Nine Senate Races Could Decide Control of US Chamber in 2026

The battle for control of the US Senate is increasingly focused on nine competitive races that could determine whether Democrats regain the majority in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Control of the US Senate is expected to hinge on nine competitive races as Democrats seek the four-seat gain needed to win a majority in the 2026 midterm elections.

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Democrats need to gain four seats from Republicans to take control of the 100-member Senate.

Of the 35 Senate seats being contested this year, independent analysts and political handicappers identify nine races as particularly competitive.

North Carolina is among Democrats' strongest opportunities.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is retiring, while former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper faces Republican Michael Whatley, a Trump ally and former chairman of the Republican National Committee. Cooper has held an advantage in recent polling.

Democrats are also defending a seat in Michigan following the retirement of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers in a race that could become critical to Democrats' hopes of capturing the chamber.

Texas has emerged as an unexpected battleground. Democratic state Rep. James Talarico is challenging Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton won the Republican primary with Trump's backing after defeating incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

The race has become competitive enough that Republicans have been forced to devote additional resources to defending the seat.

In Alaska, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faces Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola.

The race has also attracted attention because of a ballot-name issue involving another candidate with a similar name.

Other competitive Senate contests identified by Reuters include Iowa, Maine, Georgia, Ohio and New Hampshire. The nine races will be closely watched as Democrats attempt to overcome the structural advantage Republicans currently hold in the Senate.