Republicans Are Poised to Keep Senate Control During 2026 Midterms, Early Analysis Argues

Incoming Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) (Left) and outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) (right) speak at a news conference. A recent analysis by ABC News predicts Republicans will likely retain control of the chamber of Congress after the 2026 midterm elections. (Credit: Getty Images)

It's been almost a month since Republicans declared a decisive victory in races up and down the ballot across the country, claiming the White House, the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, as Democrats shift their prospects to the 2026 midterm elections in hopes of making a comeback, early projections predict that the GOP is poised to retain their Senate majority.

In November 2026, 35 Senate seats will likely be up for election: 33 seats in the incoming class as the Constitution dictates, a special election in Ohio for Vice President-elect JD Vance's seat and another likely special election in Florida for the seat currently held by Sen. Marco Rubio, who has been picked by President-elect Donald Trump to become the next secretary of state.