The 2026 U.S. Senate map features a handful of competitive races, but two of the most closely watched contests are shaping up in the Southeast—North Carolina and Georgia. With control of the Senate potentially hanging in the balance, both states are emerging as pivotal battlegrounds for Democrats and Republicans alike.
In North Carolina, the retirement of Republican Sen. Thom Tillis has opened the door to a high-stakes race in a state that has leaned red federally but remains within reach for Democrats. Meanwhile, in Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff is preparing to defend his seat in a state that has oscillated between parties in recent elections. Both contests are expected to draw national attention, millions in campaign spending, and heavy involvement from party leadership as each side scrambles for an edge in the closely divided Senate.
The 2026 U.S. Senate map features several competitive races, with two of the most closely watched contests located in the Southeast—North Carolina and Georgia. The balance of power in the Senate could hinge on these races, making both states critical battlegrounds for Democrats and Republicans.
After Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced that he would not run for re-election due to divisions within the GOP and pressure from pro-Trump groups, the Senate race has become highly competitive. North Carolina has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008, but political divisions have emerged, resulting in closely contested races. Both parties now view this Senate seat as a top target.
On the Republican side, the primary field is taking shape. Don Brown, an attorney and author, along with former teacher’s assistant Andy Nilsson, has officially entered the race. Political insiders are also keeping an eye on Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, who has shown interest and would likely be a frontrunner if she decides to run. On the Democratic side, former U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel has formally launched his campaign and is gaining support. Former Governor Roy Cooper has also expressed interest and is considered the party’s strongest potential candidate. With North Carolina trending as a swing state—Trump won it by just over three points in 2024—this open seat is expected to attract significant national attention and funding.
In Georgia, Democrat Jon Ossoff is gearing up for his re-election bid after winning his seat in a historic 2021 runoff. He has already built a strong campaign apparatus, raising over $42 million and holding $15.5 million in cash as of mid-2025. Georgia has become one of the most politically volatile states in the U.S., narrowly voting for Joe Biden in 2020 and flipping back to Donald Trump in 2024 by just over two points. As a result, Ossoff is a primary target for Republicans in 2026.
Despite the importance of the race, Republicans have struggled to unify around a clear challenger. Governor Brian Kemp, once considered a strong candidate, has opted not to run. The current GOP field includes Representative Buddy Carter and Georgia Insurance Commissioner John F. King, with others like Rich McCormick, Mike Collins, and Tyler Harper reportedly considering bids. Early polling shows Ossoff with modest leads against his announced opponents, but the race is expected to tighten as Republicans finalize their candidate. Given Georgia’s narrow margins and recent history of shifting political allegiances, this Senate contest is anticipated to be one of the closest and most expensive of the election cycle.
Together, the Senate races in North Carolina and Georgia highlight the changing political dynamics in the South and could play a decisive role in determining which party controls the chamber in 2027.