As the U.S. primary season continues full steam ahead, some of the most critical 2026 Senate matchups have already been set. From the Southeast to New England and the Rust Belt, races are taking form that will determine the makeup of the Senate in 2027 and beyond. Despite a map that had been expected to be unfavorable for Democrats—going through states like Texas, North Carolina, Nebraska, Iowa, Ohio, and Alaska, among others—polling has shown a surge for the party in recent months, including in states that had previously been seen as relatively safe Republican holds. Here’s the state of some of the cycle’s most important Senate races. ...