Democrats Secure Early Senate Wins in North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Georgia

Key points

• Roy Cooper, a former governor, is projected to win the North Carolina Senate race, marking the first Democratic victory in the state since 2008.
• Chris Pappas defeated John Sununu in New Hampshire, retaining the seat for Democrats after Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement.
• Jon Ossoff won reelection in Georgia, a state President Trump won in 2024, defeating Republican Mike Collins.
• Democrats also secured seats in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Illinois, Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia.
• Trump’s approval rating stands at 34%, with voters citing economic dissatisfaction and the Iran war as key factors.
• Republicans outspent Democrats by $560 million to $521 million in the 11 battleground races, but Democrats lead in several key states.

Background

The 2026 midterms are seen as a referendum on President Trump’s second term, with his approval rating plummeting to 34%. Democrats, who lost the Senate majority in 2024, are attempting to regain control by flipping at least four Republican-held seats. Early voting records were set, with 54.5 million Americans casting ballots, and Democrats led in early voting in key battlegrounds. The Senate race is critical for blocking Trump’s policy priorities and nominations, including federal judiciary appointments.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and The Guardian emphasize the historic nature of the North Carolina win and the Democratic momentum in red states, attributing it to Trump’s low approval and voter frustration. CNN highlights the financial disparity, noting Republicans outspent Democrats by $560 million to $521 million, but Democrats lead in several key races. NBC News focuses on the threat to the Republican 53-47 majority, noting that Democrats would need to flip at least two states Trump won by double digits. The Guardian and CNN also highlight the controversy in Alaska, where a secret effort to recruit a candidate with the same name as the incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan has raised legal and ethical concerns. CBS News notes that exit polls show voters in key battlegrounds disapprove of Trump, with majorities citing party control of the Senate as a major factor in their vote.

Why it matters

The outcome of the 2026 Senate elections will determine the balance of power in Congress and the ability to check or support President Trump’s agenda. A Democratic majority would allow them to block bills, issue subpoenas, and reject federal judiciary nominees, including Supreme Court justices. The early wins in North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Georgia suggest a potential 'blue wave,' but the final outcome depends on tight races in red states like Texas, Alaska, and Kansas. The election also reflects voter dissatisfaction with the economy, the Iran war, and Trump’s handling of immigration and cost of living.

What to watch

Final results in Alaska may be delayed due to ranked-choice voting and mail ballot counting, with potential legal challenges from the Trump administration. The outcome in remaining toss-up states like Texas, Kansas, and Iowa will determine whether Democrats can secure a Senate majority. Republicans are expected to continue defending their majority, with Trump and Elon Musk providing significant financial support. The next few days will see the certification of results and potential legal disputes, particularly in Alaska and South Carolina, where the race remains a toss-up.