Severe weather moves across the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 5. – Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images
The decision of New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen not to seek reelection is another setback for Senate Democrats. With the midterm election approaching, they are facing a challenging landscape as they try to regain control from the Republican majority.
Having lost four seats in the previous election, Democrats are up against a 53-47 Republican majority in 2026. The retirements of incumbents in Minnesota, Michigan, and now New Hampshire have added to the party’s challenges. These open seats will require significant resources to defend against Republicans aiming to strengthen their hold.
Despite the historical trend of the party out of power gaining seats in midterm elections, Democrats are facing a tough battle in 2026. The party’s hopes of reclaiming the Senate rest on making gains next year.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities in the upcoming election. According to spokesperson David Bergstein, there are strategic openings for Democrats to pursue, despite the competitive landscape.
Republicans view the retirements as a potential shift in the political environment, indicating a challenging election ahead. Democratic chances may depend on Republican recruitment challenges and the impact of controversial candidates on the GOP’s prospects.
The focus for Democrats is on securing strong candidates, identifying vulnerable Republican incumbents, and building a solid campaign infrastructure. The recent retirements in key states like Michigan and Minnesota have set the stage for a high-stakes election cycle.
Overall, the 2026 election poses significant challenges and opportunities for both parties as they navigate a complex political landscape in their quest for control of the Senate.
Three Democratic Senators are confident in the strong pool of candidates in their respective states, as mentioned during an interview on CNN. They believe that although they are capable of the job, they are not the only ones. They emphasize the importance of a strong Democrat succeeding them in office. Incumbency is seen as a significant advantage, and losing it in these states poses a challenge for the party. With Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s decision to step down, Democrats now face the task of competing in three open seats, including two in Midwest states that have been leaning towards Republicans in recent elections. The retirement of Shaheen, a well-respected figure in New Hampshire, is seen as a significant development, making the Senate seat highly competitive. Former Republican Governor Chris Sununu has hinted at a possible run for the seat, potentially giving Republicans an advantage. Republican strategists emphasize the need for alignment within the party to maximize their chances in the upcoming elections. Additionally, there are concerns about crowded Democratic primaries that could potentially weaken the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
Following Smith’s announcement, potential contenders for the Senate seat in Minnesota have begun to emerge. Progressive Rep. Ilhan Omar’s team stated that she will engage with constituents regarding the seat. Other potential contenders include Attorney General Keith Ellison and former US Rep. Dean Phillips.
In New Hampshire, Rep. Chris Pappas from the First Congressional District is contemplating a Senate run post Shaheen’s announcement. Former Democratic US Rep. Ann Kuster is also considering entering the Senate race.
Democratic strategist Caitlin Legacki highlighted the importance of Democrats seizing the opportunity presented by retirements now, rather than waiting. She emphasized the value of open seat races during the first midterm of Trump’s administration, anticipating a potentially expensive election cycle.
The significant financial investments expected for the upcoming midterm elections are underscored by the costly Senate races in recent years. Sen. Tim Scott anticipates substantial spending to defend competitive Republican-held seats, emphasizing the financial stakes for both parties.
While retirements may offer Republicans new opportunities, their best chance to flip a seat likely remains in Georgia with Sen. Jon Ossoff seeking re-election. Democrats face challenges in flipping Republican-held seats, particularly in states like Maine and North Carolina, where incumbents have historically performed well.
“Legacki expressed positive sentiments about the recent developments in North Carolina, particularly citing the Democrats’ victories in 2024. The focus now is on the possibility of securing the Senate seat, with confidence in Roy Cooper’s ability to achieve this goal. For the latest CNN news and newsletters, sign up for an account at CNN.com.”
