Kathmandu. On the eve of the US midterm elections, Democratic candidates have taken the lead in the Senate race in five Republican-held states. Polls by the New York Times and Siena University also show tight competition in Iowa.

In Texas, James Talarico leads Republican Ken Paxton 50-43 percent, in Kansas, Chris Hamilton leads Roger Marshall 49-44 percent, and in Maine, Graham Plattner leads Susan Collins 51-45 percent. Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Mary Peltola in Alaska are also ahead of their Republican rivals. In Iowa, Democrat Josh Turek has 48 percent support and Republican Ashley Hinson has 47 percent. In Michigan, Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed is leading with 53 percent.

Dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump and the rising cost of living have become major issues in the election. In the seven states surveyed, only 38 percent support Trump’s performance. On the cost of living issue, Democrats have a nine-percentage point lead over Republicans.

Democrats would need to win at least four Republican seats to win a majority in the Senate. Voting will be held for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 seats in the Senate in the Nov. 3 election. Polls show Democrats likely to gain control of the Senate, but the final result will depend on the voters’ decision.