{
  "id": 7109829,
  "title": "2026 midterm election races to watch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/2026-midterm-election-races-to-watch",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T13:18:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CBS News",
    "slug": "cbs-news",
    "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2026-midterm-election-races/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2026, congressional races will determine which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers. Democrats and Republicans are concentrating on a handful of House and Senate contests they believe will decide control of Congress. The 22 Senate seats Republicans are defending are all in states former President Trump won in 2024. To take the majority, Democrats must net four seats while defending a few against GOP challenges.\n\nThe article highlights nine Senate races and 42 House races to watch. In Alaska, GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola are in a tight race following a four-way primary. In Iowa, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and state Rep. Josh Turek face off, with the race growing more competitive due to economic concerns and Trump's tariff policies. In Maine, Sen. Susan Collins faces off against Troy Jackson, who replaced Graham Platner after allegations of sexual assault. Collins has survived previous reelection challenges, but Democrats are optimistic about their chances in a state that voted for Harris in 2024.\n\nIn Michigan, former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed are battling for an open Senate seat. El-Sayed, a progressive health official, narrowly won the Democratic primary against a more moderate opponent. In Ohio, GOP Sen. Jon Husted faces a comeback bid by former Sen. Sherrod Brown, who lost his previous Senate bid. Democrats hope Brown's working-class appeal will secure his victory against Husted.\n\nIn Texas, GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Rep. James Talarico are competing for a Senate seat. Democrats gained ground when Paxton defeated incumbent GOP Sen. John Cornyn. In Georgia, Republican Rep. Mike Collins faces off against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, a race that was once considered a sure pickup for Republicans due to Ossoff's loss in 2024. In North Carolina, former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and former RNC Chairman Michael Whatley are vying for a Senate seat left vacant by retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis. Democrats see this seat as a key prize, representing their best chance at flipping a seat this cycle.",
  "summary": "CBS News has identified nine key Senate and 42 House races that will likely decide the majority — all of which can change during the midterm campaign.",
  "key_points": [
    "Republicans defend 22 Senate seats in Trump-won states",
    "Democrats must net four Senate seats to take majority",
    "Georgia Senate race between Collins and Ossoff is pivotal"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}