Last updated: Oct. 25, 2026 · By Politics Elections Staff
Control of the U.S. Senate is on the ballot Nov. 3, 2026. Republicans hold 53 seats to 45 for Democrats, and two independents caucus with Democrats, according to the Senate Historical Office.
The Cook Political Report rated seven Senate contests as toss-ups in its Oct. 20 ratings, six of them in seats held by Republicans. This page collects Politics Elections coverage of the 2026 Senate races, newest first, followed by explainers on how the Senate works and which seats come up next.
2026 Senate race coverage
The articles below cover individual races and the toss-up map. Polls are reported as each pollster released them, with field dates, sample and margin of error listed in the article. A single poll is one measurement, not a forecast of the result.
- Maine Senate Race 2026: AOC Stumps for Troy Jackson vs. Collins: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rallied in Portland for Democrat Troy Jackson, who faces Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Includes polls, absentee returns and ranked-choice rules.
- Iowa Senate Race 2026: Trump Hits Turek on Parental Notice Vote: President Trump criticized Democrat Josh Turek’s 2023 vote against SF 496, Iowa’s school parental-notification law. Includes polls and absentee voting dates.
- Texas Senate Race 2026 Polls: Paxton, Talarico Tied 49-49 in Fox Poll: Fox News poll fielded Oct. 15–19 shows Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico tied 49-49 among likely voters.
- 7 Senate Toss-Up Races, 6 Held by Republicans, Two Weeks Out: Cook’s toss-ups in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Texas, with the latest likely-voter polls in each.
Key dates in the Senate battleground
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, under federal law. In Texas, early voting in person ends Friday, Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State.
Early voting dates in other Senate battleground states are set by each state. They are listed on the early voting page and by each state’s election office, which USA.gov links to.
How the Senate works and what’s next
A Senate majority shapes what can pass, but most legislation still faces the chamber’s cloture rule. The next regular Senate class is already set for 2028. These explainers cover both.
- Senate Filibuster: 60 Votes, Exceptions and Rule Changes: why ending debate on most bills usually takes 60 votes, while final passage and cloture on nominations need a majority.
- 2028 Senate Map: All 34 Seats and Party Holders: all 34 Class III seats on the 2028 ballot, 19 held by Republicans and 15 by Democrats as of Oct. 23, 2026.
After Election Day
Close Senate races may not be settled on election night. States certify results on their own schedules, and some states use runoffs when no candidate reaches the required threshold.
- Election Results Certification: 2026 State Deadlines: state canvass and certification dates, which differ from state to state.
- Runoff Elections: States, Rules and Election Dates: which states use runoffs and how Georgia and Louisiana set runoff dates.
Related guides
- 2026 Midterm Elections
- Early Voting 2026
- How Elections Work
- How to Vote in Arizona
- How to Vote in Texas