politics
CNN's Guide to the Most Important Elections of 2026
This year's midterms will not only shape the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency; they’ll determine what politics after Trump might start to look like.
TL;DR
- The 2026 midterms will influence Donald Trump's final two years in office and the future of politics post-Trump.
- Primaries begin March 3, with outcomes determining Republican congressional majorities or Democratic control, impacting Trump's agenda and investigations.
- Key races will provide insights for the 2028 presidential election, the first without Trump on the ballot in 16 years.
- Notable Senate primaries include Texas (Cornyn vs. Paxton/Hunt, Crockett vs. Talarico) and North Carolina (Cooper vs. Whatley).
- Illinois features a crowded Democratic field for Sen. Dick Durbin's open seat.
- Ohio's Senate race pits GOP Sen. Jon Husted against former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, while GOP Gov. Mike DeWine's successor will be chosen, with Vivek Ramaswamy a favorite.
- Louisiana's GOP Senate primary sees incumbent Bill Cassidy challenged by Rep. Julia Letlow, endorsed by Trump.
- Georgia's GOP Senate primary will choose a nominee to face Jon Ossoff, with Reps. Carter and Collins as contenders; gubernatorial primaries also feature key figures like Brad Raffensperger and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.
- Kentucky's GOP Senate primary is shaped by loyalty to Trump and the legacy of Mitch McConnell, featuring Rep. Andy Barr, Daniel Cameron, and Nate Morris.
- California's gubernatorial race features a wide field, with top two candidates advancing regardless of party.
- Iowa's gubernatorial race pits Democrat Rob Sand against a Republican field, and its open Senate race features Rep. Ashley Hinson as the GOP favorite.
- Maine's Democratic Senate primary debates between Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner to challenge Sen. Susan Collins.
- South Carolina's GOP gubernatorial primary is a gauge for Republican voter sentiment ahead of 2028.
- New York's gubernatorial race sees Bruce Blakeman challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul, while the 12th Congressional District primary includes notable Democratic contenders.
- Arizona's GOP gubernatorial primary features Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert.
- Michigan's open gubernatorial race includes Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) and Rep. John James (R), with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan running as an independent.
- Michigan's open Senate race requires Democrats to hold the seat, with Rep. Haley Stevens, Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and Abdul El-Sayed as top contenders.
- Minnesota's Democratic Senate primary features an ideological clash between Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
- Wisconsin's open gubernatorial race has a large Democratic field, including former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.
- Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary highlights divisions with Rep. Seth Moulton challenging Sen. Ed Markey.
- New Hampshire's GOP Senate primary features comebacks from former senators John E. Sununu and Scott Brown.
- Election Day on November 3 will determine control of the House (Democrats need a net gain of three seats) and the Senate (Democrats need four seats to gain a majority).
- Thirty-six gubernatorial seats are up for grabs, with several being key presidential battlegrounds in 2028.
- Numerous legislative races and ballot measures will also be decided.