Ten Senate races decide Congress control as Riverside polls open
Voters in Riverside County cast ballots for governor and House seats while ten key Senate contests in other states determine the balance of power in Washington.
By Ryan Davidson ·
In Riverside County, polls opened at 7 a.m. And will remain open until 8 p.m. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Residents of Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Fontana, Moreno Valley, and Ontario are heading to the polls or processing mail ballots to decide the next California governor. California holds an open gubernatorial race with no incumbent on the ballot, alongside elections for every U.S. House seat in the state. The state also holds various local offices and ballot measures, including Proposition 1 on housing bonds and Proposition 2 on the budget stabilization account.
While Riverside County voters focus on state leadership and local representatives, the national picture hinges on ten specific U.S. Senate matchups. These races are critical because the results will determine which party controls the Senate for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. Republicans currently hold 53 seats, while Democrats hold 45, with two independents who caucus with Democrats. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to achieve a majority, whereas Republicans can lose only two seats to maintain control.
In North Carolina, former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper faces former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley for the seat vacated by retiring Senator Thom Tillis. The Associated Press notes that Tillis retired after a clash with President Trump. This race is particularly significant because the state voted for President Trump by 3.3 points in 2024, making it a competitive battleground.
Georgia presents another high-stakes contest where incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff challenges Republican Representative Mike Collins. The state voted for President Trump by 2.2 points in the 2024 presidential election. Race ratings from Cook, Decision Desk, Inside Elections, and Sabato describe Georgia as leaning or likely Democratic. Voters in this state are weighing the performance of the incumbent against a challenger from the opposing party in a region that has become increasingly competitive.
In Ohio, former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown runs against Republican Senator Jon Husted in a special election for the remainder of the term that JD Vance left in 2022. The Associated Press identifies this as a key matchup. Ohio voted for President Trump by 11.2 points in 2024. The race is part of a broader fight for Senate control, with Republicans bracing to lose seats while Democrats remain cautiously optimistic about their chances in states like Ohio and Michigan.
Michigan features an open seat following the retirement of Senator Gary Peters. Republican former Representative Mike Rogers faces Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in this contest. El-Sayed's former primary opponent, Haley Stevens, endorsed Rogers on Sunday. This endorsement adds a layer of complexity to a race that race ratings describe as a toss-up to lean Democratic. The state voted for President Trump by a narrow 1.4 point margin in 2024.
Texas sees a clash between Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. President Trump backed Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn during the primary. The Associated Press highlights this as a major matchup. Texas voted for President Trump by 13.6 points in 2024, making it a challenging environment for the Democratic candidate. The outcome in Texas will be crucial for the party seeking to hold the Senate majority.
Maine offers a race where incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins faces Democratic former State Senate President Troy Jackson. The Associated Press notes that economic strain and tariffs have made the state competitive. Maine voted for Kamala Harris by 6.9 points in 2024, which contributes to its status as a toss-up on all four major race rating services. This contest is seen as a bellwether for Democratic performance in traditionally Republican-leaning areas.
New Hampshire features an open seat following the retirement of Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Democratic Representative Chris Pappas runs against former Republican Senator John E. Sununu. The state voted for Kamala Harris by 2.8 points in 2024. This matchup is part of a group of races that could tip the balance of power in the Senate. Voters in New Hampshire are deciding who will represent them in Washington for the next six years.
In Minnesota, Democratic Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster, are among four candidates competing for the seat vacated by retiring Senator Tina Smith. The Associated Press identifies this as one of the named matchups. Minnesota is part of the broader national fight where one or two seats could determine the control of the chamber. The diversity of candidates in this race reflects the changing dynamics of American politics in the Midwest.
Kansas has become central to the fight for Senate control, despite being a reliably Republican state. The race involves a contest that is rated as a toss-up to lean Republican. The state voted for President Trump by 16.2 points in 2024. President Trump held a rally in Salina, Kansas, on Sunday, telling voters, "I really want you to pretend I'm on the ballot." His presence underscores the importance of this state in the national narrative.
