Senate Democrats Have a Geography Problem

Democrats have limited pickup opportunities in 2026 to take back the Senate. But they’re hoping the political winds blow in their direction.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer talks on his phone on the way to a closed-door Democratic strategy session. J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Senate Democrats have a problem: The 2026 map is bleak.

In order to take back the Senate majority, Democrats need to pick up four seats in 2026. By most accounts, they have just two outright pickup opportunities — maybe three. And they have to defend in Georgia, where Sen. Jon Ossoff faces his first reelection bid, and in Michigan, where Sen. Gary Peters is retiring. (Republicans also think they could compete in Minnesota and New Hampshire, where current Democratic senators are retiring.)

But Democrats are hoping a mixture of ambition, Donald Trump and a bit of luck can change the current calculus.