Can Democrats win the US Senate? 10 key midterm races to watch

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported on October 31, 2026, that Democrats are trying to flip control of the US Senate in the November midterm elections by gaining at least four seats. The article says Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, but voter frustration over President Donald Trump, the Iran war and higher prices has made several contests more competitive than expected in states that often lean Republican.

The report highlights a series of key races, including Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine and North Carolina. In Alaska, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is running against Democrat Mary Peltola and an independent candidate with the same name as Sullivan, amid claims by Republicans that Democrats are trying to confuse voters. In Iowa and Kansas, the combination of farm costs, tariffs, immigration enforcement and war-related energy prices has helped make normally red states more competitive. In Maine, Republican Sen. Susan Collins faces Democrat Troy Jackson after the party’s original nominee withdrew. In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper appears to have an edge in an open-seat race after Republican Thom Tillis retired.

Across these states, the article says rising living costs are a central issue, with affordability shaping campaign messages and voter concerns. It also notes that fundraising has been significant in several contests, with Democrats often outpacing Republicans, though outside spending remains heavy. The broader context is that control of the Senate could determine the next phase of the Trump agenda and shape oversight of the administration, making these races especially important beyond the individual states involved.