SEATTLE — In early election results, Republicans are leading key races that will help decide control of the state Senate.

After two Democrats defected to form a coalition that gave Republicans control of the Senate, liberals were hoping to mount enough challenges to gain control of the chamber outright.

But so far Democrats trailed in the handful of competitive races they needed to win.

Democrats appear to be failing to keep the 30th District seat, which was vacated by the retirement of veteran lawmaker Tracey Eide. Democrat-turned-Republican Mark Miloscia was leading Democrat Shari Song in early results. Defeat in the district, which covers parts of south King County and north Pierce County, would represent a net loss for Democrats.

In the 35th District, incumbent Sen. Tim Sheldon, who was one of the two Democrats who formed the coalition with Republicans, was fending off a challenge from Democrat Irene Bowling by leading with 55 percent of the vote. In the Legislature, he’s long voted with Republicans, but he barely survived a primary challenge from a Democrat and a Republican.