Senate hung in the balance as Americans headed to the polls on Tuesday in one of the most closely watched midterm elections in years. ET, the first Senate seat was called for Virgina, with Democrat Mark Warner reelected, per The Associcated Press. The election will determine which party controls Congress as Republicans seek to defend their House and Senate majorities and Democrats look to capitalize on competitive races that could flip control of both chambers.
A handful of competitive races are expected to determine which party sets the legislative agenda beginning in 2027, advances judicial nominations and shapes the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. Republicans are trying to fight off a potential blue wave to defend their narrow majorities. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to win control of the Senate and a net gain of three seats to win control of the House.
"Outcomes in the 2026 midterms will be determined mainly by how voters feel about Trump and the impact of his policies on national and economic conditions," Northeastern University distinguished professor of political science Costas Panagopoulos told Newsweek. "In that sense, voting will primarily reflect perceptions about GOP performance, but candidate qualities also matter. Democrats have fielded some especially strong U.S.
Senate candidates, for example, who are giving Republicans a run for their money in GOP strongholds like Texas, Iowa, Kansas and even South Carolina. Senate races in these places were never expected to be as competitive as they seemingly are." Just after 7 p.m. ET, Virginia's Senate race was called by The , with incumbent Mark Warner projected to win his seat back.
I’m honored and grateful to continue serving as your United States Senator," he posted to X. Heading into midterms, the GOP has a narrow majority in Senate, 53-47, including the two independents who caucus with Democrats. Thirty-five of the 100 Senate seats are up for election this cycle.
Democrats need 51 seats to claim the majority of the upper chamber, as even if there’s a 50-50 split between Republicans and Democrats, Vice President JD Vance can cast a tie-breaking vote. To win control of Senate, Democrats must flip four seats while defending all of their own. Republicans can afford to lose three seats without flipping any if they want to maintain control.
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