Control of Congress is being decided as Americans vote in the 2026 midterm elections, with the result set to determine the direction of Donald Trump’s final two years in the White House.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are being contested, while 35 Senate seats are also on the ballot. Republicans currently control both chambers, meaning Democrats must make significant gains to take power in Washington.
The Associated Press reported that Democrats entered election night needing to gain four Senate seats and three House seats to secure majorities. Early results have already produced a first Democratic Senate gain in North Carolina, where former governor Roy Cooper defeated Republican incumbent Thom Tillis.
2026 midterm elections put Trump’s presidency to the test
The vote is being closely watched as a national verdict on Mr Trump’s second term, with the economy, government corruption and the war in Iran among the issues shaping the campaign.
Democrats have also held several closely watched Senate seats. Jon Ossoff was projected to win re-election in Georgia, while Cory Booker retained his seat in New Jersey and Mark Warner secured a fourth term in Virginia.
In the House, even a modest shift in the balance of power could determine whether Democrats are able to block the president’s legislative programme and launch investigations into his administration. Republican control, by contrast, would give Mr Trump greater room to pursue his agenda during the remainder of his term.
Voters in 36 states are also choosing governors, with the contests expected to reshape state policy on issues including abortion, education and election administration. Many races remain too close to call, and the final balance of power may not be clear until outstanding postal and provisional ballots have been counted.
