Oregon, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Montana, Nebraska hold key 2026 elections

Several states are holding important elections on November 3, 2026, with polls closing at varying times from 8 to 9 p.m. EST, according to The Hill.

In Oregon, Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, is seeking a fourth term against Republican state senator David Brock Smith in the Senate race.

Rhode Island voters are choosing a new governor after incumbent Democrat Dan McKee lost the primary. Democrat Helena Foulkes faces Republican Aaron Guckian in the general election.

Hawaii's governor's race features incumbent Democrat Josh Green seeking reelection against Republican businessman Gary Cordery. Green won nearly 89 percent of the Democratic primary vote in August.

Montana's open Senate seat is contested by Republican Kurt Alme, Democrat Alani Bankhead, and independent Seth Bodnar. This is the first open Senate race in Montana since 1976, a state that has consistently voted Republican in recent presidential elections.

In Nebraska, Senator Pete Ricketts, a Republican, is running for a second term against Independent Dan Osborn, who is gaining support with a populist campaign. Additionally, incumbent Republican Governor Jim Pillen is seeking reelection against Democrat Lynne Walz in a state that has not elected a Democratic governor since 1994.