Texas, North Carolina and Maine: The Senate Races That Decide Control
Voters in ten states decide the fate of the Senate today, with Democrats seeking four seats and Republicans fighting to hold their majority in a high-stakes midterm.
By Tariq Carter ·
It is Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and voters in ten critical states are casting ballots in U.S. Senate races that will determine which party controls the chamber for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. The Associated Press describes this election as a referendum on the administration, with voters struggling with high prices and anger over an unpopular war with Iran. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early vote totals from four years ago in many closely watched states.
The Senate currently has 35 seats up for grabs, including 33 regular elections and two special elections. Republicans hold 53 seats, while Democrats hold 45, plus two independents who caucus with Democrats. For Democrats to claim a majority, they need a net gain of four seats. Republicans can lose no more than two. The Associated Press notes that one or two seats could tip the balance, making these matchups decisive.
In Texas, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The race features Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico. President Trump backed Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the primary. The state voted for Trump by 13.6 points in 2024. This open seat is part of a broader fight in the South Central region, where Oklahoma and Arkansas also hold Senate elections. In Oklahoma, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the race is for an open seat. In Arkansas, polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with incumbent Sen. Tom Cotton running for reelection.
In North Carolina, polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Democratic former Gov. Roy Cooper faces former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley. Incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis retired after clashing with Trump. The state voted for Trump by 3.3 points in 2024. This race is viewed as a key battleground, with the Associated Press noting that new congressional maps are in effect in the state.
In Georgia, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, is defending his seat against Republican Rep. Mike Collins. The state voted for Trump by 2.2 points in 2024. Race ratings as of October 27 indicate this contest leans or is likely Democratic. The Associated Press highlights that Democrats are cautiously optimistic, though Republicans are bracing to lose the House and fighting to hold the Senate.
In Ohio, polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is a special election for the remainder of the term left by JD Vance. Democratic former Sen. Sherrod Brown faces Republican Sen. Jon Husted. The state voted for Trump by 11.2 points in 2024. The Associated Press notes that Ohio also uses a new congressional map after mid-decade redistricting.
In Michigan, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The race is for an open seat following the retirement of Gary Peters. Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers faces Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. The state voted for Trump by 1.4 points in 2024. On Sunday, El-Sayed's former primary opponent Haley Stevens endorsed Rogers. Race ratings suggest this contest is a toss-up to lean Democratic.
In Maine, polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., though small towns may open later. Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, faces Democratic former state Senate President Troy Jackson. The state voted for Harris by 6.9 points in 2024. The Associated Press says economic strain and tariffs have made the state competitive. All four major race rating services list this as a toss-up.
In New Hampshire, polls vary by town, opening by 11 a.m. and closing no earlier than 7 p.m. Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas faces former Republican Sen. John E. Sununu for the seat of retiring Jeanne Shaheen. The state voted for Harris by 2.8 points in 2024. This open seat is part of the competitive mix in the Northeast.
In Minnesota, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Four candidates are running for the seat of retiring Sen. Tina Smith, including Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster. The state is not listed in the specific 2024 presidential margin data provided for the ten key battlegrounds, but it is a key state for the governor's race as well.
In Kansas, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time. The race features incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall. The state voted for Trump by 16.2 points in 2024. The Associated Press notes that Kansas, a reliably Republican state, has become central to the fight for Senate control. President Trump held a rally in Salina, Kansas, on Sunday, saying, "I really want you to pretend I'm on the ballot."
In Alaska, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican, is running for reelection. The state voted for Trump by 13.1 points in 2024. The Associated Press reports that the Trump administration filed a lawsuit related to the certification of the Senate result in this state. Race ratings suggest this contest is a toss-up to lean Democratic.
