Senate control hangs in balance as polls close in key states

UPDATE - follow-up to Senate election updates for 2026's high-stakes midterm races: Democratic Senator Mark Warner wins reelection in Virginia. Polls are now closed in six states, which include the battleground Senate states of South Carolina and Georgia.

Race Updates And Issues

In South Carolina, Senator Darline Graham faces Democrat Annie Andrews. In Georgia, incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff faces Republican Mike Collins. Early exit polls show Trump's job approval is underwater in nearly all Senate battleground states. More voters in these battlegrounds report that their personal finances are worse than years ago rather than better. Majorities of voters for both major parties state that Senate control was a major factor in their choice.

Alaska Race And Legal Battles

Democratic candidate Mary Peltola states that fraud accusations by her opponent, incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan, helped reengage voters. Peltola criticizes Sullivan's voting record on a war in Iran. A federal judge dismissed a Trump administration lawsuit seeking to block election certification if the incumbent trails. Reports indicate a secret effort by operatives linked to Peltola's campaign to recruit another Daniel J. Sullivan to draw votes, though Peltola denies involvement. Anchorage voters express mixed views on the ballot clarity and the political ads.

Context

There are 11 total Senate battlegrounds across the country, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to take control of the upper chamber. Midterm elections often bring losses for the party in the White House, affecting party control and impacting presidential policy priorities.