MORNING GLORY: Five Senate races show why Democrats may regret their primary choices
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2026 Senate Races Take Shape as Primary Season Highlights New Political Fault Lines
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, a series of competitive Senate races are emerging across the country, with primary results and candidate dynamics shaping the political landscape in key battleground states.
In Michigan, a contentious Democratic primary resulted in a narrow victory for Abdul El-Sayed over Representative Haley Stevens. El-Sayed, a progressive candidate, won by approximately one percentage point in a race where he was previously projected to win by a wider margin. He now faces Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman with 14 years of House experience, including a term as chair of the House Intelligence Committee. The general election contest is expected to be closely watched.
In Texas, Democrat James Talarico has secured the nomination and is challenging Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Talarico made national headlines after a video surfaced in which he named drag queen Alyssa Edwards as his favorite when asked by a supporter. The incident is expected to be a focal point of the campaign.
In Maine, long-serving Republican Senator Susan Collins, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is seeking re-election. Her campaign was initially set to feature challenger Graham Platner, but he withdrew from the race following scandals. The Democratic nomination was ultimately won by Troy Jackson, who had previously placed third in this year’s Democratic primary for governor.
In Minnesota, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan emerged from a crowded field to win the Democratic nomination for the seat being vacated by outgoing Governor Tim Walz, who departed amid fraud scandals. Flanagan, an progressive candidate endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, will face Republican Michele Tafoya, a longtime NFL reporter and five-time Emmy winner. Recent polling has indicated a competitive race.
In New Hampshire, Democratic nominee Chris Pappas, a political figure who has held several elected offices, is running for the open seat left by the retirement of moderate Democrat Jean Shaheen. He is matched against Republican John Sununu, a member of a prominent New Hampshire political family.
These five races are among several competitive Senate contests nationwide, including races in Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, and North Carolina, all states carried by the Republican presidential candidate in 2024. The outcomes of these elections will be significant in determining control of the Senate.