Campaign

Six months to midterms: Where Democrats and Republicans stand

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by Cory Smith - 05/04/26 11:46 AM ET

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by Cory Smith - 05/04/26 11:46 AM ET

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(NewsNation) — With the 2026 midterm elections six months away, key races across the country are intensifying as both parties fight for control of Congress.

Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both the House and Senate, but Democrats are aiming to flip seats and shift the balance of power.

Both parties are concentrating their resources on a handful of battleground states.

All 435 seats in the House and 35 seats in the Senate are on the ballot in November. Recent polling suggests Democrats may have an edge in the race for the House, while control of the Senate appears more challenging.

Slim GOP majorities put both chambers in play

Republicans hold a 53–47 advantage in the Senate. Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to take control, with potential pickup opportunities in states such as Maine, North Carolina and Michigan, all considered competitive.

An additional seat could come from Alaska, Iowa, Ohio or Texas, where a closely watched Republican primary between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton could reshape the race.

In the House, Republicans’ narrow majority is under pressure as several GOP lawmakers retire. Democrats see momentum heading into November. According to Decision Desk HQ, roughly 45 House seats are expected to determine control of the chamber.

A significant variable in the House race is redistricting, with legal and political battles underway in states including Virginia and Louisiana that could alter the electoral map.

Economic concerns dominate campaign messaging

Economic issues are expected to dominate the campaign, including housing affordability, gas prices and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Rep. Cory Mills, R‑Fla., said Republicans must deliver on core issues to maintain their majorities.

“We must get oil prices and consumer prices down. We have to look at housing affordability and availability,” Mills said. “We have to continue the deportation of criminal illegal migrants and deliver on campaign promises. A stronger economy is the way to do that.”

According to an Emerson College poll conducted in late April, 50 percent of voters said they would support a Democratic candidate for Congress, compared with 40 percent backing Republicans, while 10 percent remained undecided.

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