# Voters Contest Key Defense Seats

Three competitive 2026 midterm races involve lawmakers with significant roles in Pentagon oversight: Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Rep. Rob Wittman of Virginia, and Rep. Ken Calvert of California. Their election outcomes could affect congressional oversight and future defense spending and policy decisions, making the races relevant to contractors planning around defense priorities and legislative activity.

- Defense contractors should assess how potential changes in these seats could affect oversight and the direction of upcoming defense spending decisions.
- The races involve both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, so changes across either chamber may influence the legislative priorities relevant to DoD programs.
- Companies can use the post-election committee and legislative priorities identified in the signal to inform defense-market planning; no specific contract opportunities or funding amounts are cited.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. House of Representatives

### Sources
- [3 congressional races that matter for defense - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/3-congressional-races-that-matter-for-defense) - Breaking Defense