Elections Stats

The United States Senate has 100 members, two for each state. Senators serve six-year terms, and the seats are split into three classes, so that roughly one third of the chamber is up for election every two years. In 2026 it is the turn of Class 2: 33 regular elections, plus special elections in Florida and Ohio to fill the remainder of terms whose holders left the Senate, which brings the total to 35 seats.

Going into the election, the Republicans hold a majority in the chamber. Of the seats on the ballot, they defend 22 and the Democrats 13. Because the Vice President casts the deciding vote in a tied Senate, the Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to take control.

The election takes place on 3 November 2026, together with the elections to the House of Representatives and many state offices.

Each state elects its senators statewide, and every voter has one vote for one candidate. In most states the candidate with the most votes wins, even without an absolute majority.

Some states use different rules: Georgia requires a majority and holds a run-off if nobody reaches it, Maine and Alaska use ranked-choice voting, and Louisiana has moved to party primaries followed by a general election.

Candidates must be at least 30 years old, have been a US citizen for nine years and live in the state they represent. If a seat becomes vacant between elections, the governor of the state usually appoints a replacement until a special election is held.