Nov 3, 2026 · deadline
Senate battlegrounds in Georgia, Michigan, and Maine determine which party controls the chamber in 2027
Nine Senate seats are rated as battleground races heading into November 2026. Democrats defend seats in Georgia (Jon Ossoff) and Michigan — both states Trump won in 2024. Republicans defend a seat in Maine (Susan Collins), a state Kamala Harris won. Democrats must hold all their seats and flip four Republican-held seats to take the majority. As of March 2026, four Senate Democrats and six Senate Republicans announced they would not seek re-election, opening additional competitive contests in Alabama, North Carolina, and Iowa.
May 19, 2026 · legislation
Senate advances Iran war powers resolution after Cassidy flips and three Republicans miss vote
On May 19, 2026, the Senate voted 50-47 to pull S.J. Res. 185 from committee, the first successful procedural move on a resolution aimed at ending unauthorized U.S. hostilities against Iran in the 119th Congress. Bill Cassidy flipped three days after losing his primary, while John Cornyn, Thom Tillis, and Tommy Tuberville missed the vote and handed Tim Kaine's resolution the margin it needed. The vote kept alive a congressional challenge to Trump's war after the War Powers Resolution's 60-day deadline had passed, but the measure still faced a final Senate vote, a hostile House, and a near-certain veto (CBS; NBC; CNBC; CNN; CRS; Lawfare).
Apr 29, 2026 · legislative
Senate Banking Committee advances Warsh nomination 13-11 in first fully partisan Fed chair vote
The Senate Banking Committee votes 13-11 to advance Kevin Warsh's nomination to serve as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve - the first fully party-line committee vote on a Fed chair nominee in American history. All 13 Republicans vote yes; all 11 Democrats vote no. Warsh is Trump's pick to succeed Jerome Powell when Powell's term as chair expires in May 2026. (Senate Banking Committee, Apr. 29, 2026)
Apr 29, 2026 · nominations
Senate Banking Committee votes 13-11 to advance Kevin Warsh nomination along party lines
The Senate Banking Committee voted 13-11 along party lines to advance Kevin Warsh's Fed chair nomination. The vote occurred hours after the Department of Justice announced it would drop its criminal investigation into Jerome Powell, removing a major stalling point. Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who pledged to block the nomination pending the investigation's termination, voted in favor after DOJ withdrawal was announced. (ABC News, Apr. 29, 2026)
Apr 26, 2026 · political
Tillis lifts Senate hold on Warsh nomination after DOJ drops Powell probe
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) announces he's ending his blockade of Kevin Warsh's nomination to lead the Federal Reserve, clearing the final Senate Banking Committee obstacle to a confirmation vote. Tillis had conditioned his support on the DOJ dropping its criminal investigation of current Fed Chair Jerome Powell - a condition met two days earlier when U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro closed the probe. Tillis explains he received direct assurances from DOJ officials. (Senate Banking Committee, Apr. 26, 2026)
