Schumer outlines four-state path to retake Senate in 2026

Senator Chuck Schumer told The New York Times that Democrats have a “strong and clear path to winning the Senate in 2026,” naming Alaska, Maine, North Carolina and Ohio as states his party can flip after recruiting strong candidates in several top-tier races. Schumer cited a series of recruitment wins, including Mary Peltola’s entry into Alaska’s race, and said those recruits, along with former Senator Sherrod Brown in Ohio and former Gov.

Roy Cooper in North Carolina, were the “last piece of the puzzle.” He argued that slipping approval ratings for President Trump and voter anger over a cost-of-living crisis had brightened the political environment for Democrats. The Democratic leader acknowledged long-standing internal pressure and questions about his future leadership, and said he relied on an “internal gyroscope” he has trusted for more than 50 years.

He also tied the need to win the Senate to blocking potential judicial appointments and said Democrats planned to emphasize economic issues like housing and child care. Schumer’s path faces obstacles: Democrats would also need to hold seats in Michigan, New Hampshire and Georgia, navigate fractious primaries in states including Michigan and Maine, and counter a Republican super PAC reportedly flush with $300 million.

Key Topics

Politics, Chuck Schumer, Alaska, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio