Senate Trending Toward Dems in ’26: Taylor

Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors Editor for the Cook Political Report, says the 2026 Senate map is “trending in Democrats’ direction,” citing the lingering Iran conflict and rising gas prices as political headwinds for Republicans. She flags candidate risks in key contests, warning Democrats’ path in Maine could be complicated by a “risky” nominee with “baggage.” In Texas, she says the race could shift depending on whether Republicans nominate John Cornyn or Ken Paxton, with Paxton seen as more vulnerable against Democrat James Talarico, though the seat remains GOP-favored. She speaks with Kailey Leinz on the late edition Bloomberg’s “Balance of Power.” (Source: Bloomberg)