New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has “offered” to lead the Senate Democrat’s campaign arm for the 2026 election cycle, she confirmed to Spectrum News Wednesday. 

If granted the job leading the Democratic Senatorial Congressional Committee, she would be in charge of efforts both to defend Senate seats across the country that Democrats already occupy, and flip Republican-held seats as well.

With the Senate expected to be tightly divided after this year’s election, the job could be critical in determining which party controls the chamber going forward. 

Axios was the first to report that Gillibrand was making moves to lead the DSCC.

Asked why she is interested in the role, Gillibrand pointed to her work in New York this cycle co-leading a ‘coordinated campaign’ initiative aimed at flipping a handful of congressional seats across the state. 

“I just feel very engaged and very purposeful in the work we're doing in New York, and I'd love to export some of that strategy and effectiveness around the country,” she said.

In 2026, Senate Democrats are eying possible pickup opportunities in North Carolina and Maine. They also must defend seats in states such as Georgia, Michigan, and Georgia. 

Gillibrand herself is up for re-election this November. She is heavily favored to win.