Coons and Katz to Face Off in Delaware Senate Race

Incumbent Senator Chris Coons and challenger Mike Katz vie for the Delaware U.S. Senate seat on November 3.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections

Coons and Katz to Face Off in Delaware Senate Race

Live Poll

Do you favor an immediate military withdrawal from foreign conflicts regardless of ongoing strategic security concerns?

Delaware voters will decide between incumbent Democratic Senator Chris Coons and Republican challenger Mike Katz in the U.S. Senate election. The contest concludes on Election Day, November 3.

Why it matters

The candidates present distinct approaches to foreign policy, specifically regarding the ongoing military involvement in Iran. Their differing platforms offer Delaware residents a clear choice on national security strategy.

Incumbent Chris Coons has served in the Senate since 2010 and sits on multiple committees, including Appropriations and Foreign Relations. Challenger Mike Katz is an anesthesiologist and former state senator.

The players

Chris Coons

He is the incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator for Delaware who serves on the Senate Appropriations, Foreign Relations, Judiciary, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship committees.

Mike Katz

He is the Republican challenger for the Delaware U.S. Senate seat, working as an anesthesiologist and pediatric critical-care specialist while maintaining a background as a former state senator.

The details

Coons advocates for the immediate withdrawal of troops from the war in Iran, while Katz supports a continued military presence to curb the expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal. Voters in the state have the opportunity to cast their ballots early before the polls close on Election Day.

Chris Coons began his current Senate term in 2010.
Early voting in Delaware remains open through November 1, 2026.
Election Day for the U.S. Senate seat is November 3, 2026.

Political Context

The candidates' debate over military involvement in Iran highlights the broader tension regarding the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee's jurisdiction over military authorizations. This race underscores how legislative control dictates the direction of national security policy.

Delaware residents can participate in early voting through November 1 to avoid potential Election Day congestion. The outcome of this race will determine which candidate represents the state on several key congressional committees for the upcoming term.

The takeaway

Voters should review the candidates' specific foreign policy positions to understand the potential impact on international military commitments. Evaluating the platform differences now will help residents prepare for their final selection on November 3.