Summary
Republicans are focusing on certain states as opportunities to gain Senate seats in the 2026 elections. Seats in Georgia and Michigan, held by Democrats, are seen as key targets due to past Republican wins in those states. Other states like Minnesota and New Hampshire could also be competitive depending on President Trump's popularity.
Key Facts
- Around one-third of Senate seats will be up for election in November 2026.
- Republicans view Georgia and Michigan as strong opportunities to win Democratic seats.
- President Trump carried Georgia and Michigan in the 2024 presidential election.
- Democrats are also targeting Republican-held seats in states like Maine and North Carolina.
- In Georgia, Democrat Jon Ossoff was elected in 2020, and recent polls show tight races with Republican challengers.
- Michigan's Senate seat is open due to Democrat Gary Peters retiring, with close races projected.
- New Hampshire's Senate seat is open as Democrat Jeanne Shaheen is retiring, with the outcome possibly affected by Trump's past narrow loss in the state.
- The Cook Political Report labels the races in Georgia and Michigan as tossups, New Hampshire as leaning Democrat, and Minnesota as likely Democrat.
