Top Senate Races To Watch In 2026

As 2025 ends, attention shifts to the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans have a good chance of retaining control of the Senate, with 33 seats up for grabs. Democrats are favored to win back the House of Representatives. Key Senate races to watch include Texas, where Ken Paxton faces John Cornyn in the GOP primary. Georgia's Republican primary is crowded, while Jon Ossoff faces no Democratic challengers. Maine's Susan Collins faces a tough challenge from potential Democratic nominees Graham Platner or Janet Mills. In Michigan, Republicans hope to flip an open seat, with Mike Stevens as the presumptive GOP nominee. Ohio's special election features Jon Husted, endorsed by Trump, against a Democratic field. North Carolina's open seat sees popular Democrat Roy Cooper challenging Republican Michael Whatley. Nebraska's Ricketts is favored in a Republican stronghold, but faces an independent challenge. New Hampshire's open seat features a GOP primary between John Sununu and Scott Brown, with Chris Pappas favored on the Democratic side.