Live results from the 2026 US midterm elections are beginning to emerge, with voters deciding whether Republicans will retain control of Congress and shaping the balance of power in Washington.
The first polling stations closed at 6pm Eastern time on Tuesday, November 3, although voting continued later in parts of the country. Polls in Hawaii and Alaska were among the last to close, meaning several contests could remain undecided well into the night.
Officials have warned that close races may take hours or even days to resolve as postal ballots and other outstanding votes are counted. The Associated Press is providing unofficial projections based on returns reported by state election authorities.
2026 midterm election results and the fight for Congress
Republicans entered the election with control of both chambers of Congress. They held a 53-45 advantage over Democrats in the Senate, with two independents aligned with the Democratic caucus, while the party’s House majority stood at 218-212 before voting began.
Democrats are seeking the net gains needed to take the Senate, while Republicans are attempting to defend vulnerable seats in states including Alaska, Maine, Michigan, Ohio and Texas.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are being contested, with 218 needed for a majority. The large number of competitive districts means the make-up of the chamber may not become clear until a significant number of races have been called.
The Associated Press is expected to call every House contest and the Senate races as results are verified. In the 2022 midterms, control of the Senate was not projected until four days after Election Day, while the House was not called for eight days.
Key governor’s races
Voters are also choosing governors in 36 states, with closely watched contests in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin.
The results will determine not only the leadership of those states but also the political landscape ahead of the next presidential election. Several of the governor’s contests are being held in states where control of government, redistricting powers and election administration are major issues.
With polls closing at different times across the country, early figures are expected to offer only an incomplete picture. Tight margins, outstanding postal ballots and differing counting procedures mean that initial leads may change as the night progresses.
