North Carolina remains a key battleground for Senate control in 2026, with Democrats hoping demographic shifts and gubernatorial wins will finally tip the scales. Despite close statewide races and Democratic gubernatorial victories, the state has consistently voted Republican in presidential and Senate elections since 2008, presenting a persistent challenge for the party.
Democrats face challenges in flipping the Senate, with Maine nominee Graham Platner embroiled in scandal. Attention shifts to Iowa's primary, where economic woes and a competitive Democratic Senate race offer potential gains.
President Trump secured key victories in Republican primaries, notably in Kentucky where Thomas Massie lost to a Trump-backed candidate. The article analyzes Trump's influence, the challenges for GOP candidates in swing districts focusing on economic messaging, and Trump's endorsement in the Texas Senate race.
Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic primary for Georgia governor and will face the winner of a Republican runoff. The GOP primary advanced Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Rick Jackson, both aligned with Trump, to a June 16 runoff.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare executive Rick Jackson will face off in a Georgia Republican gubernatorial runoff on June 16. Both candidates align closely with Donald Trump, advancing over rivals who opposed Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Analysis by States United Action finds 53 election-denying candidates running for statewide offices in 23 states that will certify future elections, including five presidential swing states. The number is down from recent cycles, but candidates in states Trump won by double digits remain undeterred. Key swing states including Georgia, Michigan and Arizona have candidates who have denied 2020 results competing for roles that oversee election administration.
