Delaware voters will decide the fate of the state’s Class II U.S. Senate seat on November 3, 2026, in a contest that could test Democratic dominance in a state where Republicans have struggled to gain traction in federal races. The seat is currently held by two-term Democrat Chris Coons, who won re-election in 2020 with 59.4% of the vote. As of August 18, 2025, Coons has not announced whether he will seek a third term, leaving the field open for potential challengers.
Coons, who first took office in a special election on November 2, 2010, has focused on foreign policy and bipartisan initiatives during his tenure. His fundraising remains strong, with $4,027,804 raised as of June 30, 2025, $2,826,769 spent, and $3,041,548 cash on hand. If Coons opts out, it could create an opportunity for Republicans in a state that has not elected a GOP senator since 2000, though Delaware’s voter registration favors Democrats by a wide margin, with 48% registered Democrats compared to 28% Republicans and 24% unaffiliated as of July 2025.
No candidates have formally declared for the Democratic primary, scheduled for September 15, 2026. Speculation has circulated around potential entrants, including figures with ties to the Biden family, but none have confirmed interest. On the Republican side, no candidates have filed paperwork or announced bids as of August 18, 2025. Party leaders have expressed a desire for an America First-aligned contender to challenge the status quo, emphasizing issues like border security, economic revitalization, and reducing federal overreach.
The race is rated solidly Democratic by analysts, reflecting Delaware’s consistent support for Democratic presidential and senatorial candidates. In the 2024 election, Kamala Harris carried the state with 57% of the vote, continuing a trend where Democrats have won every Senate race since 2000. Recent developments include calls from conservative voices for a strong Republican primary to mobilize voters ahead of the midterms, where control of the Senate could hinge on flipping blue seats.
Polling remains scarce this early in the cycle. A survey conducted from May 15-20, 2025, showed Coons with a 52% approval rating among Delaware voters, with 38% disapproving and 10% undecided. General election hypotheticals have not been released, but historical data suggests a competitive Republican would need to appeal to independents and moderates in suburban areas like New Castle County, which accounts for over half the state’s population.
Filing deadlines for candidates are set for July 14, 2026, with the primary following on September 15, 2026. As the field develops, the race could highlight national themes of economic policy and national security, particularly given Delaware’s role as a corporate hub with over 1.8 million registered businesses as of 2025. Republicans aim to capitalize on voter concerns over inflation and immigration, while Democrats emphasize protecting social programs and infrastructure investments.
With Coons’ decision pending, the 2026 contest remains fluid, potentially offering Republicans a rare chance to contest a seat in a state long considered a Democratic stronghold.