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Three Senate races shift toward Democrats in Cook ratings

The Washington Post • October 6, 2026 • general

Key Points:

The Cook Political Report updated its Senate race ratings, improving Democratic prospects in three key states.
Kansas moved from "Lean Republican" to "Toss Up," New Hampshire from "Toss Up" to "Lean Democrat," and North Carolina from "Lean Democrat" to "Likely Democrat."
These changes increase the potential Democratic pickups from two to six seats in the Senate.
The shifts enhance the Democrats' chances of regaining control of the Republican-held Senate in the November elections.