Democrats see a path to win the Senate. It’s narrow and has little room for error
January 14, 2026
Senate Democrats are expressing optimism they’ll be able to flip the chamber this year after it looked all but impossible last year. The surge in confidence follows another recruiting win this week as former Rep. Mary Peltola announced she’ll run for Senate in Alaska. Peltola’s campaign marks a critical fourth candidate with statewide recognition in states where Republican senators are seeking reelection this year. Nationally, Democrats must net four seats to edge the GOP out of the majority. But there are a number of challenges Democrats must overcome, such as holding seats in states Donald Trump won in 2024 and messy primaries as their party still searches for its identity.