Though Democrats have a strong edge heading into the midterms, some races have openings for Republicans

While marquee races from Maine to Michigan get all the attention, and draw in a ton of money, a significant batch of lower-profile contests across the US could result in upsets.

Democrats have a strong edge heading into November’s US midterm elections, polls show. In recent days, election prognosticators have shifted even more races in favor of Democrats.

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© Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

© Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

© Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

Roger Marshall says he has ‘no idea how this happened’ and repaid bill double for 2020 election watch party treats

The Republican US senator Roger Marshall says he has finally paid off a bakery debt – after six years and repeated collection attempts reported by a Kansas business that had supplied a large order of treats for a 2020 election watch party.

“We have absolutely no idea how this happened”, the Kansas senator wrote in a social media post containing a screenshot of the payment on a $678.75 invoice from Holly’s Sweet Treats as well as his $1,300 payment. “And we have repaid the bill … double.”

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© Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/Pool AP/AP

© Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/Pool AP/AP

© Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/Pool AP/AP

Republicans have dominated the center of the country for a quarter-century. Now they face several tough races for Senate and governor.

© Nick Oxford for The New York Times

Senator Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican in a difficult race, paid an old campaign debt for cookies, muffins and brownies after a baker’s story went viral online.

© Eric Lee for The New York Times

Adam Hamilton wants to be the first Democrat to win a Senate seat there in nearly 100 years.

© Jess Bidgood/The New York Times

Republicans are suddenly racing to defend a seat in Kansas, where Democrats are trying to win a Senate race for the first time in nearly a century.

© David Robert Elliott for The New York Times

The $5 million investment from the main super PAC for Senate Democrats is a sign that party leaders see a path to winning in another red state as the political environment worsens for Republicans.

The state hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly a century. Economic challenges during President Trump’s second term, as well as other factors, have put it in play.

© Christopher Smith for The New York Times, left; Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Democrats are competitive in Alaska, Iowa, Ohio, Texas and even Kansas as they try to wrest control of the Senate from Republicans. Here’s a look at why.

Democrats are performing strongly in five reliably Republican states where they are trying to flip Senate seats to win control of the chamber, new New York Times/Siena polls found.

© Jillian Vordick/The New York Times