Several 2026 Senate races feature notable independent or minor-party candidates polling in double digits, including Seth Bodnar in Montana, Brian Bengs in South Dakota, and Todd Achilles in Idaho, alongside Libertarians drawing 3-8% in Iowa, Texas, Kansas, and Ohio. Democratic withdrawals in Nebraska, Idaho, and South Dakota have consolidated support behind independents as primary challengers, while multi-candidate fields in Montana and Alaska create clearer paths for a third-place finisher to reach higher shares. Late October polls show these dynamics persisting close to the November 3 election, with voter dissatisfaction and ballot access rules shaping final allocations. Scheduled final-week advertising and any last-minute candidate events could still shift minor-party percentages before certification.