The 2026 Senate elections are shaping up to be a challenging year for both parties. Republicans are facing early headaches in pivotal races, while Democrats still need to net four seats to retake the majority. Key battleground states like Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia will determine which party holds sway.
In Texas, a nasty primary could prove disastrous for the GOP, with Attorney General Ken Paxton potentially squaring off against Sen. John Cornyn in a contentious matchup. The outcome could leave Republicans scrambling to find a new candidate, as Trump’s influence hangs in the balance.
North Carolina’s open primary is another source of concern, with no clear field of candidates vying for the Democratic nomination. Lara Trump, Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, has been quietly building support for her potential Senate bid but remains hesitant to take the stage.
Georgia’s Republican Party is waiting on a decision from former President Donald Trump, who may choose to endorse a candidate or keep his distance. The president’s influence could make all the difference in the state, which Democrats see as one of their best pickup opportunities.
Michigan’s GOP is also keeping an eye on Trump, hoping that former Rep. Mike Rogers’ momentum will carry him through the primary process. The party has rallied behind Rogers, who won Trump’s endorsement last year, but other candidates could still complicate things.
In Iowa, two-term Sen. Joni Ernst is struggling with a wavering stance on Pete Hegseth, Trump’s defense secretary pick, amidst allegations of sexual assault. Despite Ernst’s strong poll numbers, her decision on Hegseth remains uncertain, leaving Republicans nervous about their chances in the state.
As the 2026 Senate elections approach, both parties are bracing for what promises to be a contentious and unpredictable year. With early primaries and caucuses already underway, it’s clear that Trump’s influence will play a significant role in determining which party holds sway.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-senate-2026-republican-democrats-control-candidates-f2a6eefe33c485e0ff184feecaa4c1de