Midterm 2026: Every Senate and Governor Race in Prime Newz Now's States
Voters in Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina face decisive contests for the U.S. Senate and governorships as polls open across the country.
By Alexei Brooks ·
The United States is in the midst of its midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a critical checkpoint halfway through President Donald Trump's second term. These elections will determine which party controls Congress for the final two years of the administration. All 435 seats in the U.S. House are up for grabs, along with 35 seats in the U.S. Senate and 36 governorships. The outcome will shape the legislative landscape as Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats and 218 House seats, while Democrats hold 45 Senate seats and 214 House seats. For Democrats to gain a majority in the Senate, they must secure a net gain of four seats. In the House, a net gain of three districts is required for a majority. The stakes are high, with one or two seats potentially tipping either chamber.
In the U.S. Senate, thirteen races are considered battlegrounds by various rating groups. In Florida, a special election is being held to fill the remainder of the term for which Marco Rubio was elected in 2022. Republican Ashley Moody is defending the seat in a state where Donald Trump won by 13.1 points in 2024. The race is rated as toss-up to lean Democratic by several analysts. In Ohio, another special election is taking place for the seat of JD Vance. Republican Sen. Jon Husted is facing Democratic former Sen. Sherrod Brown. The AP notes that this contest is closely watched, with the state having voted for Trump by 11.2 points in 2024.
North Carolina presents a significant open seat following the retirement of Sen. Thom Tillis, who stepped down after clashing with the President. The matchup is between Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper and former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley. The state voted for Trump by 3.3 points in 2024. In Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff is defending his seat against Republican Rep. Mike Collins. The race is leaning Democratic, despite the state's 2024 presidential margin favoring Trump by 2.2 points. In Michigan, an open seat race is underway following the retirement of Sen. Gary Peters. Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers is competing against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. El-Sayed's former primary opponent, Haley Stevens, endorsed Rogers on Sunday, adding a twist to the contest in a state that is rated toss-up to lean Democratic.
Governor races in these states are equally pivotal. In Florida, the governorship is considered competitive by the AP. The state is using a new congressional map after mid-decade redistricting, which may influence the dynamics of the race. In Ohio, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy is challenging Democrat Amy Acton for the governor's office. The AP notes that Ramaswamy's campaign faced backlash over an ad featuring Acton's estranged mother. The state is also using a new congressional map, adding a layer of complexity to the political landscape. In North Carolina, the governor's race is part of a broader state contest that includes the Senate race. The AP describes the state as a key location where new district maps may not vote as originally drawn, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding redistricting effects.
Across the country, voters are grappling with high prices and an unpopular war with Iran. An AP-NORC poll indicates that 35% of U.S. Adults approve of Trump's job performance, while 25% approve of his handling of the economy. About seven in ten respondents believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing the early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states. Republicans are bracing for the possibility of losing the House while fighting to hold the Senate. Democrats are described as cautiously optimistic, with DCCC Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene stating that the American people are angry and want change. RNC Chairman Joe Gruters emphasized that everything depends on turnout, asserting that if they turn out their voters, they will win.
The financial aspects of the 2026 elections are expected to make them the most expensive in history. Republican committees outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats outraised their opponents. The AP analysis of AdImpact data shows that 88.1% of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts Trump won in 2024. This included more than $850 million in areas where he won by 10 points or more. In contrast, Democrats focused their spending on competitive districts and states. The allocation of funds reflects the strategic priorities of each party as they seek to influence voter behavior on Election Day.
Administrative issues have also played a role in the election. A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters. Another judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that California election officials segregate ballots cast by people on lists of suspected noncitizens. The U.S. Postal Service added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. These administrative actions have raised concerns about the integrity of the voting process. Wall Street is watching the results closely, as Reuters notes that the outcomes could add to investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations. The economic implications of the election are thus intertwined with the political stakes.
