Policy Agendas · election agendas, 2026 cycle

Midterms 2026

The 2026 US midterm elections through the policy-agendas lens: how the issue agenda moves as the country votes. Data comes online with the media data set.

In preparation
01

Seven Senate races covered

The pilot covers these seven races, listed alphabetically. For current ratings see the Cook Political Report, Sabato's Crystal Ball and Inside Elections.

1
Alaska

Top-four primary held August 18; the general is ranked-choice.

What the press covers →
Mary PeltolaMary PeltolaDemocrat
vs
Dan SullivanDan SullivanRepublican
2
Georgia

The cycle's most-watched Democratic defense — a first-term incumbent whose fundraising has pushed ratings his way.

What the press covers →
Jon OssoffJon OssoffDemocrat
vs
Mike CollinsMike CollinsRepublican
3
Maine

The last Republican-held Senate seat in New England.

What the press covers →Race dashboard →
Troy JacksonTroy JacksonDemocrat
vs
Susan CollinsSusan CollinsRepublican
4
Michigan — open (D-held)

Republicans' best pickup opportunity — an open Democratic-held seat in a state the president carried in 2024.

What the press covers →
Abdul El-SayedAbdul El-SayedDemocrat
vs
Mike RogersMike RogersRepublican
5
New Hampshire — open (D-held)

An open Democratic-held seat, and the matchup set on September 8: a four-term congressman against a former senator seeking his old seat. Cook moved it to toss-up a week later.

What the press covers →
Chris PappasChris PappasDemocrat
vs
John SununuJohn SununuRepublican
6
North Carolina — open (R-held)

The cycle's most likely flip — the open seat left by Thom Tillis's retirement.

What the press covers →
Roy CooperRoy CooperDemocrat
vs
Michael WhatleyMichael WhatleyRepublican
7
Ohio — special election

The special election for the vice-president's former seat, pulled into toss-up range by a comeback bid.

What the press covers →
Sherrod BrownSherrod BrownDemocrat
vs
Jon HustedJon HustedRepublican