"The party would need to flip four seats to restore the majority it lost in 2022. (Democrats currently hold 47 seats, and with J.D. Vance's tie-breaking vote, the requisite number for control is 51.) And the 2026 map is forbidding: With only one Republican-held seat up for grabs in a blue state and two Democratic-held seats up in states Donald Trump won, the odds of the chamber switching hands have looked pretty long."
"In Ohio, veteran Democratic senator Sherrod Brown, who narrowly lost his seat in 2024, is challenging appointed senator Jon Husted in what should be a close race if there is even a mild pro-Democratic breeze. In blue Maine, not one but two viable candidates - sitting governor Janet Mills and populist newcomer Graham Platner - are challenging veteran survivor Susan Collins."
Democrats need to flip four Senate seats to regain a 51-seat majority. The 2026 map is unfavorable with only one Republican-held seat in a blue state and two Democratic-held seats in states Donald Trump won. Candidate recruitment has improved Democratic prospects across multiple states. Sherrod Brown is challenging appointed senator Jon Husted in Ohio. Maine features two viable Democratic challengers to Susan Collins: Janet Mills and Graham Platner. Texas Democrats James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett are competing to challenge John Cornyn amid a divisive GOP primary. New Hampshire lacks a strong Republican recruit to contest the open seat. Mary Peltola has announced a challenge in the Far North against a two-term Republican incumbent.
Read at Intelligencer
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