Win the U.S. Senate
Flipping the Senate is within reach. Republicans currently hold a 53–47 Senate majority. Of the 35 seats up in 2026, 22 are held by Republicans and 13 by Democrats.
Between 2027 and the end of Trump’s term, a Democratic Senate could block dangerous judicial and executive nominees, shape the balance of power in Washington, and help prevent lasting damage that could take decades to undo.
But even if Democrats fall short of a Senate majority, every race we win in 2026 matters enormously. Every seat gained weakens Republicans’ grip on power and strengthens the ability to push back on the MAGA agenda. And because Senate seats won in 2026 won’t be up again until 2032, they also matter for our long-term strategy.
Winning Senate seats now lays the groundwork for a governing majority if Democrats win back the White House in 2028. A Democratic president taking office in 2029 will need a Senate ready to confirm nominees, pass legislation, and govern effectively from day one.
Jump to races:
Must-Flip Races
The most competitive GOP-held seats, where margins will be razor-thin and outcomes will determine which party controls the chamber.
2022 Senate first-round results: D: 10.37% | R: 43.37% | R: 42.60%
Alaska
Incumbent: Dan Sullivan
Republican Senator Dan Sullivan is seeking a third term in the ranked-choice-voting state, but former Congresswoman Mary Peltola's entry has transformed the race. She outraised Sullivan roughly 5-to-1 in Q1 of 2026, pulling in a record $8.9 million with 95% of donations under $100 from across Alaska.
Maine
2024 Senate results: I: 52.06% | R: 34.64% | D: 10.83%
Incumbent: Susan Collins
Susan Collins is the only Republican senator who represents a state Trump has never won in any of his three presidential campaigns, making her the most vulnerable Republican incumbent in the Senate. Flipping this seat is one of Democrats' best offensive opportunities of the cycle.
North Carolina
2022 Senate results: D: 47.27% | R: 50.50%
Open seat
Republican Senator Thom Tillis is retiring, and Democrats landed a major recruit in former Governor Roy Cooper, who is well-known and has won statewide before. This is currently rated one of Democrats' most likely Senate flips of the cycle, and it's central to any majority math.
Ohio
2022 Senate results: D: 46.47% | R: 50.09%
Incumbent: Jon Husted
Former Senator Sherrod Brown is running to win this seat against an appointed incumbent who has never faced voters, in a state that has been hit hard by economic challenges and tariffs. Brown has a track record of winning working-class voters in red-leaning territory. Ohio is one of Democrats' most realistic offensive flips.
Must-Hold Races
The most competitive Democratic-held seats, where outcomes will determine which party controls the chamber.
Georgia
2020 Senate runoff results: D: 50.61% | R: 49.39%
Incumbent: Jon Ossoff
Jon Ossoff is the only sitting Democratic senator running for re-election in a state Donald Trump carried in 2024, making this one of the most high-stakes defensive races in the country. Keeping Ossoff in office is required to win a Democratic Senate majority.
2024 Senate results: D: 48.64% | R: 48.30%
Michigan
Open seat | Toss Up
Senator Gary Peters' retirement has opened up this seat in a state with an even partisan lean, drawing massive attention and investment from both parties. Holding Michigan is a must-win for Democrats' path to reclaiming the Senate majority.
2022 Senate results: D: 53.54% | R: 44.39%
New Hampshire
Open seat
Following Senator Jeanne Shaheen's retirement, Democrats are positioned to benefit from the significant momentum in the state that supported Harris during the 2024 election.
Reach Races
We likely won’t win all of these, but with control of the Senate within reach and with limited chances to win more seats in 2028 and 2030, we have to treat each seat as an opportunity and compete hard for each one. If we win, Democrats have a larger majority, or make up for a loss in our must-win category. If we lose, our investments build infrastructure that will make it easier to win next time around.
2022 Senate results: D: 43.84% | R: 56.01%
Iowa
Open seat
Senator Joni Ernst's retirement has opened up a seat in a state battered by tariffs, and in a strong wave environment, Democrats have a real shot at turning Iowa into a surprise. It is an important investment in a cycle where every seat matters in the fight for the majority.
2024 Senate results: D: 44.56%| R: 53.05%
Texas
Incumbent: John Cornyn
Democrat James Talarico has built a formidable fundraising operation and is drawing national attention, while a contested Republican primary between Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton has created real uncertainty on the right. In a wave year, Texas could be the seat that puts the Senate majority out of reach for Republicans.
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