Here are the Senate races to watch ahead of Election Day
The 2026 midterm elections show highly competitive Senate races in traditionally red states. Both Democratic and Republican committees are actively campaigning, with controversies emerging in key battleground states.
Why it matters
The outcome of these races will determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate and the legislative agenda for the coming years.
📲 Get the latest on the midterms & more in the NPR App
When this election cycle began, Democrats were seen as a longshot to pick up the Senate.
That's because so many seats that are up for election are in red states. But as the year has gone on and the war in Iran has continued, the field has widened considerably.
Polling, ad money and candidate and surrogate travel have all indicated competitive races in places Trump won by double digits in 2024. Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and Texas are all considered Toss Ups, according to the Cook Political Report .
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Trump cancels Iowa, Kansas midterm events, opts for ‘tele-rallies’
Trump cancels weekend rallies, plans to phone in to other midterm campaign events
Trump scraps last two election rallies ahead of midterms
US midterms: Trump skips rallies in two red states, takes phone route to rescue GOP
Trump cancels weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas in favor of holding numerous tele-rallies
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in