Democrats Likely Won't Win Control of the Senate in 2026, NPR Reports

Democrats need four Senate seats to take control in 2026, since the Republican vice president casts tie-breaking votes. An NPR analysis published July 27 finds Republicans expect Democrats to pick up one to three seats — not enough. Republicans currently hold 53 seats to Democrats' 45, with two independents siding with Democrats. Thirty-five seats are up November 3.