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Parties enter 2026 midterm season with congressional majorities at risk

Republicans hold slim congressional margins as polls favor Democrats in the House, according to NPR.

The short version

  • Republicans currently maintain narrow majorities in both the House and the Senate heading into the midterms.[NPR]
  • Polling averages suggest Democrats are favored to capture control of the House.[NPR]
  • Senate control remains uncertain, with competitive races emerging in Republican-friendly states including Iowa, Texas, Ohio, and Alaska.[NPR]
  • Outside spending is escalating, including a $10 million ad buy from MAGA, Inc. supporting Texas Senate nominee Ken Paxton.[NPR]

Key facts

  • Republicans hold slim majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate entering the 2026 midterms.[NPR]
  • Polling averages indicate that Democrats are favored to secure a majority in the House.[NPR]
  • Competitive Senate battles are unfolding in conservative-leaning states such as Iowa, Texas, Ohio, and Alaska.[NPR]
  • The MAGA, Inc. super PAC announced an ad investment of $10 million to back Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton.[NPR]

What remains uncertain

  • Senate control remains unresolved for either party as key races play out across multiple competitive states.[NPR]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.