Voting booths

...

Adeola Adeosun

By Adeola Adeosun

Weekend Night Editor

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

Thirteen members of Congress have already announced they will not seek reelection in 2026, setting the stage for what could be a transformative midterm election cycle, with control of both chambers hanging in the balance.

As retirement announcements accelerate and key races begin to take shape, the 2026 political landscape is emerging, with high-stakes battles for Senate succession, a razor-thin House majority, and gubernatorial contests that could reshape state and national politics for years to come.

Why It Matters

These announced retirements signal potential power shifts in Washington as Republicans defend their narrow 220-213 House majority.

Read More on Politics

With just seven seats determining control, each vacancy creates opportunity and vulnerability. Meanwhile, Mitch McConnell's retirement marks the end of a four-decade Senate career that reshaped Republican politics and the federal judiciary, setting up what will likely be one of 2026's most expensive primaries.

Republicans currently control the Senate with a 53 to 47-seat majority. While Democrats hope to regain control of Congress in the 2026 election, it will be a tall order in the Senate, with only a few Republican-held seats viewed as pickup opportunities by most analysts.

What To Know

There are 33 U.S. Senate seats up for regular election in 2026—13 Democratic-held seats and 20 Republican-held seats, according to information from Ballotpedia.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has identified 35 Republican-held districts it is targeting for the 2026 midterms, while Democrats face the challenge of holding 13 districts that President Donald Trump won in 2024.

Only three House Republicans represent districts that Democratic nominee Kamala Harris carried in 2024.

Trump's disapproval rating is at 43 percent—a similar level to November 2018, when Republicans lost the House, according to CNN pollster Harry Enten. Republicans won two Florida special elections in April, though the narrow margins could raise concerns within the party about waning support in some areas.

Experts have suggested these factors could lead to a Democratic victory in the House.

Senate Members Not Seeking Reelection

Additional Democratic Senate Retirements

House Members Not Seeking Reelection

Voting booths

...

Retiring from Public Office

Running for U.S. Senate

Running for Governor

Additional Democratic House Retirements

Key Senate Races to Watch

The Georgia Senate election will fill the Class II Senate seat currently held by Democrat Jon Ossoff, who first took office in 2021. As of now, several candidates have officially declared their candidacy:

This race is particularly significant as it represents one of the two Senate seats Democrats will need to defend in states won by President Trump in 2024.

Michigan Senate Race

The Michigan Senate election will also be filling the Class II seat currently held by Democrat Gary Peters, who announced in January 2025 that he would not seek reelection.

Notable declared and potential candidates include:

Kentucky Senate Race Candidates:

The Kentucky Senate race to replace McConnell has become a critical test of Trump's influence within the Republican Party, with candidates actively seeking the president's endorsement while distancing themselves from McConnell's establishment legacy.

Georgia Governor Race

Georgia's governor race is particularly significant as Republican Brian Kemp is term-limited and cannot seek reelection, creating an open contest that Democrats view as a prime pickup opportunity after narrow losses in recent cycles.

Key Candidates:

Trump's House Endorsements

The president has begun issuing endorsements for vulnerable House Republicans facing competitive races in 2026. Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Monday to advocate for some of his favorite loyalists.

Wisconsin Representative Derrick Van Orden: Trump praised the retired Navy SEAL as "an America First Warrior" who is "working hard to Champion our Great Farmers and American Agriculture, Stop Illegal Immigration and Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military and Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment."

Van Orden faces a rematch with Democrat Rebecca Cooke.

Arizona Representative Juan Ciscomani: Trump called him "a Tremendous Champion for Arizona's 6th Congressional District" and highlighted his position on the "POWERFUL Appropriations Committee." Ciscomani will face Democrat JoAnna Mendoza in what could be a competitive race.

Colorado Representative Gabe Evans: Trump emphasized his military and law enforcement background, calling him "a decorated Army Helicopter Pilot and former Police Officer." Evans will face Democratic state lawmaker Manny Rutinel in Colorado's 8th District, which has been decided by less than 1 percentage point in consecutive elections.

Pennsylvania Representative Scott Perry: Trump described the retired Army Brigadier General as "a MAGA Warrior, who always puts AMERICA FIRST" and "An Original Member of my Pennsylvania Federal Leadership Team." Perry is expected to face former television news anchor Janelle Stelson.

What Happens Next

With roughly 18 months remaining until the midterm elections, more retirement announcements are expected. Primaries will determine nominees, and national political trends could shift significantly.

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines