Senators in both parties are privately preparing for a possible 50-50 Senate after the midterms. Vice President JD Vance would cast tie-breaking votes, keeping Republicans in control of the floor.
Why it matters: A tie would require a new power-sharing deal. Former Democratic leader Tom Daschle predicted President Donald Trump would press Republicans not to give ground.
Where they split: Coverage divides over whether the main risk to a close Senate result comes from Trump-aligned challenges to certification or from Democratic tactics such as backing third-party and look-alike candidates.
Center coverage, 22 sources: The center focuses on mechanics: slow counts, recount rules, power-sharing precedents and a crowded year-end agenda.
Left coverage, 28 sources: The left sees a close Senate result as an opening for Trump allies and the Justice Department to contest or delay certification.
Right coverage, 19 sources: The right highlights Democratic-backed spoiler efforts, including the Alaska Sullivan candidacy and super PAC spending on Libertarians.
What’s next: Alaska's ranked-choice count and mail ballots have taken weeks to finalize in past elections. Maine could also go to ranked-choice rounds.
