Summary
Democrats are aiming to win control of the Senate in the 2026 elections, focusing on Republican-held seats in states like Maine and North Carolina. They need to gain four seats to achieve a majority, but this will require winning in areas that typically support Republicans. Polls suggest that the races in some of these states could be competitive.
Key Facts
- Democrats need to win four more Senate seats to take the majority from Republicans.
- Republicans hold 53 Senate seats, while Democrats have 47 seats.
- Maine, where Senator Susan Collins serves, and North Carolina, with Senator Thom Tillis retiring, are key targets for Democrats.
- Collins, despite representing a state Biden won, is seen as vulnerable due to tight polling numbers.
- In Maine, a primary is set between potential Democratic candidates Janet Mills and Graham Platner.
- The Cook Political Report identifies Maine and North Carolina as highly competitive races.
- Democrats also need to defend seats in Georgia and Michigan, which Trump won.
- Some political experts believe the Senate will likely remain under Republican control.
