Decades-old GOP winning streaks are suddenly at risk

Democrats are running surprisingly competitive races in traditionally Republican territory across the country this midterm election cycle , and it's putting GOP winning streaks at risk that stretch as far back as the 1930s.

Why it matters: Democrats hope ending political droughts in states such as Kansas, Texas and South Carolina will help make inroads in what has long been off-limits territory.

Kansas - 1932 Sen.

Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) is facing a surprisingly tough challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton, a Methodist pastor who has significantly outraised the incumbent GOP senator.

The two are neck-and-neck in the polls , and Cook Political Report rates the race a tossup.

A Democrat hasn't won a U.S.

Senate seat in Kansas since George McGill was reelected in 1932.

Texas - 1988 Democratic state Rep.

James Talarico is giving Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) a real run for his money in the Senate race.

Talarico generally leads in polls by low single digits.

Cook rates it a tossup.

Texas has been a consistent heartbreaker for Democrats in recent cycles.

They last won a Senate seat in the state with Lloyd Bentsen in 1988.

South Carolina - 1998 Polls have routinely shown Republican Sen.