Midterm Map: Every Senate and Governor Race in the Breaking Herald Region
From Anchorage to Raleigh, voters face 35 Senate contests and 36 governorships as the balance of power shifts across the country.
By Olivia Miller ·

Voters in the states covered by the Breaking Herald are casting ballots on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in a midterm election that determines control of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. The stakes are high as Republicans hold 53 Senate seats and 26 governorships, while Democrats hold 45 Senate seats and 24 governorships. In the House, all 435 seats are up, with Democrats needing a net gain of three districts to seize the majority. The Associated Press describes the day as a referendum on the president's performance, with many citizens citing high prices and an unpopular war with Iran as key drivers of their decisions.
In Alaska, the Senate race pits Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan against a Democratic challenger in a state Trump won by 13.1 points in 2024. The race is rated as a toss-up to lean Democratic by several tracking services. The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit related to the certification of this Senate result. Meanwhile, the governor's race in Alaska is also considered competitive, with both parties seeking to hold or gain the office. The state's unique geography and sparse population make every vote significant in this critical mid-decade redistricting year.
Florida presents a complex battleground with a special Senate election for the remainder of Marco Rubio's term, currently held by Republican Ashley Moody. The state voted for Trump by 13.1 points in 2024. In the governor's race, the Associated Press notes it as competitive, with Democrats hoping to break the Republican hold that has persisted since 2010. Florida uses new congressional maps this cycle, which may impact how districts vote. Early voting has been robust, with millions of ballots already cast in the state.
Georgia offers a pivotal Senate contest where Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff faces Republican Representative Mike Collins. The state voted for Trump by 2.2 points in 2024, making it a lean to likely Democratic race according to political trackers. The governor's race is equally tight, featuring Republican health care executive Rick Jackson against Democratic former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. This contest will succeed Brian Kemp, who is term-limited. The outcome in Georgia could tip the balance of power in the Senate if Democrats secure the seat.
Iowa’s Senate race is an open seat following the retirement of Republican Joni Ernst. The state voted for Trump by 13.2 points in 2024, yet the race is rated as a toss-up or tilt Republican. The governor's race in Iowa is also on the ballot, with no incumbent running after Kim Reynolds chose not to seek another term. The Associated Press highlights the state as a key indicator of Republican strength in the Midwest. Voters are weighing economic concerns against partisan loyalty in this traditionally conservative state.
Kansas has emerged as a central focus in the fight for Senate control, with Republican incumbent Roger Marshall facing a Democratic challenge. The state voted for Trump by 16.2 points in 2024, but the race is rated toss-up to lean Republican. President Trump held his final rally of the week in Salina, urging voters to support his party. The governor's race in Kansas is also contested, with Democrats defending their current hold on the office. The state's new congressional map may influence outcomes in both chambers.
Maine stands out as a toss-up in all four major tracking services for the Senate race, where Republican Susan Collins faces Democratic former state Senate President Troy Jackson. The state voted for Kamala Harris by 6.9 points in 2024, reflecting a shift toward Democratic competitiveness. The governor's race in New Hampshire, a neighboring state, features Democratic Representative Chris Pappas against former Republican Senator John E. Sununu. Both races are seen as critical to determining the final margin of control in the Senate.
Michigan’s Senate race is an open seat due to the retirement of Democratic Gary Peters. The state voted for Trump by 1.4 points in 2024, making it a toss-up to lean Democratic contest. The governor's race in Michigan is also competitive, with Democrats defending the office. The state uses a new congressional map, which could alter the dynamics of the House races. Early voting has been strong, with many voters citing economic strain and tariffs as primary concerns.
Minnesota’s Senate race is open following the retirement of Tina Smith. The state is home to several candidates, including Democratic Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya. The governor's race in Wisconsin, a neighboring state, features a Democratic challenge to the Republican incumbent. The Associated Press notes that Wisconsin is among the states where Democrats are defending governorships in states Trump won in 2024. The outcome in these states will be closely watched by national party leaders.
North Carolina’s Senate race is an open seat after Thom Tillis retired following a clash with President Trump. The state voted for Trump by 3.3 points in 2024. The governor's race in the state is also on the ballot, with voters deciding between a Republican and a Democratic candidate. The state uses a new congressional map, which may impact the House races. The Associated Press reports that the race is seen as a key test for Democratic momentum in the South.
Texas offers a special Senate election for the remainder of the term, with Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton facing Democrat James Talarico. The state voted for Trump by 13.6 points in 2024. The governor's race in Texas is considered competitive by the Associated Press. The state uses a new congressional map, which could influence the outcome of the House races. Early voting has been high, with many citizens expressing frustration over the cost of living.





