The 2026 United States Senate Election is scheduled to take place in November. An important power that the Senate has is the ability to reject or approve presidential appointments to executive or judicial branch offices. This power can significantly influence Donald Trump’s agenda, as he might be able to put allies in certain positions or not.
While it is unlikely that the Democratic Party will gain a majority, as they need to flip four seats and can only flip two seats by winning all the swing states, they may be able to significantly impair Trump’s ability to appoint allies to positions because some Senate Republicans are hesitant about approving some of Trump’s nominees.
If the Republicans win all the swing seats and gain two seats, it will be easier for Trump to put allies in positions because the Republicans will gain a majority of the vote even with a few hesitant Senate Republicans.
In Georgia, the current senator is Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, who is running for reelection. Derek Dooley, US Representative Mike Collins, and US Representative Buddy Carter are currently running in the Republican primary. As of December 2025, Collins has a five point lead in the primary. Earlier polls showed him with a larger lead. As of September 2025, Ossoff and Collins are tied in the general election. This lead could change as this is the earliest poll between the two candidates.
In Michigan, the current senator is Gary Peters, a Democrat, who is not running for reelection. The candidates running in the Democratic primary are former public health official Abdul El-Sayed, US Representative Haley Stevens, and State Senator Mallory McMorrow. Former US Representative Mike Rogers is expected to be the Republican nominee. As of December 2025, Stevens leads by three points in the Democratic primary. As of January 2026, Stevens and Rogers are tied in the general election. Earlier polls gave Stevens a two point lead and Rogers a two point lead.
In North Carolina, the current senator is Tom Tillis, a Republican, who is not running for reelection. Former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley is expected to be the Republican nominee, and Former Governor Roy Cooper is expected to be the Democratic nominee. As of November 2025, Cooper leads Whately by both ten and nine points in the general election.
In Maine, the current senator is Susan Collins, a Republican, who is expected to run for reelection. Graham Platner and Governor Janet Mills are running in the Democratic primary. As of Late November and Early December 2025, reliable polling shows that Mills leads in the primary by ten points. Earlier polling in October gave Platner a lead in the primary. As of Late November and Early December, reliable polling shows that Mills and Collins are tied, and Platner leads Collins by one point in the general election.
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