High stakes loom with 1 week until 2026 midterm elections and pivotal Senate races

Voting day draws closer

Americans are scheduled to vote in the midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3. With one week remaining, attention is turning to races that could reshape control of the Senate.

Thirty-five Senate seats are on the ballot. A small number of contests are expected to play a decisive role in determining whether Democrats or Republicans lead the chamber next year.

Texas Senate race stays tight

Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico remain in a close contest for a Texas Senate seat. President Donald Trump is visiting the state Tuesday for two rallies as Republicans make their final campaign arguments in battleground races.

Paxton said he plans to attend both events and speak. Talarico is also scheduled to address a rally in Lubbock on Tuesday, according to a campaign advisory.

Other Texas contest in focus

Rep. Monica De La Cruz said she will attend the rallies. She is in a toss-up race in Texas’ 15th Congressional District against Tejano musician Bobby Pulido. Trump’s trip is his fourth campaign-season visit to Texas since Labor Day, the report said.

Election spending sets record

The 2025-2026 election cycle is now the most expensive on record, media tracking firm AdImpact reported. Spending has surpassed the $11.20 billion recorded for the entire 2023-2024 cycle.