Democratic Senate Retirements Shake Up 2026 Midterm Map

With three key Democratic senators stepping down, Republicans see opportunities to expand their majority while Democrats aim to defend battleground seats.

Senators Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), Gary Peters (Michigan), and Tina Smith (Minnesota) have announced they will not seek re-election in 2026, leaving critical battleground seats open.
Republicans, holding a 53-47 Senate majority, view these retirements as a chance to solidify their control, particularly in states like Georgia and New Hampshire.
Democrats face a challenging map but see potential to rally support by targeting vulnerable Republican seats in Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio.
Georgia's Senate race is expected to be one of the most competitive, with Republican Governor Brian Kemp considered a strong potential challenger to incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff.
Both parties are preparing for expensive and contentious campaigns, with the 2026 midterms shaping up to be among the most costly in U.S. history.