With six days remaining until the 2026 midterm elections, control of the U.S. Senate remains uncertain, with forecasts rating the race a toss-up. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot, alongside 36 gubernatorial races and more than 150 ballot measures across 40 states. Early voting is underway nationwide ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, with Vice President JD Vance serving as the tie-breaking vote. Both parties are three seats short of a majority, according to the Fox News Power Rankings. Democrats are favored in 48 seats, while Republicans lead in 47. The GOP needs to retain at least 50 seats to maintain control, while Democrats would need to gain at least three to secure a majority.
Forecasts suggest potential outcomes ranging from a Democratic gain of up to three seats to a Republican hold with a net gain of one. Ohio has shifted from a toss-up to Lean Democrat, while South Carolina moved from Likely Republican to Lean Republican, and Mississippi from Solid Republican to Likely Republican in the final rankings.
Voters in Kansas and other states echoed the sentiment that participation is critical to shaping policy. Brody Saner, a college student in Kansas, stated, "If there's something you're not happy with, go out and vote. Do your part to change it." Tracy Preisser, another Kansas voter, emphasized, "Your vote is your voice." A CBS News/YouGov poll found that most voters do not believe either party has a plan to improve their financial situation, though this sentiment has not deterred calls for increased turnout.
Political scientists note that midterm elections, while historically drawing fewer voters than presidential contests, can have outsized policy impacts due to the potential for small shifts to produce dramatic results. The stakes include decisions on AI regulation, the Iran War, taxes, healthcare costs, school funding, and judicial appointments at the federal and state levels.