Democrats Secure Early Senate Wins in NC, GA, NH Amid Record Spending

Key points

• Roy Cooper won the North Carolina Senate race, flipping the seat from Republicans for the first time since 2008.
• Jon Ossoff won re-election in Georgia, defeating Republican Mike Collins in a key swing state.
• Chris Pappas won the New Hampshire Senate race, succeeding retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
• Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats to regain control of the chamber.
• More than $3.4 billion has been spent on television and digital advertisements in Senate races, the most expensive cycle ever.
• Exit polls show over 50% of voters in key battleground states disapprove of Trump’s job performance.

Background

The 2026 midterms are taking place during the final two years of President Trump’s second term, with control of the Senate determining his ability to pass legislation and appointments. Democrats last won control of the Senate in 2022. In October, the Republican Senate Leadership Fund halted ad spending in North Carolina, redirecting funds to Kansas, signaling a strategic pivot due to Cooper’s polling lead. Earlier coverage noted that Democrats are prioritizing the economy and cost of living, with Trump’s approval rating dropping to 36% due to inflation and the Iran conflict.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and CBS News both projected early Democratic wins in North Carolina, Georgia, and New Hampshire, emphasizing the significance of these flips for Senate control. NBC highlighted the record spending and Trump’s low approval ratings, while CBS focused on the specific candidates and the strategic implications of the battleground map. The New York Times provided detailed precinct-level maps, noting the close races in Georgia and South Carolina. The Guardian offered background on key candidates, such as Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and James Talarico in Texas, highlighting the ideological divides and personal controversies affecting the races. All sources agree on the high stakes and the potential for a Democratic takeover if they can flip additional red states.

Why it matters

The outcome of the Senate races will determine whether President Trump can pursue his agenda unchecked or face Democratic opposition and investigations. A Democratic majority would increase congressional oversight and potentially block key legislative and judicial appointments. The early wins suggest that voter dissatisfaction with the economy and foreign policy is driving turnout, potentially shifting the balance of power in the final two years of Trump’s presidency.

What to watch

Results from Ohio, Michigan, Texas, and Alaska are expected to be decisive for Senate control. The Alaska race may be delayed due to ranked-choice voting and mail ballots. Democrats need to win at least two additional seats in states Trump won by double digits in 2024 to secure a majority. The outcome will also influence the balance of power in the House, where Democrats are projected to win at least 200 seats.