The 2026 US midterm elections are set to determine the balance of power in Washington and shape the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term, with control of both chambers of Congress being contested on election night.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election, while 35 Senate contests are being held across the country. Voters in 36 of the 50 states are also choosing governors for four-year terms.
Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers, leaving the outcome vulnerable to a relatively small number of closely fought races. Democrats are seeking to take back control of Congress, while Mr Trump’s party is attempting to preserve its grip on the legislative agenda.
The Associated Press said the House majority would be decided by whichever party reaches 218 seats. In the Senate, Republicans hold a 53-47 advantage, although a 50-50 split would still leave them in control because Vice-President JD Vance would have the casting vote.
The results are being watched as the first nationwide electoral verdict on Mr Trump’s second presidency. A Democratic victory in either chamber would give the party control of committees and greater authority to investigate the administration, while a Republican hold would allow the president to continue pursuing his programme with far fewer congressional obstacles.
US midterm election results could take days
Although polls have closed in several states, the final outcome may not be known immediately. The Associated Press noted that close contests, late-arriving postal ballots and different counting procedures could delay declarations in key states.
In the 2022 midterms, control of the Senate was not called until four days after polling day, while the House result took eight days. Ranked-choice voting in states including Alaska and Maine could also lengthen the process if no candidate wins an outright majority.
The campaign has been dominated by concerns over the cost of living, the economy, immigration, foreign policy and the direction of the federal government. Exit polling reported by the Associated Press indicated widespread dissatisfaction among voters, with many viewing the election as an opportunity either to check Mr Trump’s authority or endorse his approach.
Beyond Capitol Hill, the gubernatorial races will determine political leadership across more than two-thirds of the states. The results will influence state policy on issues including healthcare, education, abortion and election administration, while offering both parties an early indication of their prospects ahead of the 2028 presidential contest.
With counting continuing through the night, the central question remains whether American voters will leave Mr Trump with unified Republican control of Washington or impose a divided government for the final two years of his term.
