2026 midterm election races to watch
CBS News has restarted its Battleground Tracker for 2026, examining voter concerns, groups to watch and the possible impact on congressional control. With the midterm elections this fall, both parties are concentrating on a limited set of Senate and House races.
In Alaska, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola lead the field in a top-four primary; a different candidate sharing Sullivan’s name is also running. Democrats view the contest as a chance to gain a seat, though Alaska has not sent a Democrat to the Senate since 2008.
Several other Senate races could be competitive. In Iowa, Republican Ashley Hinson faces Democrat Josh Turek for the seat Joni Ernst is leaving, amid concerns over costs and Trump’s tariff policies. In Maine, Susan Collins is running against Democrat Troy Jackson after Graham Platner left the race following a sexual assault allegation. Michigan’s open seat pits Republican Mike Rogers against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, while Ohio’s Jon Husted faces former senator Sherrod Brown.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican nomination over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and will face Democrat James Talarico. Democrats see an opening because of Paxton’s controversies and conservative views, while Republicans still expect a difficult, costly contest. In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas and Republican John Sununu are competing for retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s seat.
Every House seat is on the ballot, and 218 seats are needed for a majority. The chamber is closely divided: Republicans hold 218 seats, including an independent who aligns with them, Democrats hold 214, and two seats are vacant. In a redrawn Southern California district, Republican Jim Desmond and Democrat Marni Von Wilpert are seeking to replace Darrell Issa.
In a district north of Denver, Republican Gabe Evans is seeking another term against Democrat Manny Rutinel. Evans flipped the seat in 2025, and the district has a sizable Latino population. The tracker’s assessments will help show how these contests may shape the fight for control of Congress.
Key points
- Senate contests in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and New Hampshire are drawing both parties’ attention.
- All 435 House seats are up; 218 seats are required for a majority.
- CBS News’ Battleground Tracker will examine voter concerns and the contests’ implications for control of Congress.