The nine key races that will decide who controls the Senate, and where they stand

Democrats have expanded their once-narrow path to reclaiming the Senate majority with just over two weeks until Election Day, but they'll need to win several competitive races to take control of the chamber.If Democrats ride a massive blue wave in the midterm elections, they could end up with 52 or even 53 seats in the next Senate.But if Republicans out-perform the polls, they could hold their majority, which currently stands at 53-47.Here's a look at the current battlefield and both parties' routes to securing a Senate majority in the midterms.The latest Power Rankings point to Democrats and Republicans each taking 47 seats in the midterms, leaving six races rated as true toss-ups.

Additionally, three races are rated as leaners — one step shy of a toss-up.These nine showdowns will likely determine whether the Democrats make a net gain of four seats to win control of the Senate or if the GOP holds the majority.DEMS SEE NEW CHANCES TO FLIP SENATE SEATS BUT GOP'S MASSIVE CASH ADVANTAGE AN OBSTACLEFox News Power Rankings Senate forecast.

(Remy Numa/Fox News)"Nine races will determine control of the Senate, and on the polling alone, you could call any of them toss-ups," said Remy Numa, a Fox News contributor who steers the network's Power Rankings.The GOP is fighting political history, as the party in power in Washington has traditionally lost seats during midterm election years.Republicans also face a challenging political climate fueled by persistent inflation Americans see at the grocery store, high gas prices tied to what polls show is an unpopular war with Iran and President Donald Trump's increasingly negative approval ratings.With Republicans controlling the seats in six of the nine competitive races in the Power Rankings, the GOP is playing more defense than the Democrats.The six toss-up states are Alaska, where Sen.

Dan Sullivan is seeking re-election against Democratic challenger and former Rep.Mary Peltola; Iowa, where Rep.

Ashley Hinson is trying to ke...