US midterm Election Day begins with control of Congress at stake

Americans vote Tuesday in the 2026 midterm elections, with control of Congress and the direction of the second half of President Donald Trump's term at stake. The ballot covers all 435 voting seats in the House of Representatives and 35 Senate contests, alongside gubernatorial, state and local races.

The result will determine which party controls the House and Senate for the next two years. A change in either chamber could reshape the administration's ability to pass legislation, confirm nominees and withstand congressional investigations.

What voters are deciding

Every House district is on the ballot because representatives serve two-year terms. Senate terms are staggered, so roughly one-third of that chamber is contested in each federal election cycle. The European Parliamentary Research Service also counts 39 gubernatorial elections this year.

Campaigns closed with the economy, prices, immigration, the war involving Iran and the balance of presidential power among the major themes. Those issues do not affect every race in the same way: candidate quality, state politics and local concerns can produce outcomes that differ from the national mood.

When results may arrive

Poll closing times vary by state and time zone. Some races could be called quickly, but close contests may remain unresolved while mail, provisional or late-arriving eligible ballots are processed under state law. A delayed result is not, by itself, evidence of a problem.

Voters should confirm polling locations, identification rules and ballot-return deadlines through their state or local election authority. USA.gov links to official state voting information.

News Polite will distinguish projected winners from certified results and will update figures only as election authorities or established race-calling organizations publish them.