{"id":2384380,"date":"2024-12-29T06:38:01","date_gmt":"2024-12-29T11:38:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/way-too-early-guide-to-senate-races-to-watch-in-2026\/"},"modified":"2024-12-29T06:38:36","modified_gmt":"2024-12-29T11:38:36","slug":"way-too-early-guide-to-senate-races-to-watch-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/way-too-early-guide-to-senate-races-to-watch-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Way-too-early guide to Senate races to watch in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fway-too-early-guide-to-senate-races-to-watch-in-2026%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2384380&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The article discusses the eight Senate races to watch in \u2064the lead-up to the 2026 elections, highlighting that there are\u2062 at least 35 Senate seats up\u200b for election, including special elections in Ohio and Florida. After the Republicans secured\u200d a majority in the Senate in 2024, Democrats are tasked with flipping\u200d four\u2064 seats in 2026 \u200bto regain control. Key races include:<\/p>\n<p>1. **Georgia**: Incumbent \u200bSenator Jon Ossoff (D) is a top target for Republicans, especially if Governor Brian kemp (R) enters the race.<\/p>\n<p>2. **Michigan**: Senator Gary Peters (D) may face challenges as Republicans feel optimistic about flipping this seat after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/heritage-action-steps-up-in-arizona-senate-race-after-mcconnell-pulls-8-million-from-masters\/\" title=\"Heritage Action Steps Up In Arizona Senate Race After McConnell Pulls  Million From Masters\">recent electoral trends<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>3. **new Hampshire**: Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D) \u2064could face a strong contender if former Governor Chris Sununu (R) decides to run.<\/p>\n<p>4. **north carolina**: \u200bSenator\u2062 Thom Tillis (R) is up for reelection in\u200c a state that has leaned Republican, though Democrats may have a chance \u200bwith potential candidates\u200b like outgoing Governor Roy cooper (D).<\/p>\n<p>5. **Maine**: Senator Susan Collins (R), often targeted by Democrats, plans to seek a sixth term amid a historically competitive habitat.<\/p>\n<p>Other states mentioned do not provide specifics but indicate that all\u200d incumbent senators up for reelection will be \u200bscrutinized as the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">political landscape evolves ahead<\/a> of the elections.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Eight Senate races to watch in 2026<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1917813\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Republicans secured a trifecta in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2024-elections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"2024 Elections\">2024 elections<\/a>, winning control of the White House, House and Senate, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean Senators are going to rest on their laurels, with the groundwork already <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2026-elections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"being laid for 2026\">being laid for 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>In November 2026, there will be at least 35 Senate seats up for election, which includes a special election in Ohio for Vice President-elect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/jd-vance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"J.D. Vance\">J.D. Vance<\/a>&rsquo;s seat and another one in Florida to replace <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/marco-rubio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)\">Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)<\/a>, who has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/3229104\/trump-nominates-marco-rubio-secretary-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"nominated\">nominated<\/a> to become secretary of state.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Republicans won back control of the Senate in 2024, picking up four seats for a 53-47 majority. Democrats will need to flip four Senate seats in 2026 to reclaim a majority.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Georgia <\/h2>\n<p>Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) is up for reelection and his seat is a major Republican target after President-elect Donald Trump was able to flip the state after it went for President Joe Biden in 2020 and with Ossoff and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) that same year.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3221925\/how-republicans-took-back-senate-2022-setback\/\"><strong>HOW REPUBLICANS TOOK BACK THE SENATE AFTER STINGING 2022 SETBACK<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>While Ossoff doesn&rsquo;t have a Republican challenger yet, he could face some formidable opponents. Many on the GOP side are hoping Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) will get into the race, as he is coming to the end of his second term in 2026 and will be unable to seek a third. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) has also indicated he is interested in a run.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) boards an elevator during a Senate vote, at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, February 1, 2024. (Graeme Sloan\/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Republican Jewish Coalition is already laying the groundwork to oust Georgia&rsquo;s first Jewish U.S. senator after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3239789\/senate-democrats-navigate-post-election-divide-toward-israel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">he voted <\/a>in favor of two resolutions to block the sale of U.S. weapons to Israel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Michigan&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p>Republicans are also feeling bullish about their chances of flipping Sen. Gary Peters&rsquo;s (D-MI) seat after Trump won the state and nearly picked up a Senate seat this year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) lost to Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) to fill retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow&rsquo;s (D-MI) seat by the narrowest of margins.<\/p>\n<p>Peters does not have any Republican challengers just yet, but he is seen as vulnerable after narrowly surviving his reelection bid in 2020 against Rep. John James (R-MI).&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Hampshire&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p>Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is up for reelection in a state that Republicans have been after in recent years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Shaheen, who has served in the Senate for three terms after six years as governor, is a fixture of New Hampshire politics. However, she could face a formidable challenge if Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) decides to run. The outgoing governor has said he isn&rsquo;t interested in running, but some Republicans hope they may be able to change his mind.<\/p>\n<p>Former Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) had said in 2023 that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/politics\/former-sen-scott-brown-hosts-2024-gop-presidential-contenders-nh-he-mulls-another-senate-run-2026.amp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">he would consider a run<\/a> in 2026 after losing to Shaheen in 2014.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">North Carolina<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) is up for reelection after two terms in the Senate. Democrats have their sights on this seat after Democrat Cal Cunningham conceded in the competitive race, losing by less than 2 points.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) speaks at a press conference on Dec. 20, 2024. (Graeme Jennings \/ Washington Examiner)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Democrats have had many disappointments in the state since Obama last carried the state in 2008. President-elect Trump won North Carolina by about 3 points and he also won in 2020 and 2016.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>However, they could have a better chance if outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) jumps into the race. According to reporting from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics\/2024-election\/roy-cooper-backs-consideration-harris-running-mate-rcna164203\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">NBC News<\/a>, Cooper has expressed interest in a Senate run.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maine&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<p>Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) is always a top target for Democrats in a state that often leans more to the left in statewide elections. She told reporters that she intends to seek a sixth term in office.<\/p>\n<p>Collins, an outspoken critic of Trump who voted to impeach him in his second trial, could ultimately face a primary challenge. However, a centrist like Collins has the strongest chance to win in a general election.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), left, confers with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing to examine the cost of prescription drugs, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017. (AP Photo\/J. Scott Applewhite)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In the next Congress, Collins will be the only GOP senator out of 53 in total who represents a state that Harris won. She&rsquo;s never had to run in a tough midterm environment for Republicans &mdash; her only previous midterm under a Republican president came in the 2002 cycle, which was a positive one for Republicans after then-President George W. Bush had a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/biden-will-deliver-first-speech-to-congress-in-nearly-empty-house-chamber\/\" title=\"Biden Will Deliver First Speech To Congress In Nearly-Empty House Chamber\">high approval rating<\/a> following the Sept. 11 attacks.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ohio <\/h2>\n<p>The state is expected to have an open seat after Vance vacates his seat when he is sworn in as Vice President. Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) will appoint a replacement, but there will be a special election in 2026.<\/p>\n<p>While the state has trended more red in recent years, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) just lost his seat in Ohio this cycle and has indicated he could be interested in running again in 2026. Former Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), who ran against Vance in 2022, has also indicated he could be interested.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Texas<\/h2>\n<p>Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) is running for his fifth term. Democrats have long tried to flip Texas blue but have come up unsuccessful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Cornyn&rsquo;s most interesting challenge may come from his own party. State Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has<a href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2023\/09\/20\/ken-paxton-texas-john-cornyn-senate-seat-00117289\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"> suggested<\/a> he could primary Cornyn.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;To me, he&rsquo;s been in Washington too long. He&rsquo;s been there, what, for 14 years or so? And I can&rsquo;t think of a single thing he&rsquo;s accomplished for our state or even for the country,&rdquo; Paxton said in a <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TuckerCarlson\/status\/1704665052031172641?s=20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Fox News interview<\/a> in 2023.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance return to meetings at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 20, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Tasos Katopodis\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If Paxton were to successfully oust Cornyn in a primary, Democrats believe their shot of flipping the Lone Star state would greatly improve.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iowa<\/h2>\n<p>Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is up for reelection, and while her seat is in a safe red state, she faces some intraparty unrest in her home state.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Ernst, a former combat veteran, is facing an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/3257004\/trump-allies-joni-ernst-pressure-campaign-save-hegseth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">enormous pressure campaign<\/a> from MAGA Republicans as she weighs whether to support Trump&rsquo;s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. There has been some speculation she could face a challenge from the right if she decides not to back Trump&rsquo;s pick.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/3220424\/how-democrats-can-adjust-to-avoid-future-defeats\/\"><strong>DEMOCRATS WEIGH CHANGE IN STRATEGY TO AVOID MIDTERM AND 2028 DEFEATS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>She has also come under criticism from Republicans in the state that she has not been fully supportive of Trump and his agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Ernst, a survivor of rape and domestic violence, has made fighting sexual harassment in the military a key priority from her perch on the Senate Armed Services Committee.&nbsp;She has largely been in line with Trump, heading up the Department of Government Efficiency caucus in the Senate next year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1917813\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1917813\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eight key Senate races to monitor in 2026 as Republicans prepare for elections<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2657,"featured_media":2384381,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Jon-Ossoff-scaled-1024x682.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[42974,47544,33017,37728],"class_list":["post-2384380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-2026-elections","tag-early-predictions","tag-political-analysis","tag-senate-races"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Jon-Ossoff-scaled-1024x682.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2384380","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2657"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2384380"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2384380\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2384384,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2384380\/revisions\/2384384"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2384381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2384380"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2384380"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2384380"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}