The 2010 U.S. Senate Race At A Glance

Learning About The U.S. Senate

Updated: November 17, 2010

The 2010 Senate election results are in! The Democrats will remain in the majority, by a count of 53-47. This includes two independent senators who caucus with the Democrats. The previous makeup of the U.S. Senate was 56 Democrats, 41 Republicans, and the two Independents.

One-third of the 100 U.S. Senate seats are up for election every two years. The 2010 election was held on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Thirty-four of these are to six-year terms, from January 3, 2011 to January 3, 2017. These incoming Senators are part of Senate Class III, which traces its roots to six-year terms running from 4 March 1789 to 3 March 1795.

Special elections were held for the seats vacated by Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Additional special elections were held for any Senators appointed to the cabinet whose terms do not end in 2011.

Election day 2010 includes elections to the U.S. House of Representatives as well as some state and local elections.

Following standard demarcation, "red" indicates seat previously held by a Republican and "blue" indicates a seat held by a Democrat.

Contested Senate Seats In 2010 Election