 latest: Texas, Iowa and Michigan races in focus

With one month to go before the US midterm elections, several traditionally Republican races are becoming increasingly competitive as President Donald Trump steps up his campaign appearances for GOP candidates. In Texas, Trump is returning to the state to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, but the race has tightened significantly, with Democrat James Talarico leading in recent polling. The governor’s race is also drawing attention, with three-term Republican incumbent Greg Abbott facing a stronger-than-expected challenge from Democrat Gina Hinojosa, amid concerns over affordability, immigration enforcement and the Latino vote. Republicans are also defending competitive Senate races in Iowa and Michigan, where Democrat Josh Turek faces Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed takes on Republican Mike Rogers. In Texas, Democratic gains among Latino voters could also affect closely contested House races following a Republican-backed redrawing of congressional maps. Trump’s continued focus on Texas underlines the state’s growing importance to Republican efforts to retain control of Congress. The latest roundup looks at the key races, candidates and issues shaping the final month of the midterm campaign. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://X.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #USMidterms #MidtermElections #TexasSenate #TexasGovernor #JamesTalarico #KenPaxton #GregAbbott #GinaHinojosa #DonaldTrump #JoshTurek #AshleyHinson #AbdulElSayed #MikeRogers #TexasPolitics