Can Democrats Actually Win the Senate?!?

**What will decide the battle for the U.S. Senate in 2026?** Just months ago, most political analysts thought Democrats had almost no realistic path to winning back the Senate. Today, the map looks dramatically different.In this episode of **Worth Knowing**, Matt Robison is joined by **Lauren French**, Communications Director for Senate Majority PAC, for an inside look at how Democrats believe the battlefield has shifted—and what they're seeing in polling and internal data that the public hasn't yet seen. Later, former Congressman **Paul Hodes** joins to break down the critical Maine Senate race and whether Susan Collins is more vulnerable than ever.**Topics include:*** Why Democrats suddenly have multiple paths to a Senate majority* Which Senate races are moving toward Democrats* North Carolina, Maine, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Texas, Alaska, and more* Why affordability—not democracy—is the centerpiece of Democratic messaging* The latest on Susan Collins and Troy Jackson in Maine* How fundraising, Super PACs, and campaign strategy could shape the outcome* Whether Democratic momentum is real—or another political mirageIf you're looking for a serious, data-driven discussion of the 2026 Senate map, this conversation goes far beyond the daily headlines.**Chapters**00:00 Can Democrats really win the Senate?03:00 Lauren French joins the show04:00 Why the Senate map has changed07:00 The Super PAC debate09:00 Fundraising and Democratic strategy14:00 Why affordability is the winning message19:00 Race-by-race Senate outlook20:00 North Carolina22:00 Maine and Susan Collins25:00 Georgia and Jon Ossoff28:00 Paul Hodes joins30:00 The state of the Maine race36:00 Republican attacks on Troy Jackson40:00 Can those attacks work?43:00 Progressives, Democrats, and electability49:00 Money, Leonard Leo, and outside groups52:00 The Democratic coalition going forwardSubscribe for in-depth political analysis, interviews, and reporting that goes beyond partisan talking points.📬 **Worth Knowing on Substack:** https://worthknowing.substack.com▶️ **Worth Knowing YouTube:** https://www.youtube.com/@WorthKnowingwithMattRobison#politics #senate #election2026 #democrats #republicans #congress #ussenate #maine #northcarolina #georgia #susancollins #jonossoff #elections #campaign2026 #trump #worthknowing