Cook Report Shifts Four Senate Races Toward Democrats

The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan political forecaster, adjusted its ratings for four U.S. Senate races on Monday, shifting them toward Democrats as the 2026 midterm elections approach. The changes reflect a deteriorating national environment for Republicans, though the party remains favored to retain its 53-47 majority in the chamber.

In North Carolina, the open seat vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis moved from toss up to lean Democrat. Former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is facing former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley. Recent polls show Cooper leading, including a 8-point advantage in a March Harper Polling survey of 600 likely voters and a 3-point edge in a Public Policy Polling survey of 556 registered voters. The state, which supported President Donald Trump by about three points in 2024, has not elected a Democratic senator since 2008.

Georgia's reelection race for Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff also shifted from toss up to lean Democrat. Ossoff, elected in 2021, holds a fundraising advantage with over $25.5 million in cash on hand at the end of 2025, compared to $4.1 million for leading Republican contender Rep. Buddy Carter. A crowded...