Voters in key states decide several closely watched Senate seats

What This is

• Control of the Senate is up for grabs in the 2026 midterms, with many races close enough that a small swing in a few states could decide the chamber.
• More than 50 million people have voted early, with big early-vote increases in several states that could decide Senate control.
• Michigan’s Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers has drawn intense national attention and heavy focus on tariffs, the economy, and identity-based attacks.
• Texas has one of the most expensive Senate contests, with Republican Ken Paxton facing Democrat James Talarico amid massive outside spending and corruption-focused attacks.
• Ohio’s special Senate election between Republican appointee Jon Husted and former Sen. Sherrod Brown is a toss-up that both parties see as central to Senate control.
• In Kansas and Iowa, Republicans are defending seats as Democrats try to capitalize on voter frustration about costs, tariffs, and fuel prices.
• Some races are also shaped by concerns about election administration, including warnings about possible federal pressure on vote counting and certification.

Why This Matters

• Senate control determines which party can more easily pass laws and confirm top government and court nominees.
• Close outcomes can hinge on turnout barriers, weather, and election rules, raising questions about equal access to voting.
• Record outside spending tests how much wealthy donors and super PAC ads can shape who wins and what issues dominate.
• Identity-based attacks and intraparty splits can change coalition politics and affect how candidates campaign in diverse states.