Voters Weigh Senate Control in Ten Key Midterm Races

Voters in ten key states head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to decide the fate of the United States Senate. These races are central to the midterm election, which determines congressional control for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats, while Democrats hold 45, with two independents who caucus with the Democratic Party. To gain a majority, Democrats need a net gain of four seats, whereas Republicans can afford to lose only two. The Associated Press notes that Republicans are bracing for potential losses in the House while fighting to maintain their Senate majority.

In North Carolina, the race is open following the retirement of Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper faces former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley. Tillis retired after clashing with President Trump, a move that has shaped the dynamics of this contest. The state voted for Trump by a margin of 3.3 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election. Polls in North Carolina are open from 6:30 a.m. To 7:30 p.m. Local time.

Georgia presents a critical defense for Democrats, who hold the seat of Senator Jon Ossoff. He is challenged by Republican Representative Mike Collins. The Associated Press identifies this as a key matchup in the fight for Senate control. In the 2024 presidential election, Trump won Georgia by a margin of 2.2 percentage points. Recent race ratings describe the contest as leaning or likely Democratic. Georgia polls are open from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m.

Ohio features a special election for the remainder of the term originally held by Vice President JD Vance, who was elected to the Senate in 2022. Republican Senator Jon Husted, who is serving in this special capacity, faces Democratic former Senator Sherrod Brown. The Associated Press highlights this as a named matchup. Trump won Ohio by 11.2 percentage points in 2024. Ballotpedia lists Ohio poll hours as 6:30 a.m. To 7:30 p.m.

Michigan is an open seat following the retirement of Democratic Senator Gary Peters. The race pits Republican former Representative Mike Rogers against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. On Sunday, El-Sayed's former primary opponent, Haley Stevens, endorsed Rogers. The Associated Press notes that Michigan is a key battleground. Trump won Michigan by a narrow 1.4 percentage points in 2024. Race ratings suggest the state is a toss-up to lean Democratic. Polls in Michigan are open from 7 a.m. To 8 p.m.

Texas sees a contest between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. President Trump backed Paxton over sitting Senator John Cornyn in the primary. The Associated Press identifies this as a major matchup. Trump won Texas by 13.6 percentage points in the 2024 election. Ballotpedia indicates that Texas polls are open from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m.

Maine is a toss-up race on all four major ratings systems. Republican Senator Susan Collins faces Democratic former state Senate President Troy Jackson. Economic strain and tariffs have made the state competitive. In 2024, Kamala Harris won Maine by 6.9 percentage points. Maine polls are open from 6 a.m. To 8 p.m., though small towns may open later.

New Hampshire is an open seat following the retirement of Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Democratic Representative Chris Pappas faces former Republican Senator John E. Sununu. In the 2024 presidential election, Harris won New Hampshire by 2.8 percentage points. Polling hours in New Hampshire vary by town, with polls opening by 11 a.m. And closing no earlier than 7 p.m.

Minnesota features a four-way race for the seat of retiring Democratic Senator Tina Smith. Candidates include Democratic Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster. The state voted for Trump in 2024, though the specific margin is not detailed in the provided facts for this race. Ballotpedia lists Minnesota poll hours as 7 a.m. To 8 p.m.

Kansas, traditionally a reliably Republican state, has become central to the fight for Senate control. Republican Senator Roger Marshall is the incumbent. The state voted for Trump by a margin of 16.2 percentage points in 2024. Race ratings describe Kansas as a toss-up to lean Republican. President Trump ended his campaign rallies in Salina, Kansas, on Sunday, urging voters to pretend he was on the ballot. Kansas polls are open from 7 a.m. To 7 p.m. Central time.

Alaska is a toss-up to lean Democratic race. Republican Senator Dan Sullivan is the incumbent. The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit related to the certification of the Senate result in the state. Trump won Alaska by 13.1 percentage points in 2024. Ballotpedia states that Alaska polls are open from 7 a.m. To 8 p.m.