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In their ongoing efforts to regain control of the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections, Democrats are feeling optimistic about their prospects.
Recently, they secured a major victory when former two-term Democratic Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina announced his candidacy for the 2026 election to succeed retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis.
With the Republicans currently holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate, Democrats see the open seat in North Carolina as a key opportunity to gain ground.
“The decision by Gov. Cooper to run for Senate in North Carolina is incredibly significant, and we are already seeing a positive impact,” noted Democratic strategist Chris Moyer.
Moyer emphasized that Cooper’s candidacy is encouraging other potential candidates who may be hesitant about the Democrats’ chances of winning a majority in the Senate next year.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand expressed confidence in Cooper’s ability to flip North Carolina’s Senate seat.
Democrats are now setting their sights on former Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who is being urged to challenge Republican Senator Jon Husted in the upcoming election.
Schumer visited Ohio earlier this year in an effort to convince Brown to enter the race, as Democrats see him as the strongest candidate to take on Husted.
In New Hampshire, Democrats have successfully secured Rep. Chris Pappas as their candidate to succeed retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen, eliminating potential competition in the primary.
On the Republican side, a primary battle is brewing in New Hampshire, where the GOP has not won a Senate race in 15 years.
In Georgia, Republicans are targeting Senator Jon Ossoff, who they see as vulnerable in the upcoming election. However, Ossoff has been successful in fundraising, and a competitive GOP primary is underway.
Michigan presents a different dynamic, with Republicans rallying around former Rep. Mike Rogers, while Democrats face a competitive primary with several prominent candidates vying for the nomination.
In Texas, Democrats are hopeful about their chances to flip a Senate seat from red to blue, particularly if Senator John Cornyn is challenged by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the primary.
Paxton’s controversies and personal issues could potentially make him a liability in the general election, giving Democrats an opening to compete in Texas.
Meanwhile, former Rep. Colin Allred is making a second bid for the Senate in Texas, and other prominent Democrats are considering entering the race.
Overall, Democrats believe they have opportunities in states like Iowa and Maine to potentially gain seats in the Senate, depending on the decisions of incumbent senators.
