Mississippi and Alaska Senate races remain undecided as Democrats hold 54-seat majority

Key points

• Democrats have secured 54 Senate seats to Republicans' 44, with Mississippi and Alaska races still undecided.
• In Mississippi, Scott Colom leads Cindy Hyde-Smith by 2,500 votes, with over 2,800 absentee ballots still uncounted.
• In Alaska, Mary Peltola leads Dan Sullivan by 0.3%, but ranked-choice voting may begin on November 18 if no candidate exceeds 50%.
• Hyde-Smith has not appeared publicly since Election Day, while Colom has held multiple campaign events and interviews.
• Mississippi’s Secretary of State reports 75 of 82 counties have uploaded results, with 12,767 affidavit ballots processed at 77% acceptance.

Background

The 2026 midterms marked a significant shift in congressional power, with Democrats reclaiming control of both the House and Senate. Prior to the final tallies, Democrats had already secured majorities in both chambers, flipping seats in traditionally Republican states. The Mississippi and Alaska races were among the last to be called, with earlier reports indicating narrow Democratic leads and ongoing disputes over ballot counting. The broader context includes a national trend of voters rebuking President Trump and the GOP, leading to historic losses for Republicans in states that supported Trump in 2024.

How outlets are covering it

USA Today emphasizes the national impact of the uncalled races, noting they will determine the final margin of the Democratic majority. CNN highlights the divergent campaign strategies, with Colom actively campaigning and Hyde-Smith remaining largely out of public view, which some Republicans view as a wake-up call for the party. WTOK provides technical details on Mississippi’s ballot processing, focusing on the number of outstanding absentee and affidavit ballots. All sources agree on the narrow margins but differ in emphasis: USA Today focuses on the political implications, CNN on the campaign dynamics, and WTOK on the logistical aspects of vote counting.

Why it matters

The outcomes of these races will determine the final balance of power in the U.S. Senate during the last two years of President Trump’s presidency. A Democratic victory in both states would widen their majority, potentially strengthening their legislative agenda. Conversely, a Republican hold would limit the Democratic advantage. The races also highlight broader trends in voter sentiment and the effectiveness of campaign strategies in traditionally Republican states.

What to watch

Mississippi’s race may be decided in the coming days as election officials process outstanding absentee and affidavit ballots. Alaska’s race may proceed to ranked-choice voting on November 18 if no candidate exceeds 50% of the vote. Both races could face legal challenges if the results are contested. The final tallies will determine the exact margin of the Democratic majority in the Senate and the political landscape for the remainder of Trump’s term.