As the 2026 midterm elections approach, nine battleground states are pivotal for both parties vying for control of Congress, with key Senate and gubernatorial races drawing national attention.
The 2026 midterm elections are set to be a critical juncture for both the Republican and Democratic parties, with control of Congress hanging in the balance. Voters across nine key battleground states will determine the outcomes of pivotal Senate and House races, as well as closely watched gubernatorial contests that could shape the political landscape during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Republicans are focused on defending their congressional majorities, while Democrats are eyeing potential gains in states ranging from Texas and Georgia to Michigan and Maine. With open seats, vulnerable incumbents, and competitive statewide races, these nine states are at the forefront of the struggle for power in Washington and state capitals.
As Election Night approaches, the stakes are high, and the races are expected to be closely contested. Here’s a look at the key contests to watch, when polls close, and how to follow live results as the evening unfolds.
In Texas, two major statewide races are drawing significant attention. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing off against Democratic state Representative James Talarico for the Senate seat currently held by outgoing Republican John Cornyn. Meanwhile, GOP Governor Greg Abbott is seeking a historic fourth term against Democratic state Representative Gina Hinojosa. This Senate contest is particularly noteworthy, as Texas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988, making it a battleground for both parties.
Ohio features a Senate rematch, with former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown attempting to return to Washington against Republican Senator Jon Husted, who was appointed to fill Vice President JD Vance’s former seat. Brown’s comeback bid comes as the state has shifted toward Republicans, while Husted is seeking his first electoral victory for the Senate. Additionally, voters will decide who succeeds term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine, with Republican Vivek Ramaswamy facing Democrat Amy Acton in a race that has seen its share of controversy.
Michigan’s open Senate seat is another critical race, with former Republican Representative Mike Rogers running against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. The race has intensified with allegations regarding El-Sayed’s family’s purported ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, which he has denied. This contest is crucial for determining the balance of power in Washington, especially as Michigan also features a gubernatorial race between Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Representative John James.
In Wisconsin, the open governor’s race pits Republican Representative Tom Tiffany against Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. This election will determine the state’s political direction, focusing on issues such as taxes, public spending, and education.
Georgia is home to two major statewide contests. Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is defending his seat against Republican Representative Mike Collins in a state that has seen closely contested elections in recent years. Additionally, the open gubernatorial race between Republican businessman Rick Jackson and former Democratic Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms will determine the successor to term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp.
Iowa voters will also play a crucial role, deciding whether Republicans can retain two major offices in a state that Trump carried comfortably in 2024. Republican Representative Ashley Hinson is running against Democratic state Representative Josh Turek for the Senate seat vacated by Republican Joni Ernst, while Democratic state Auditor Rob Sand faces Republican Zach Lahn in the open governor’s race to succeed retiring Governor Kim Reynolds.
Nevada’s marquee contest features Republican Governor Joe Lombardo seeking another term against Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford. This race will test whether Republicans can maintain the governor’s office in a state where Democrats have been competitive in statewide elections.
In Maine, longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins is up against former Democratic state Senate President Troy Jackson in one of the most closely watched contests in the country. Collins is seeking another term in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent presidential elections, while Jackson aims to capitalize on this trend to secure a Senate pickup.
Finally, Florida voters will choose a successor to term-limited Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, with Republican Representative Byron Donalds facing former Republican congressman turned Democrat David Jolly. This race will address key issues such as affordability, immigration, and the future direction of state policy.
As polls close across these battleground states on Tuesday, November 3, Fox News Channel and Fox News Digital will provide live results, race calls, and in-depth analysis of the contests that could determine control of Congress. Special coverage, co-anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, will begin at 6 p.m. ET, featuring insights from various Fox News personalities throughout the evening.
Viewers can watch live coverage on Fox News Go or stream Fox News Channel through FOX One. The Fox News Decision Desk will offer race calls for House, Senate, and gubernatorial contests, along with projections of which party will control each chamber of Congress.
For those interested in real-time updates, Fox News Digital will host a live Election Night blog featuring breaking developments and voter analysis as polls close across the country. Additionally, listeners can tune into Fox News Radio or use the Fox News app’s “Listen” feature for live radio coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
With control of the House and Senate at stake, the outcomes in these nine battleground states will be pivotal, and Fox News will provide continuous coverage as results emerge, including races that may remain undecided into Wednesday.
According to Fox News, the results from these elections will significantly impact the political landscape for years to come.