UNITED STATES · MIDTERMS
Published Wednesday, 28 October, 8:17 a.m. ET · Source: US Senate, US state election offices
Key Facts
- Current balance Republicans hold the Senate 53-47, including two independents who caucus with Democrats.
- Democratic target Democrats need a net gain of four seats for a majority, because Vice President JD Vance breaks 50-50 ties for Republicans.
- Election date Thirty-five seats are on the ballot on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, including special elections in Ohio and Florida.
- No results yet As of 28 October 2026 no results have been reported in any of these races.
The Math
Republicans hold the Senate 53 to 47, including two independents who caucus with Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to reach 51, because Vice President JD Vance breaks 50-50 ties for Republicans.
Thirty-five seats are on the ballot, including special elections in Ohio and Florida. Republicans hold most of the seats at stake.
Six Seats Forecasters Watch
In Georgia, Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff defends his seat. North Carolina is an open seat because Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is not running.
In Maine, Republican Sen. Susan Collins seeks another term. Michigan is also open because Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is not seeking re-election.
Ohio holds a special election for the seat vacated by JD Vance, now held by appointed Republican Sen. Jon Husted. Texas, normally a Republican state, has drawn attention from forecasters this year.
Candidate lists change with primaries and ballot rules, so check state election offices for the final names on each ballot. This guide names only the senators already in office or leaving.
What Control Would Mean
A Senate flip would give Democrats control of the confirmation process for judicial and executive branch nominees. It would also shift the balance on trade policy, where the Senate has significant authority over treaties and tariff legislation.
Republicans can afford to lose up to three seats and still keep control through Vice President Vance’s tie-breaking vote. Democrats must win at least four net seats while defending their own.
What It Means for US Readers
The Senate majority decides which party controls committee chairmanships and the legislative agenda. For the full picture of the midterms see our main guide.
What Is Not Known
No election results have been reported as of 28 October 2026. Turnout, early voting and late campaign developments are unknown, and polls and forecasts are estimates, not results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many seats do Democrats need to win the Senate?
Democrats need a net gain of four seats to reach 51, because Vice President JD Vance breaks 50-50 ties for Republicans. Republicans hold 53 seats to Democrats’ 47, including two independents who caucus with Democrats.
Which races are most likely to decide control?
Forecasters watch Georgia, North Carolina, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Texas, among others. No list is final, and ratings change as the vote approaches.
When will results be known?
Election Day is Tuesday, 3 November 2026. Some races are called on election night, but close contests can take days because of mail-ballot rules, recounts and certification.
Sources: US Senate, US state election offices.
More: US Midterms 2026 coverage, every day from The Rio Times.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief