U.S. voters head to the polls for 2026 midterm elections

Millions of Americans are preparing to vote in the 2026 United States midterm elections today, with control of Congress, state legislatures and several governorships among the key races being decided.

Election Day is today, November 3, 2026, halfway through President Donald Trump's current four-year term. The elections will determine the makeup of the 120th United States Congress, which is scheduled to begin its term in January 2027.

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election, along with a portion of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Voters in several states will also elect governors and decide local and state-level races.

The elections are an important test of the political landscape following the 2024 presidential election. Republicans currently hold the presidency and majorities in both chambers of Congress, making control of the House and Senate a central focus of the campaign.

The outcome will influence how much legislative support the president has during the final two years of his term. If Democrats gain control of either chamber, they could create significant challenges for the Republican administration's legislative agenda and increase congressional oversight.

Midterm elections traditionally see the president's party face the possibility of losing congressional seats. However, the results depend on individual races, voter turnout and the issues motivating Americans to cast ballots.

Economic conditions, the cost of living, immigration, health care, federal spending and the direction of the country have been among the issues shaping political debate.

Beyond Congress, gubernatorial and state legislative elections will help determine political leadership and policy direction across the country. State governments have authority over areas including education, transportation, public safety and election administration.

The results will begin to provide an indication of the political challenges facing both parties as they look toward the 2028 presidential election.

Polls will close at different times across the United States because of the country's multiple time zones. Final results may take longer in closely contested races, particularly where mail-in ballots, recounts, or narrow margins affect the outcome.